Happiness is...

...a good year.

A review of 2012 made me feel so lucky that it was a good one.

• No hospitalizations or dire health changes for either Dennis or me.  In fact the whole extended family stayed healthy this past year.   
• We were fortunate to be able to travel with friends and family to Palm Desert, Redondo Beach CA, Spain and Portugal.  And of course the usual trips up to Vancouver to see my sister and the family.
• We are both staying active and fit.  Dennis achieved his black belt in Aikido.
• I lost 20 pounds and am working on the next 10...Yay!
• Crafting lots of knit, crochet, and sewing projects.

So in keeping with the staying fit and trim we headed up to Hyak for some cross country skiing with our friend Bob today.  The only thing that would have made it a perfect day was if Erlene had been able to come with us.  The sunrise over the Cascades was spectacular this morning, tons of snow in the mountains,  great groomed trails and 18 degrees of cold winter air.  A really perfect way to end 2012 and start a bright new year.

Happiness is...

Focusing on in-door activities

Holiday scented candles

Sparkling lights in the wind at night

Waechtersbach 

Red and green

Christmas music

Thinking of little gifts for special people

The arrival of the Christmas puzzle

Planning food to cook

Anticipating being with the family over the holidays

Going to holiday parties

Taking walks on cold crisp days

Starbucks' Skinny Peppermint Mocha

Trader Joe's Peppermint Bark

Decking the Johnson Halls