2026 Happy Blog Challenge

 Here are some happy things from our big day of driving: We left the house after the hopeful time of 6 AM, but well before the panic time of 7 AM. So, kind of right on time?   Once we got to the highway, it was time for The Muppets song, Movin' Right Along . Both Keziah and I were tired. We ended up switching drivers more than I think is usual for us. We arrived at our hotel before dark which seems like something that never happens. Yay!   Some highlights from the day in pictures: That is a rock from the driveway on the trailer hitch foot.  The picture was taken somewhere in Pennsylvania.  I'm not sure if the rock is still there or not. At the hotel parking lot. Later, also from the hotel parking lot. ☮ Continued listening to: Thornhedge , by T. Kingfisher. Started listening to: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet , by Becky Chambers. Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

Happy packing day!  Umm Wednesday! I've packed too much stuff.  I always pack too much stuff.  However, other than what I'm taking with me and some charge cords, I'm packed.  The truck, the trailer, everything is packed.  I'm sure I've forgotten something, but hopefully nothing critical.   Thankfully, before we started packing things into the truck and trailer, it rained.  There was a thunderstorm that rolled in around noon.  There was a fresh breeze and it was a lovely temperature right before the sky came down.  I only got a little damp.  😁 The storm was on the way. While outside packing a shadow flew overhead.  I don't know what kind of flying creature, I suspect a vulture. I tried to get a picture, instead there was a speck among a lovely blue sky. ☮ Continued listening to: Thornhedge , by T. Kingfisher. Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

 Some happy Tuesday things: Despite not being able to fall asleep Monday night I made it through my work day.  It was the last work day until after my trip to Pennsic.  Having very little sleep between work and packing, I fell asleep before finishing writing this blog.  Yay, sleep! Keziah and I went through more boxes looking for more of her garb.  I seem to be missing an outfit or two myself, but I know where most of it is.  After going through a bunch of things and packing as intentionally as I could, I feel like I'm about half to two-thirds packed.  Then I realize that is just my stuff into boxes, not the truck or trailer.  So I'm estimating about one-third packed.  Either way, I'm happy to have Wednesday off to finish packing and preparing.   I've always been fascinated with the paper type of insect nests but held more fear of the insect so stayed away.  As I aged, that fear has lessened.  My research, starting with Go...

 Here are some happy things from today: Bel picked Gideon and I up at the airport and we arrived home safely around 2:45 AM.  It is very good to be home… I'm leaving again in a few days… This morning, after a little bit of sleep, Keziah, Zed and I started moving things around in the trailer to prepare for Pennsic.  We ended up going through some of the boxes looking for Pennsic things too.  Among other things some garb was found, fans, and my solar panel. These are quite pretty by the house. In the afternoon I left for a walk with Amy.  When I got to the park I had a message from her that she was stopped in traffic.  She ended up going back home instead of trying to navigate that. I had a nice walk… by myself.  I'm glad she got home safely. I used the Merlin app to listen to the birds. That, and zooming way in, leads me to believe the bird in the tree is a tufted titmouse. Today is my best friend from high-school's birthday.  I messaged to wish he...

 Happy Sunday!  Here are some happy things from my travel day: This morning I took a long walk.  I wanted to be certain to have my steps done before getting on the plane for home.  I went through neighborhoods and along a trail that goes by Walnut Creek in Austin.  In a neighborhood, a bunny hopped across the street from one yard to another.  The following are a bunch of pictures from the walk. For the last few days I've been helping TF to clean out her pantry closet.  We didn't finish due to time and energy.  It was a huge start and is now down to a point that I think she can manage herself.  She took some pictures and told me I could share them. TF and I drove out of the city to pick up Gideon and visit with Gideon's grandfather and his spouse.  It was a lovely visit before heading to the airport.  There were some swallows and hummingbirds flying around.   I think I was able to get a picture of a hummingbird.  Not a...

 Some happy things from today: Instead of walking this morning I had a call with Stephanie to plan the Pennsic camping map.  Have I ever said how much I appreciate her existence and assistance in my life?  Together, she made a map of where all the people will be camping so we all fit in the space we have.   Another person I am extraordinarily grateful for is TF.  She has been a gracious hostess for my visit to Texas.  She supports my wanting to get my steps in.  It has been a good visit.  I have quite a few good people in my life.  I'm not sure why, but I appreciate them all. Around noon I took a walk.  This is probably not the best time in the Texas summer to be out walking, but I had water.  I didn't stay out as long because of the heat.   ☮ Continued listening to: Paladin's Faith , by T. Kingfisher. Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

 Some happy things from Friday: Since I am in Texas, I was able to get the motivation to go out for a walk this morning, before it got too hot.  It was just around the neighborhood.  The following are some pictures of plants people are growing around here. TF and I spent some time just chatting before we decided to do some deep cleaning.  She lives alone and there are a few things that having someone else help with can mean a lot.  So that was our big thing for today and will be working on it Saturday, too.  I am happy to be able to help. The soap dispenser in the bathroom is a cat.  It isn't just a cat though, when the top is pressed down the foam soap comes up and out like a paw print.  The moon and Venus were visible.  They were the only lights, other than the occasional plane, that I could see in the few minutes I was outside after dark.   ☮ Continued listening to: Paladin's Faith , by T. Kingfisher. Thank you for being here and...