1. An eagle flew right over our house. I was in the backyard watching the dogs play, we were about to go on our morning walk, and a huge bird flew right over our heads. At first, I assumed it was a crow, but realized quickly it was too big to be a crow and it had a white head and bright yellow beak. It would have made a beautiful picture, brown black wings spread against the bluest of sky, but I didn’t have my camera so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

2. Play date with Franklin, Ringo’s biological brother. I confess, I was a bit worried Ringo might be a jerk. He doesn’t always play nice or even like other dogs, can get scared or bark too much, growl and snap if he gets cornered. I didn’t need to worry. Ringo and Franklin loved each other, played and played. They never got too rough or too rowdy. Ringo was sad when Franklin left, went to the door and whined. I wish they lived even closer, that I could borrow Franklin for a few hours every day. As much as Sam and Ringo play, it’s not that full on five month old puppy kind of play.

3. Strawberries. We still don’t have any local fruit, but the ones at the store are tasting more like the real thing.

4. Sam is still doing really well. Hallelujah.

5. Taking care of the dogs by myself. I know there are people, parents and caretakers and dog people, who do this all the time, every day, always, and I am so impressed, amazed, gobsmacked that they do — but I don’t. Eric has been gone since Wednesday morning at a conference, will be home in a few hours, so I was a single mom for a few days. I didn’t kill anyone and no one died, got sick or hurt. I walked both dogs by myself twice a day, picked up their poop, took care of everyone’s meals and medication, made sure they got enough naps and play. I got covered in poop once, pulled various kinds of poop and dead things out of Ringo’s mouth, along with two cactus spines out of his nose. I had a play date and took Ringo to his final two hour basic obedience class. I even managed to work. The best thing about it is I didn’t get depressed or overwhelmed. I felt capable, confident, and calm — that’s huge.

Bonus joy: Spring.

1. Buds on the trees, and my lilacs. I’m crazy for spring, long to stick my hands in the dirt, plant flowers and fruits and vegetables, heck I even want to pull the weeds, am dreaming about the food we’ll eat from our garden and the flowers that will bloom.

2. Daffodils. More than anything else, they mark for me that spring is really, really here. Crocuses seem like they are only teasing, because they are so often followed by snow, but the daffodils mean it.

3. Four of us. It’s just right. Three always felt like there was an empty spot, but four is full, the way it should be. When I see the four of us in shadow, it’s almost like nothing is different, even though so much changed, so much was lost — but I can have a broken heart about all that while still appreciating this.

4. Sam is better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember last week I said I wasn’t outwardly celebrating yet? I am now. There’s still a chance this could flare up as soon as we stop actively treating it, or it could be chronic, but that’s so much better than what we were preparing ourselves for only a few weeks ago. Watching him and Ringo play, for as long and as much and as rowdy as they want, is one of the best things ever.

5. Ringo learning to lounge, to relax. He’s sort of awake but not, willing to just hang out. Totally a sign that he’s growing up.

Bonus Joys: Chocolate so rich and dark that it almost tastes like coffee. Laughing with Eric. Strawberry plants that came back from last year. Realizing there are only four weeks left of Spring Semester classes and then it’s finals week and then summer vacation!