Positively Tuesday-Need to Write About Simple Pleasures

     Last year , this week, we went to one of my nephews Valentines Day wedding. The following night, was my nieces bachelorette party, going out for cocktails, an escape room, and a late Mexican dinner with more cocktails. Book club (the old one) was Tuesday night of the week, and Sunday we met friends for Happy Hour. I remember it being a good week. Happy memories are a simple pleasure, aren't they? I'm trying to conjure up more of them, framed in a way to remind myself that those life events, those happy times, will be back. It's bitter cold, and on my less than positive days, the memories are hard to be enough. We have no family gatherings, no travel, no cocktails out with family and friends There's still a host of other simple pleasures, but admittedly, I need to keep an eye out for them and appreciate them when spotted. I sat and had a good think on this, trying to minimally come up with 20, and here they are in no particular order. This would be a winter version, and likely the list might change somewhat in six months-but man I hope things are different then.. 

1. A new shower gel-smelling of a warm spring rain
2. Cozy slippers that I can wear all day, just taking off to go for a walk, but ready to put back on as soon as we are back in the house
3. Scented candles, mostly all gifts from people in my life, though I have to remember to blow them out a few hours before DH is home as they are anything but a simple pleasure for him
4. Cell phones with cameras which make snapping a quick picture and sending it to one of my kids, or keeping for myself a breeze
5. Toilet paper being plentifully back in stock, even if not always a preferred brand, but now I have my preferred stock-up amount again. Who would have thought that would be on a simple pleasure list a year ago?
   
   
   
6. A nice thick lotion and lip balm. Those of you in very cold climates know why this is on the list. My skin just soaks both up in the winter. Besides keeping my skin moist, it cuts down on the static on my clothes. Not shocking myself turning on a light switch is good. 
7. These mittens-so warm and cozy, but will admit, not very conducive to  cleaning up after pup, so I carry my gloves to switch when needed.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. A worn and warm comforter-usually on the end of the bed in the spare bedroom, but I grabbed it one afternoon when I was cold and reading on my bed this fall and it sort of has stayed in my room. It was DS's comforter from his college dorm room. And on that same vibe, this chunky tie blanket DD1 made for her dad three Christmases ago. It is the favorite blanket for reading or watching something on TV in the family room. 
9. Fresh brewed coffee in a favorite mug
10. Home baked bread-resulting from yeast being available again, and clever people that come up with new bread recipes like the one I made Sunday. 
    
    
    
11. Homemade jam-some I made, but the gifted ones from friends and family, which are even more so a simple pleasure 
12. The combination of the jam put on homemade bread, and eaten with that wonderful fresh brewed coffee. 
    
    
    
13. Breakfast for supper, like this quiche with blueberry biscuits which were so good, but so ugly I didn’t take a picture.
14. Vegan brownie's made from a cheapo mix, flax seed egg, and overly ripened bananas. 169 calories compared to 189 in regular made for each (18 in a 9 by 13 pan), but just as moist and with the added value of fruit. 
15. Seeing a couple neighbors when I am outside and at least getting in a good wave and a "hello"
16. DH in pajama pants-I am not sure why, but I get a homey calm when I know he is home and in for the night
17. Funny text conversations with any/all of of my kids. At the end of the post is our series from Super Bowl night. I love how my daughter was all for taking her dad's winnings 
18. Leftovers for lunch from a meal that was a particular hit. In office days, leftover pizza was the most envied leftover lunch, but not as much here since I could just make a pizza and have for days if I wanted.
19. Any mail that is not a bill or junk mail. This weekend we got the letter form DD2's school that she once again made the Dean's list. 
20. Sunset wasn't until 5:42 yesterday! We are adding approximately 2 1/2 minutes of daylight each day, so by the end of the month, sunset will be after 6:30! 

     I added that last one as I realized when I went to start supper yesterday, there was still light , dim, but some, in the kitchen.Yes, the ground hog saw his shadow and we have six more weeks of winter, but the sun is coming back. What have been your pleasure this month?