Good morning everyone on this very beautiful, sunny day! Time for a coffee, plus time to stop and think about some of the things that make me happy. This is just a short list, however, I could add many, many more things to the list. But that would be too long. However, it is always good to think about those things that bring happiness into our lives.

All too often we get pressed down by all the problems, difficulties, stress, and whatever else might come our way. When that happens we forget that there are so many good things out there that make each day full of sunshine, if we just stop and think a little bit. My list will not be in any particular order, just as things come to mind.

Male Hairy Woodpecker getting some sunflower seeds.

And it is more a list of things, not people, though if I did include them I would certainly say that God is first on my list as He has done so much for me and gives me joy in the midst of problems. And I would certainly include all of you. I am so thankful that you come around each day to read, or just look at the pics. Plus being able to chat a bit with you is also a real joy to me.

Muffin sometimes likes to stretch out when she sleeps.

Muffin certainly makes my list as well, she is my “baby” for sure and brings much happiness into my life each day, and night too. Amazing how she seems to know when I am in a lot of pain and she will come, curl up on my lap, or lie beside me on the bed and purr so nicely for me. It has been proven by medical science that the purring of a cat can help to heal a person of sickness, injury or pain, more quickly.

GPS the chipmunk, looking at me while picking up sunflower seeds.

My little chipmunk friends are on this list, they truly bring me a lot of fun and happiness. I enjoy having them crawl all over me, digging in my pockets, grabbing hold of my finger so I can pick them up, stuffing their cheeks full of peanuts, so much happiness in a small package. Squirrels too are on my list.

Jasper the Red Squirrel posing nicely and giving a cute smile.

We have Red Squirrels here mainly, though Ground Squirrels and Gray Squirrels do show up now and then, but they have a hard time competing with the smaller red squirrels. It is fun to sit next to Jasper, or Mica, and talk with them. They can be obnoxious too, but around here they are more fun than a problem.

Sir Henry, waiting for his breakfast this morning. He has a wingspan of about 4 and a half feet, or about 135cm.

I enjoy birds and they certainly bring a lot of happiness into my day. Sir Henry is my main Herring Gull around now and Lady Patricia was back this morning too which means they now have babies in the nest. All the birds are fun to have around, whether large, like the gulls, or tiny, like the hummingbirds.

Geraniums on my deck.

Flowers also bring happiness to me and that includes the typical garden flowers and the many different wildflowers that we have here. Insects also bring happiness to me. Yep, that is right, insects.

Mourning Cloak butterfly, one of the first to come out in the spring.

Like butterflies, dragonflies, flower flies, bees and so many more. There are some I would rather stay away from however. Sitting down by the river certainly brings happiness too, and that is something that I really miss this year.

Looking across the river on a summer afternoon.

But I have many great pics and memories of times by the river, and they still bring me much happiness. And perhaps I will get back down there again soon. Well, that is my short list and it is still long. I hope you enjoy the pics! Have a fabulous Friday everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.😊😻

©2023 Steve McLeod.