Chores and a Tree

Today's happiness consists of getting the household chores done in a timely manner. Yay me!

I also learned that we have a tree in the backyard called a hackberry tree. I had never heard of this tree before.

A hackberry (Celtis occidentalis or Celtis laevigata) is actually a very common native tree in Virginia. The hackberry is one of those quiet, overlooked native trees that people can live beside for decades without ever learning its name. Its leaves resemble an elm, but the bark is rough, warty, and full of quirky bumps. 

Most years it goes unnoticed, yet every so often it surprises you with small purple berries that deer and birds devour before anyone else gets a chance to see them. It’s a tough, weather‑resilient tree that thrives in Virginia without asking for attention, content to simply stand there and get on with the business of being a tree.

We have lived in this house for almost 40 years and this is the first time we've ever seen purple berries come off of this tree. The deer have been eating them up for days.

Out of the House

Today I am happy because I have been out of the house and I've seen many people that I haven't seen in a while.

Also, last night I got to tell a good story and made a whole room laugh at a history lecture.

Scrambled Eggs

 

Happiness is scrambled eggs made by your husband because he wanted eggs before you were ready to start cooking, so he did it himself!

Lunch and Movie

 

Lunch out and movie with my husband gave me a happy Friday!

A Clean House

 

Happiness is a clean house! The young woman who comes and helps me clean came today and it's always nice to get some of the dust gone and the floors mopped. I started using a steam cleaner on the tile floors and boy does that make a huge difference in cleanliness and in how they look.

So, hurray for spic and span!

Cooler Weather

 

The hot weather has finally hit the road, and we have cooler temperatures at the moment. I'm sure we'll have more 90 degree days before September ends, but for now it's more tolerable outside.

Whew!

All By Myself

 

Today I am happy that I had a morning to myself, wherein I was able to do things at my own pace and speed, and thus managed to strip the bed, do the dishes, wash four loads of clothes and put them away, and other such tasks. I like setting my own agenda.

Time with a Friend

 

I spent time today with my friend T. and we had a wonderful time laughing and talking together. Nothing like a good friend to make the happiness jump all around inside.

September Happiness Challenge

In recent years I have participated in the August Happiness Challenge, but I didn't this year because I'd spent July writing gratitude poems and needed a break.

So, I will do a September Happiness Challenge all by myself, although anyone who wishes may certainly join in. I don't have to do it every day, because it's whatever makes me happy!

For today, I am happy that my husband is able to be around to wait for the washing machine repairman. I will be home during part of the wait, but I have a dentist appointment and need to leave.

Knowing he is available to ensure that this work gets done makes me very happy indeed.

Happiness Challenge

 

Today I am happy for the chart portal to my doctor, who quickly responded to a question.

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About the Happiness Challenge

Each day you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Happiness Challenge

 

Today I am happy for raspberry sorbet. And Hershey's raspberry ice cream, which my husband loves, and for small privately owned ice cream shops, because hurrah for small businesses!

______________________________________________________________________

About the Happiness Challenge

Each day you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Happiness Challenge

 

Today I am happy that I have air purifiers that help me breathe better while my husband mows. 

Air is a good thing!

______________________________________________________________________

About the Happiness Challenge

Each day you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Happiness Challenge

 

I didn't hit every day of the August Happiness challenge, so I thought I'd continue into September with my hit-or-miss postings.

Today I am happy that it stopped raining so we could get hay in, even if it does create a lot of dust and set off my allergies. The cows need to eat this winter!

______________________________________________________________________

About the Happiness Challenge

Each day you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Day #31

 

Today I am happy for chocolate.

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About the August Happiness Challenge

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge Day #29

 

Today I am happy that my husband noticed that his dump truck was getting a flat tire before anything bad happened. That could have been serious.

I am also happy that I am listening to Fleetwood Mac.

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About the August Happiness Challenge

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge Day #27

 

Today I am happy for low temperatures and partly cloudy skies. I'm also happy for neighbors who help put calves back in the pasture when the little rascals decide to go wandering.

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About the August Happiness Challenge

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness #24

 

This has been a difficult day, but I am happy that I can find solace in music. 

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About the August Happiness Challenge

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge Day #23

 

Today I am happy that I have more important things to fret over than the change of logo of Cracker Barrel. Honestly, who cares? If that is the kind of thing that worries people, I am really glad I am not one of them.

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About the August Happiness Challenge

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge Day #21

 

I found a new (old) show to watch while I'm walking on the treadmill. This made me very happy because I need to keep my brain and eyes engaged when I'm exercising.

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About the August Happiness Challenge

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

August Happiness Challenge Day #20

 

Today, I am grateful for the quiet that comes from stepping back.

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About the August Happiness Challenge

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.