Today was another beautiful day – in the mid 60s – perfect for walking along the river again.   Today is a bit of a repeat on yesterday’s happiness….  there’s a kind of perpetual happiness I feel whenever I look at the beautiful area in which I live.  Even after 5 1/2 years of being here, each time I go out I sigh as I look at the evergreens, and ferns, and flowering bushes and trees….  I really love it here.  It makes me happy.

 I was also happy that my experiment at making a mock Chicken Milanese turned out ok.  Certainly not up to Machiavelli’s standard, but pretty tasty, and a nice change from my usual fare. 

Also happy that there is a good chance that the evil bright safety light on the back of my building will be turned off.   Some of you know how very strongly I feel about obnoxious lighting, and how disturbed I was when this light was turned on (after a year of living here).  So I’m happily looking forward to the potential of dark nights in my little back yard again.

What made you happy today?

On this, the 5th day of my journey on the happiness train, I am still reeling with the joy of my 90 minute massage.  Wow – what a difference I feel today!   My low back has been bothering me for a few weeks and today it feels so relaxed!

In fact, it felt so good that I went on a walk along the river….  walked nearly twice as far as I usually do because my body felt so good!  

And while I was walking, hearing the croaking frogs, watching the ducks and geese, and seeing the wildflowers growing all made me very happy.

I’m also happy that Biz has hopped on the train on her blog today.

You know the drill – what are you happy about today?

I’m on Day 4 of this happiness theme…. 

Today, I’m really, really happy that I get to go have a 90 minute massage in a few hours.  I need it badly and am really looking forward to it.

There’s also a lot of happiness eminating from my little garden.  Bright red azalea in bloom, aubretia tumbling down the rock wall, splashes of blue forget-me-nots, all my perennials growing nicely….  and the Sluggo I used seems to have negated the slug problem… at least temporarily.

Happiness abounds.

What’s making YOU happy today?

I’m really happy today that the weather was sunny, but not too hot.    My rock garden is blooming, and I have a brand new pink fuchsia hanging on my patio awaiting the return of my favorite hummingbird. 

 Also happy for the very friendly and affectionate orange tabby cat that comes to visit and snooze on my patio chairs….  the birds don’t particularly enjoy his presence, however.

 I’m also happy that Ashley is willing to go and do birthday shopping for my mom on my (and my siblings) behalf, is patience with my indecision, and then deliver said gift once decided upon.  Thanks, Ash : )

So, share your happiness for the day….

What am I happy about today?

Well, first, I’m so happy you have posted what makes YOU happy – I really enjoy reading your comments.  So thanks – and keep it up!

Next, I’m really happy with my beautiful tulip bouquet…. 

They were fresh cut from the local tulip fields – 40 of them for only $10 - and purchased at the local Central Market.  Man, I love living in the northwest (and I guess that’s happy thing #3).

I’m also happy for my son, Brandon, who was just cast as Judah in a community theatre production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  And granddaughter Emily (age 5) gets to sing on the children’s chorus.

I love that show (I played in a pit orchestra for 2 or 3 different productions – great fun), and am delighted that both he and Emily will get to enjoy the experience together

So, tell me what makes you happy today?

I’ve decided to hop on the happy train, started by Chris on her blog, and continued by Michelle.

So for the next 8 days, you get a peek into what’s making me happy each day. Lucky you.

Today – I’m so happy to be on Phase 3 of my diet and can eat lots of food again.  I was getting so VERY bored with chicken, lettuce, celery and onion….    Today for lunch, chicken salad with almonds.   For dinner – a taco salad (sans chips, but topped with lots of sour cream) followed by a chocolate torte with real whipped cream.  Yum.

My other happiness for the day is this artistic offering Miss Kennedy drew of the two of us, and her mom mailed to me (along with a few others) .  This was my favorite.  I’m in the striped dress, Kennedy is in the circles. 

So, what made you happy today?

Oh, Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press, how did I live without you for so long???

I’m really not much of a cook (I prefer baking) – but man, oh man, cooking just got a whole lot easier in my kitchen. I can’t believe I’ve been chopping garlic by hand all this time.

What kitchen tool(s) can YOU not live without?

I love flowering trees…. 

Just a quick, happy shout out to Iowa (last week) and Vermont (today) for legalizing gay marriage.  

I actually did a little dance when I heard the news.  

Hopefully, Iowa’s supreme court ruling will have a positive influence on California’s….   who should be making their ruling very soon, I believe.    Does this give you hope, my dear gay friends and family?

Bit by bit, this nation is becoming enlightened.  Which states do you think will be next?

Oh happy day!

I heard an interview with the fabulous Isabella Rossellini on NPR today – and learned of this insightful yet hysterical educational project she’s doing for the Sundance Channel.  

Each of these videos is only about 2 minutes long, and explores the sex life of a bug or sea creature.   I learned a lot. I had a hard time deciding which to post as your introduction…   several of them made me burst out laughing. 

I give you snail porno.  I warn you… snails are pretty kinky

You really need to go to The Sundance Channel website and watch all of these. Season one was about bugs – spiders, worms, praying mantis, etc. Season two has sea creatures – limpets, whales, starfish, etc.

Please go watch them and tell me which are your favorites.