Happiness

Suna and I after “The Hike”Photo by Greg

But I’m standing here now with my heart held out to you

You would’ve thought a miracle was all that got us through

Well baby all I know, all I know is I’m still standing

And this is love all it ever was and will be

Mary Chapin Carpenter

It’s fairly obvious that this is us: me looking like I just farted and Suna saying, “Yep, he did it.” But give me a break, I had just finished the longest walk I had been on in, well decades. But I lived. Suna was radiant. And we both felt wonderful the next few days.

So why am I still posting about the hike? I’m not really. I’m posting about being happy and being comfortable about it. It’s just that the most recent pictures I have of the two of us together are all from “the hike.”

Notice: I am even quoting song lyrics again. Happy ones, at that.

So, hey world! I’m feeling good again—physically and emotionally. I have a life again. I have a wonderful woman in my life. I have a decent job that is somewhat rewarding. I have everything I need. And I am happy.

Sunshine on My Shoulders

Photo by Suna

Buddy looks so happy here laying among the flowers. He is really doing well, and all of the dogs seem to get along—at least, most of the time. They have their little dominance games to play, but I think Rose is winning that one. She masses more than anyone except Buddy, and she is more assertive. Buddy has always been fairly laid back. Rose still has her stripes to earn.

So Buddy likes taking it easy in the sunshine. The stairs seem to be doing his some good, now that he has mastered them. He is trimmer, although I think a little heavier. But they tell me—you know, them—that muscle weighs more than fat, so I am not worried about him. He plays hard. Then he rests.

Mostly, he keeps to himself except when he is enjoying the company of all the humans around here. He really likes the kids and many of their friends. When he barks at them, they sound almost bored when they say, “Shut up, Buddy. It’s just me.” Then he goes, “So, why aren’t you petting me?” And they respond, “Rose is cuter.”

Buddy is very much like me—easy to get along with but a little crotchety it his late-middle-age. Notice how skillfully I avoided saying, “old age?”

Beleeka Doodle Day

The title for this post comes from the last song on Al Stewart’s first album, Bedsitter Images. Image Source: Amazon.com

I have been up for hours already, but I can’t seem to get going. After a week of being shortslept, I overslept last night, and my body is refusing to get motivated to face a cold, gray day.

It’s almost noon, and the thermometer has crept up to hover around 40. The rain continues off-and-on but mainly drizzles. They sky is overcast, and the sunlight that filters through the clouds is sleepy. So am I.

The good news is that the plants all seem to have survived last night’s near freeze. By the time we got in and I found out how chilly it was going to be, I was already falling asleep. So they stayed outside though the coldest night of the spring. And I slept hard and long.

Despite the weather and my lethargy, I am content. I am smiling as I type this missive. I feel warm inside, happier than I have been in years.

There are still worries and concerns about the future. My job situation is still in flux. The only announcement about the pending re-org of my department said that there would be no announcement before next week. Our Fearless Leader cheerfully told us all to stay on our perches. So that is where I sit, hoping that the sound I hear is someone snoring and not the sound of someone sawing branches.

But even those concerns don’t bother me today. I should have drawn the Four of Swords today—everything feels so peaceful and drowsy—but I didn’t. I am content, and that is enough for today.