1. Morning walks. It clearly is turning towards fall, although we’ve had so much rain recently that things are still really green. We saw the two mama whitetail deer again with their three babies, who are getting bigger but still have their spots, and one morning a raccoon, which is always extra exciting for Ringo.

2. Practice. Keeping me sane since the early 2000s. Two especially lovely ones this week were lying down on the futon in my practice room with my weighted blanket while listening to one of my favorite Insight Timer tracks, and practicing yoga with Red Sage. Eric also occasionally leaves a surprise bonus love note on my meditation shrine.

3. Good food. I’m looking forward to cooler weather so I can bake more often. Last night I made more smashburger tacos with Big Mac sauce along with some coleslaw and very mustardy potato salad. I don’t like the heat, but I do love BBQ season — the smoke, the mix of sweet and savory, and all the sides. Also, leftovers!

4. Time with friends. Barb and Chloe’ and I got together and “celebrated” what we had to celebrate this week, in particular Barb’s cancer recovery and birthday. And next week, I probably will get to see Carrie and Tony the Tiger dog.

5. My tiny family, small house, little life. I know it must seem dull, boring, repetitive, but I really do love it here, so much.  

Bonus joy: acupuncture, training with Shelby and the gang, thunderstorms, how soft the grass in the backyard is when it’s green and a little too long, the maple tree right outside my window, Rocky Mountain bee plants, curly hair, I think I’m almost over it but for now and still: plantain chips and spinach artichoke parmesan in greek yogurt dip, bubbly water, how soft Ringo’s belly hair is, napping on the couch, down pillows and blankets, fans, ice cream, trash service, peanut butter, spiders, water, trees, the sky being clear enough you can see the foothills, the big wildfire contained, how sweet Ringo is with Dr. Foster and vice versa, access to dental care (I lost the genetic lottery when it comes to teeth), baby raccoons, kitchen towels, a big glass of clean cold water, sushi rolls, Thai peanut sauce, other people’s dogs, comedy, listening to podcasts while I cook or clean, a warm shower, a/c, ink refills, crows, that particular color of blue, reading in bed at night while Eric and Ringo sleep.