Friday Afternoon JOY

Like others, I thought I would share some photos that are bringing me joy this afternoon.

The four dogs pictured are (from left to right) my aunt Bridget's dog Nim (Shiba Inu), my parents' dogs Haven and Kayi (Golden Retriever and American Eskimo), and my  aunt Meaghan's dog Tiva (Husky-German Shepherd Mix).   Have I mentioned that my mom has four sisters so I have lots of awesome aunts?!  Well, if I didn't, I do!  They are all on a hike together in the San Gabriel mountains near my parents' home.   The only thing that could make this photo better would be if I was there when this was taken!

The sun has returned to us here in St. Louis and some of the ice and snow have started melting. Woods and I are happy to see the sun.  I caught him sunbathing in our front window during my lunch break, something he hasn't been able to do for weeks it seems!

What brings you joy today?

Recipe for a Great Evening

• Get home from a busy day at work
• Run errands with your husband to Bed, Bath and Beyond and the grocery store
• Buy shrimp for dinner and make this soup
• Share some crusty bread and good olive oil for dipping with your husband while you both cook: he the soup, you the shrimp
• Serve with a cold beer and more crusty bread for dunking
• Snuggle together under a warm comforter while watching Up in the Air
• Point out places you've been in Omaha and St. Louis that are featured in the movie
• Snuggle some more while watching Law and Order: Los Angeles
• Laugh when you recognize locations (and houses) on Law and Order: Los Angeles because you've been there
• Spend some time with your cat
• Fall asleep content
• Repeat.

It's The Little Things

Like a Visa gift card from your wedding a few months back that you find in your pocket one day and decide to eat sushi with it, only to find out the sushi restaurant has a great happy hour that allows you and your hubby to basically double the amount of food for your money.

Like finding the perfect presents for your mom and mother-in-law for Christmas a few months ahead of Christmas.

Like a stranger at Macy's that helps you pick out a great wrap for a wedding this weekend to match the new shoes you bought on sale who made you happy and left you smiling when he really didn't have to.

Like the smell of lavender soap to elevate a dreaded chore like laundry.

Like a warm cup of tea with milk and sugar.