The little details

[lph]

With the darkness comes the winter flunk, and being mildly depressed most of the time makes me think small. But thinking small has good points, I try to notice more of the positive little things, too.

So, here's a thread for posting those little details that you appreciate or enjoy around you, on a normal day. I'll start:

- grumbling and skidding down through fresh snow on unplowed local roads, to discover that the main bike path is snowfree and cleared, all the way in

- the lovely amber glow of our Christmas star against the black window

- the smug feeling of riding in to work in really cold weather, and just nailing the right clothes to wear

- braking down for a tricky corner, and discovering that today, the slush is gone and I can just lean my bike over and power through

- the delicate pink and white colour of the inside of my cats paws when she stretches each toe out to wash it

- the awesome feeling of glancing behind me on the last stretch to work, and catching the sudden sunrise

- the sly look my son gives me when he's cracked a joke and is expecting me to laugh

What are yours?

[zoom-zoom]

I just had one of these thoughts maybe 30 minutes ago.

The worst part of Winter is that dread that comes in Fall, when everything is brown and Winter hasn't yet hit. Today I realized that now that we're in the midst of it our next season is Spring...and with Spring brings months-on-end of great road cycling weather (someday I will have a 'cross bike, so I can ride when there's crap on the ground, too).

[hebe]

These are just beautiful! Thank you. We have more snow forecast for the weekend so I definitely needed reminding of the little things.

Some of mine are:
Hearing my daughter use a new word for the very first time.
Watching her talking to "Santa Christmas" this evening.
Learning something new on the bike. This week's was nailing how to get onto my bike by swinging my leg back over the saddle - my marin is a step-thru, so that is how I learned, but I can't do that with my Spesh.
Seeing that people are reading my blog.
Making small changes.

[OakLeaf]

I posted this already on the running thread, but this was so cool that I'll bring it here too.

Running intervals on a slightly slick surface last week ... going fast around the turns really reminded me of managing traction on a bike. Leaning, weighting, feeling out the traction available to each foot. Fun stuff.

Does it have to be outdoors? Super dry air isn't usually my favorite thing, but it sure helps the freshly shampooed carpet dry quickly.

And yes, pretty sunrises, lined up directly with my living room window this time of year.

[Catrin]

Being able to finally go through a spinning class and only having to avoid the sprints - no leg pain

The first time of walking in the very cold air and realizing that it doesn't feel as cold as it did - my body is getting used to it!

Realizing that I get this Friday off work, and 1.5 week vacation starts at noon next Wed

[Mr. Bloom]

I love the stars in the crisp sky when I go out to get the paper in the morning

[PamNY]

Walking through Central Park today when it was almost deserted was heavenly. I didn't find the hawks today, but I imagined the females getting lots of nice rats and long sleeps to build strength for nesting and raising young.

My dog sleeps happily in his sun puddle every morning, thanks to the winter sky being arranged for his convenience and comfort.

Winter biking increases my cold tolerance so much that ordinary errands and such are pleasant.

Great thread!

[crazycanuck]

I love the endless blue skies in Western Australia . Same in Summer/"cooler months"

The afternoon sea breeze that cools us down

The pelicans that gracefully make thier way along the Swan river.

The doggie beach

The crunchy sound of pea gravel

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Way too short cold winter days, not being able to garden or bike or tend my beehives... but I love:

getting my skirt to twirl really well like a big morning glory when i do a spin while contra dancing

waking up to my husband who brings me a fresh cup of coffee in bed every morning (how lucky am i?)

when I pet my very sick cat and she starts purring happily

walking down to the village on a cold morning to have breakfast

having really warm gloves, boots, and hats

seeing the doves and chickadees at the bird feeder

looking at heirloom vegetable seed catalogs and planning for Spring

the feeling I get after working at the food pantry in my town

my big cup of Japanese tea and honey in the evening

sleeping in soft wool

hearing my husband laugh

[smilingcat]

All the replies are beautiful and wonderful. and this is good enough for me to know that life is wonderful.

peace and happiness to all!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It's a great thread, and just at the right time when winter is looming ahead.

[jelee1311]

The 5 inches of rain in 6 days made a big pasture on the way to work a big swamp. I saw about 300 Canadian geese swirl down and land today. It was incredible!

[Biciclista]

the simple pleasure of a hot bath.

the surprise of a headache gone away after a brisk walk (bike ride)

a new box of crayons

the taste of a mango. then.. the taste of a mango with lemon juice on it.

the delight of meeting my husband where i did not expect to.

Enza my cat circling and then whump leaning up against me as she lies down on our bed.

ps LPH you have DAWN before you get to work and you live in Norway?? I have to wait for an hour or two before I can see it !!

[Roadtrip]

The taste of hot coco
The taste of cookies fresh from the oven (if they're gingerbread even better)
Sound of my cat purr-ing
Feel of my cars soft fur (the two combined are a tonic for all that ails)
Smell of a open wood fire on a cold evening
Collection of boxes under the tree, gifts for family+friends

Sooooo...

Sitting down with a cup of hot coco and a fresh Gingerbread cookie, in front of warm fire, with purring kitty in my lap within sight of the Christmas tree and presents all aglow in the lights... Heaven on Earth.

[lph]

ps LPH you have DAWN before you get to work and you live in Norway?? I have to wait for an hour or two before I can see it !!

I'm a slacker. I get to work really late most days