Answering the phone to a cheerful "Hi, Mom!" from one of my kids.

Calls from my kids can sometimes mean they are sad, or anxious, or upset, so the cheerful voices are a special treat.

After that, being outdoors, whether it's deep in the woods, weeding flowerbeds, next to a lake, or on a ski slope.

Like Willie, ”making music with my friends”. I’m in a couple of ensembles and in the weeks when we are not getting together, I really miss it. I’m not a great musician at all, it’s the working together, integrating our efforts, to create something good, that I find fulfilling.

my grandson gives me pure joy. silly text messages from him. the times he wants to hear about fun things i did when i was his age (9). having him ask me to tell him the story about how he was adopted.

watching old videos and looking at pictures of my late husband. those things used to make me profoundly sad but 20 years after his death, i can look at these things and remember the best years of my life and smile at the memories.

my dogs bring me joy most of the time. i could do without being awakened at 5 a.m. by a cold, wet nose on my cheek but...oh, who am i kidding. even THAT brings me joy. 🤣

a new snowfall under a full moon as long as it's just an inch or two.

checking my nest box camera every spring in anticipation and seeing the first bluebird egg of the season. it never gets old.

My exercise sessions at the senior center

I enjoy my good health, lack of pain, and an excellent BMI.

I love doting on my cat, Pooky.

I love that I'm able to seriously travel. (Scotland coming up!)

I love that my DH and I are so very much compatable. Same likes/dislikes, same food and drink favorites/same sense of humor, both love football. He lets me be me, and I let him be him. (There's probably a better way to say that).

I would say roses (24), but they can get pretty frustrating this time of year.

What a thoughtful question, Petalique! For me, having worked so many years in hospitals, especially ER, my good health as well as my family’s brings me so much comfort. And, just sitting out here on our (thankfully covered) back portal. tonight with my Teddy during our first real rain in much too long, watching the mountain and listening to the rain is such a joy! It’s the little things that I especially appreciate.

My grandson, my son, my friends, nature - especially birds and my neighborhood foxes, along with our glorious PNW mountains and sea. Snow! And cats, all cats!

Grandchildren, 2 1/2 and 5. My daughters calling almost every day. Lately a rainy day.

The Chiefs putting an a$$ whooping on the donkeys last night.

• My dog
• My cozy condo
• My family (or most of them :-))
• Where I live
• Helping folks with gardening problems

My answer to this would fluctuate from day to day, but every day, it would include health and my relationships.

Yesterday, I learned that an old friend's daughter, who is the same age as my DS (mid-20s), has been declared cancer free after an intensive treatment plan two states away. That certainly has renewed my appreciation of my and my family's health, as well as medical advancements and the work of the medical community.

Personal autonomy

Sensible shoes

1. Heading out on my morning walk every day, so very grateful for that privilege.

2. A freshly weeded, trimmed and mulched flower bed.

3. An unexpected hug and heart-to-heart conversation with my grown son yesterday.

4. Nice, quiet normal days are the best. I realized that 10 years ago when family members had serious health issues.

5. QB Mahomes is back!

Life in general, my friends and family.

Golf.

(which, coincidentally and also sometimes simultaneously, brings me frustration, disappointment and unfulfillment).

Oh, and also my husband and music - not necessarily in that order, but those are definitely my top 3! 😄

Thanks for bringing some appreciation to ole joyful's evening.

Daughter and SO are coming from Georgia at the weekend.

ole joyfuelled

Howdy, ole joyful!

That’s great that your daughter and beau are coming to visit. Maybe they’ll cook up some yummy stuff or take you someplace. I hope they bring some good stories and humor. Maybe pecans! My Georgia aunt always sent us pecans — so delicious.

It’s been heartwarming and fun to hear what brings folks joy, smiles and gratitude.

I could add being around dogs, cats, kids and horses. And sailing. Being in almost any boat.

El61--Been there, done that, and thought it would never end.

At this point in my life, it's all about the grandkids, and my friends.

Our granddaughters (7 and 4). They have soothed my bruised heart over and over. I adore them, I would die for them and for our adult son and daughter. I thank God everyday that I have more time with DH after he was soooo sick 3 years ago. I am so grateful that his treatments are still working. I love our trips with the family to the lake. I greatly enjoy DH and I going for motorcycle rides. I love sitting on the porch swing (almost) every evening.

At the moment, there is not anything.

Lovely thoughts, katlan. Porch swings and sweet family are tops!

Sherry, come on over — I’ll make you a good dinner.

Sherry I'm sorry to read your post. I hope things get better for you very soon. Hang out here, we'll keep you company if you want.

Oh, Sherry, this makes me feel sad and concerned for you. I hope that your feelings change very soon.

Talk to us if you feel that you’d like to. I’m sorry that you’re blue.

Sherry, your post is so concerning and sad. You are not alone.

Sherry, I don't know if you like hugs....but if you do, please know I am giving you a (germ-free internet 😊) hug right now.

You have uplifted my spirits many times here and I would love to do the same for you. Please hang in there and I hope it gets better soon.

Thanks. This will pass. Life just dumped a lot of different lemons at once and most of them are rotten, so no lemonade.

The two things that bring me happiness is having my cat fall asleep in my arms and watching the videos of Sunny Emilo & Kingsley the Saint Bernard on Facebook

Walking at dusk in the winter on the Appalachian Trail where I can come upon deer grazing. At this time of the year, there are cornfields and soybean areas blocking my encounters.

Sitting on a rock by the koi pond and hand-feeding my seven remaining koi. Only two of the 30-year-olds didn't die on July 4th.

Playing with Willie and Poppy, with old Bernie watching.