It's 5:49AM on a Sunday morning. Why, might you ask, am I blogging at that hour? I am battling allergies which have led to a sinus infection and I can't sleep. Those yucky sinus infections make your head hurt and keep you from breathing normally, not to mention the sinus drainage making one, cough. I have taken all of my "drugs" (pain relief, antibiotic, allergy decongestant, etc.) and am just now waiting for everything to kick in. I must say, about 95% of the time, I enjoy a life full of health and energy--one of the best dividends of my occupation, so I will not fuss or complain.

I am so looking forward to planting some new landscaping! We recently had a sprinkler system put in (thanks to a refund from the IRS) and will now be able to do a much better job of watering. As I get older, I am finding that what rings my "joy button" are simple things like:

• watching the birds eat out of the bird feeder
• attending a worship service with dear friends and family--knowing that this is just a preview of heavenly things
• going out to eat with grown up daughters and family
• hearing the sound of a meadowlark, saying something that sounds just like "Thank you!"
• planning for a vacation (I think it's sometimes more fun to plan it, than actually do it!)
• helping someone discover the joy of working out and feeling better about themselves
• watching a humming bird feed from a feeder that I placed outside with 4 parts of water to one part of sugar
• just being with my wonderful husband--he really is one of the most wonderful human beings that God ever made
• going grocery shopping (yes, can you believe it--I really enjoy it!)
• watching a thunder and lightning show out the window of my Dad's house in St. Francis, Kansas (that area in Kansas is so flat that you can see for miles and miles)
• being with my granddaughter, Caelee, who is so loving and full of energy
• making decorated Christmas cookies with my girls
• going for a walk with our dog, Duke

What rings your "joy button"?