In keeping with my desire to recognize good things, happenings, developments, I’ve been holding a feeling close. Today was one fine day.
I slept in a little, with the cooperation of the furkids Nat and Pyxi. When I rolled out of bed and went outside, I saw that we’d been gifted with bright sunshine with a slight breeze. I decided not to waste this present. After breakfast I got my things together and went out on the boat.
It was the first time I’d been out on it in several weeks due to uncooperative weather, other commitments, vacation, etc. First off I was just relieved that everything was in good working order. You never know with a boat. I cruised through the harbor, exchanging “captain waves” with folks on other boats and soaking up the beauty. Once out past the last channel marker, I powered up and in short order had my boat skimming across the turquoise swells while I soaked up the sun and salt air.
While I love meeting up with friends at the sand bar or going out fishing, I can also content myself with excursions like this, when all I do is cruise around for awhile surrounded by sky and sea. Joy fills me up and expands through my smile. 90 minutes of fun and pure pleasure.
After I arrived home and rinsed off the boat, I headed indoors to cook up a recipe I’d printed out yesterday. I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I get a share each week in an organic produce buying club. Even though I buy the smallest share, appropriately called a Mini, it’s still often too much for me to consume everything. That’s why I made the butternut squash soup, half of which is in small containers in the freezer. Last week’s share included several small, sweet Gaia apples and plouts. I didn’t want these to go to waste, so I decided to make applesauce. What I don’t eat, I can also freeze for another time. Once more I turned to the Barefoot Contessa aka Ina Garten for an applesauce recipe that included orange and lemon juice, cinnamon, all spice and a little bit of brown sugar. Even though she suggests other varieties of apples, I went with what I had and added in the plouts.
When everything was peeled, cored, quartered, spiced, tossed and in the oven to bake, I changed into a bathing suit and grabbed my iPod. For the next 40 minutes I danced my little ol’ heart out in the pool. I worked in a few Zumba moves, and did several reps of crunches and leg lifts too. I take so much joy and appreciation in being able to move, that the exercise doesn’t feel the least bit tedious.
I got out of the pool and stepped into a house delicious scented with apples and cinnamon. Checked the time and realized I had time to shower. After that, the applesauce was done and it was time to slide in a couple of meaty turkey thighs so that I’d have protein not only for dinner tonight, but for several meals over the next few days.
One can never underestimate the pleasure of a nice nap, so while the poultry baked, I indulged for half an hour. Refreshed, I settled in to do some work for class and start organizing my thoughts for the first paper. It isn’t due until next Sunday, but I have a busy week ahead and would rather get the first draft done tomorrow. I can then think about it some more and tweak as necessary.
After a delicious dinner, I checked out the television guide and discovered that an old favorite movie was airing. I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve seen E.T., but I still love it as much as I did when it was first released back in the early 80s. That last scene in the forest when they’re saying goodbye always gets to me. I weep every time. This movie features great storytelling, beautifully acted and it’s a classic as far as I’m concerned.
With the movie over and my tears blotted, I played around a bit with Nat and Pyxi, checked in on email and some other Internet business and then settled in to write this blog post. Now I’m ready for bed. It’s been a full day, for sure, but a supremely fine one on all accounts. Like sunshine warmed my skin earlier, contentment and happiness warm my spirit.
I hope you all had good days too!
Weighty Matters 
That sounds like an awesome day! I love reading about all of the awesome days that you’ve been having lately.
That sounds wonderful! I kept on getting over my cold and I took a long nap and read. Not as cool as your day, but still nice. And I’m almost well.