Positively Tuesday- Need this Pick Me Up

      I know no one really cares if I have 1, 5, 10 or even 15 tings to stay a positive about. I try and capture  my simple pleasures, the things that make me smile, and other pleasantries for myself on Tuesday's as I can get sort of down in the dumps this day of the week. Today, I need this as a pick me up. Maybe I am just really ready for a vacation-two more weeks and counting. I'm a little down that neither of our friends have committed to join us for any part of the week-but they haven't declined either. Maybe I'm burnt out thinking about new variants and that Covid seems to not be giving up its grip. I'm fearful life will just be forced to go back to "normal", and anyone  who catches the illness, vaccinated or not, just needs to hope they don't get very, very sick. And if they do, well, let's just chalk it up to collateral  damage to protect our "freedums". (This is sarcasm, if you didn't deduce.) Apparently mask wearing is too much of a sign of a dictatorship. Maybe I'm just in a bit of  melancholy funk. These feelings will pass, but all the more reason to make note of the good things in life, even if seemingly small.  

1. We were victorious at Trivia-likely due to the lower turnout and having a highschool senior join us. While we play for fun, I can't say I don't get a kick out of doing well. 
2. Olympic opening ceremonies still make me smile. There's the big sports, but then the, to most of us, more obscure sport athletes, get their opportunity on a worldwide stage. We root for everyone in our house. Of course we want Americans to do well, but really, I just love the joy of seeing all of the athletes compete. 
3. Chocolate chip pan cookies, bars, or blondies-whatever you call them are a simple pleasure. I use the Nestle tollhouse recipe, nothing fancy but  always a win. These were made for my great niece's graduation party.
4. The party itself was fun to see nieces and nephews and their families, plus friends in common. My great niece is a beautiful young girl and was so happy with her party and thanked everyone for coming and helping. It was a sweltering day, but they had plenty of shade and plenty of cold beverages. 
5. Sunday was the start of my feeling a bit of lurgy or whatever I should call it. I think it was a caffeine and sugar hangover, having indulged in both the day before in likely excess. I gave myself permission to sleep as late as my body needed.
6. I made another humongous batch of lo mein and have lunch today for DD2 and myself-and used another quarter of the cabbage, plus an assortment of veggies from a veggie and dip container. Using up produce makes me happy.
7. Another happy produce dish was my favorite onion and cucumber salad. I didn't have any tomatoes which would have been better, but the tangy blend of the sugar, vinegar, and mayo dressing, marinating for hours with sliced cukes and onions is a summer treat. 
8. It cooled down after 6:00 yesterday, or at least felt better in the shade. Pup and I got out for his walk and just lingered by the pond to see the duck families. Having a lackluster day? Go watch ducks enjoying life on a pond. 
9. Did I share the Keurig is working again? I'm enjoying  brewing two cups worth and putting in my insulated cup. Coffee is more than a simple pleasure, but need to remember to stop by noon and switch to water.
10. And ...I've had some better knee days. I haven't had the non-active pain I had been experiencing earlier in the summer. I'm not sure it is glucosamine. I've still another 8-10 days on the 30 day trial, but even if mental only, there might be promise. 

     I like everyone else have my off times. I've been  more upbeat in recent weeks, so this is just a blip. I've the rest of this week and next, and then I have two weeks away from work. There's lots to smile about and I just need to take advantage when simple pleasures present themselves.