Life Is Joy! Joy Is Life! Or Is It?

While I sit here writing this story, workmen are installing a new heat pump in my home.   It comes complete with a 12 year parts & labor warranty.  That is, as long as you continue to have it inspected twice a year by the installer or dealer of the unit.  First year’s check-ups are free.  And then…  And is this joy?  Yes!  TVA is offering a ten year loan @ 6% interest. And a $250.00 rebate.   Since I don’t have $10,000 just sitting around waiting to be spent, I was able to get approved for the loan. The savings on my utilities bills will about offset the additional cost.  This sounds pretty joyous to me.

OMG!  My granddaughter just sent me a text message.  She does remember I exist!  She is my joy.

This morning I found my daily present from my cats, behind my recliner.  I also found feathers all over the house and even in my bed.  I feel sorry for the sparrow.  But, there was certainly joy in the chase.  I can’t believe I slept through the whole thing.  Joy?  Yes!  Nature working as it should.  Survival of the fittest!

Spring has officially arrived along with tons of weeds and perennial rye grass, sticking up like a sore thumb.  Two days after you mow it pops back up, while the rest of the grass and weeds stay low for a week or so.  It costs me $60 a mowing, therefore I’d like the yard to look better a little longer.  Joy?  Yes.  I am getting outside almost every day, bending up and down.  Kneeling, standing, sitting, walking and repeat.  I am getting the exercise I so desperately need.  Plus, I get all that vitamin D from the sunshine. And I remember to wear sunscreen.  My mood is wonderful and peaceful.  Then there is all the satisfaction of seeing the yard looking better every day.  I have s half-acre yard.  This will probably take me all spring.  And the real joy of the yard work is that I can still do it.

Yesterday, I saw my first hummingbird of the season.

My dog and two cats sleep together, on my bed.  Sometimes with me in it.

I stand in awe as I look at my blueberry bushes.  They are covered with blossoms and the blossoms are covered with bumble bees, enjoying the nectar.

During this long, cold and depressing winter, I decided I needed to expand my skills. (Save my sanity!) When the weather gets nasty, I feel like baking.  My project was to master making Sour Dough, New York Deli Rye Bread.  I am happy to report after four attempts I got excellent results.  I learned so much by actually doing it over and over again.  Practice, Practice, Practice!

JOY?  Yes, a hundred times YES!

My joy is uncomplicated and eclectic.  Every day is filled with joy.  What makes it that way is how I choose to look at my life. Today, I am counting all things JOY!  I’ll keep you posted on how that’s working out.

– Peggy Havlik Posch

A retired caterer and florist Peggy has lived in Chicago, Northwestern Indiana and Florida. Passionate about gardening Peggy now calls Killen, AL her home.  Gardening has given her the  ability to be patient. Peggy also loves animals and has raised birds, cats and dogs. Animals make my spirit hum. She is learning to be friends with snakes. She feels like Dr. Doolittle and is at her happiest when she is in her garden, playing with and observing her pets.