Ten Good Things January and February for Me

Ten good things I've experienced end of January and half of February are here. I was making an effort to post about five things every week, but I've fallen down on the job. Time to get back up. I'm hoping anyone reading my good things will record theirs either in a journal or post. We need happy things these days as we move forward in 2021.

1. Spike Williamson is my buddy. Known him for at least 7 years or so. He's feisty and will act like you're meeting for the first time every time you see him outdoors. However, if you go into his house and sit on a sofa, he's your best friend, especially if belly rubs are included. His mom, Laurie, and I walk once or twice a week. It's kept us sane and active during this neverending pandemic. There are days when I don't want to go walking, but if we set a date, I try my best to show up. Spike doesn't care about a pandemic. He's just in it for walkies.

2. I have 3 teenagers. All boys. Anyone who tells you girls talk more and are more dramatic doesn't have ours. They talk a LOT which is fine with me. I am enjoying the chatter now before everyone heads off to college and their lives. This is an image of 2 of them with their BFF on fall break 2019. I was secretly laughing at them recently during a car ride since they giggle and laugh constantly in the back seat. It's so much fun to hear them talk about games and movies. I really cherish these moments. Children's laughter is one of the best things in life.

3. Spending time with my Mom and Dad. Any time I get to hang out with them is fun. They are my best friends. Recently, I went over to their house for the day. I was writing and they were going about their business. While I was there, they fed me lobster bisque and we chatted about everyday things. I enjoy both getting and giving advice from them. We have been fortunate to “pod” with them during this time in the world. My family has been as careful as we can, and they just finished their last vaccines. So I am eternally grateful for that as we live our lives. Cannot imagine life without them.

4. My sweet and extremely talented sorority sister, Kristin, knitted these gorgeous scarves! I wrote about her generosity in an earlier post Unexpected Gifts Bring Joy & Connection. She creates scarves, mittens, hats, and so much more. I believe she even has a loom now which boggles my mind. I do not have that kind of patience. The very best part of her scarves this past year is that she's secretly mailed them to us. We've been down here and there – everyone has. The surprise of opening your mailbox to find a present like this makes you want to do a little dance. Someone not only thought of you, but they handmade a gift you'll keep forever. I wear mine daily and I'm grateful to her each time I do. Kindness never goes out of style.

5. Scored cool, minimalist Valentine's dishtowels from Homegoods. Kate Spade designed and I love their simplicity.

6. Decorating for the holidays makes me very happy not only to celebrate the day but to satisfy the urge to create. We've enjoyed staging holiday decorations for the past 5 months. February's theme was of course – Valentine's Day. Our Creating a Valentine's Centerpiece post demonstrated the steps we followed to dress our table. A really good thing for this month.

Misty Dog

7. Valentine's Day Weekend in the country. I had two Valentine's this year. The first was traveling to South Carolina for the weekend. My aunt and cousins live on acres in the countryside and I love the drive to their house. I purposely get off the interstate and take the back roads through three small towns. I enjoy passing familiar landmarks and seeing how they change with time.

We spent the weekend eating the best takeout, watching movies, and shopping a few stores. Got my seafood fix since I was closer to the water in SC than I am in GA. Scallops one night and catfish on another day. We watched the documentary “Framing Britney Spears” and I taught her to binge watch – we chose “Outlander“. My aunt had been wanting to see it. I set her up a Netflix account before I left so she can catch up with the show before the new season starts. It was the best relaxing in pajamas and hanging out.

8. We revisited Atlanta's Doll's Head trail in January. We first walked it in early 2018. We are planning an upcoming pictorial post on the latest walk, but you can learn all about it in our Doll's Head Trail in Atlanta, Georgia post. It's a fascinating walk through the woods, first to get there, and then to see what people have done with “found art” on the trail. Highly recommend it. We'll be going back soon.

9. I L-O-V-E my white Christmas tree!!! I bought this last year and have left it up all year. One because it makes me happy, and two due to the horrible pandemic. There was a movement around the world for people to put up their Christmas lights to add cheer and give each other hope things will get better. So, I keep mine up for both reasons. It lights up our den or living room every day of the year.

Finally…

10. The boys found the most ridiculous movie to watch and I have to say it was hilarious. Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a dark comedy about miscommunication between two groups of people. One side is renovating a cabin in the woods and having a relaxing weekend. The other side is a group of college kids out to drink and camp. I don't want to give it away, but misunderstandings lead to drastic actions. It's rated R for language and gory scenes. It's more along the lines of Shaun of the Dead instead of a true horror movie. Just be prepared. Any movie that makes me laugh out loud is a good one.