Thursday, March 3, 2011

Simple pleasures

I am sitting here in the living room in my usual spot on the loveseat covered in my favorite blanket. It’s cold out there, baybee. My husband is on the couch with his sleeping bag up to his chin and the remote on his knee. We don’t like to turn up the heat too much. It’s such a waste of energy and it dries up your skin.

There’s an ice hockey game on the TV and George is asleep on his couch, all curled up. Yes, George has his own couch.

Wait, I’ll show you.

 

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I had quietly gotten up to get the camera, put on the 50mm lens and softly came back into the room to snap this. Still, he opened his eyes just a bit.

 

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He must be really tired because he didn’t even turn around to look at me when I stood behind him to take this shot.

: : :

I am glad for the little things in my life, for the small pleasures such as this because frankly, I have no idea how long they’ll last. I usually don’t dwell on such things because it gets me down and it doesn’t help matters any. But it’s a fact that we live from scan to scan for my husband.

I don’t like ice hockey.

 

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But when it’s on the tv, it means that things are normal. I don’t know how to explain that other than to say that just hearing it in the background is comforting. It means my husband is here. It’s another small pleasure.

As are the tulips I bought at the grocery store last week.

 

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I haven’t really been my usual cheerful self lately. And hey, we all get like that from time to time. But this weekend I’m looking forward to a little fun.

Ok. The hockey game is off and American Idol is beginning. And we’re watching Wipe Out during the commercials.  Gotta go ~

Love,

123 Signature

Are we the most fun couple in the world or what?

Please don’t answer that.

53 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

Well we were just about the DVR to catch up on recorded shows. Woo Hoo! What a great life...

Hilary said...

It's the simple pleasures that make things worthwhile. Lovely shots as always. Your tulips are beautiful. And of course, so is Mr. George.

Joey said...

I like. Sweet and simple!

Anonymous said...

No, you are not the most fun couple... we are, because we watch TV, take photos of dogs and Google things on the iPad all at the same time every evening. Is there a trophy for this?

DI

Hilary said...

Yes, yes, we are boring here too....and I love it.
Where is George's blankie???? You two are all wrapped up.......c'mon now.

michelle said...

I love your routine and routine and sounds of that routine - can be immensely comforting! For me it is the evenings in fron tof the TV (Idol is on now!) with my dog - yes, even talking to her about the show sometimes!

Christie - Fine Lines said...

I think anyone who has been through illness appreciates all that normalcy and routine. Sounds good to me! I'm following American Idol this year, too, and am liking it so far!! Take care.

Cloudia said...

What a delightful and wise post!




Aloha from Waikiki


Comfort Spiral

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Peppermint Ph.D. said...

Ya'll are definitely an exciting couple...the simple things are the best things...and the most meaningful I think ;)

Deb said...

every day you have together is a blessing....watching Idol to tonight...just now getting into it this year...

Deb said...

every day you have together is a blessing....watching Idol to tonight...just now getting into it this year...

twbcountrygirl said...

I hope y'all's weekend is filled with fun and time well spent together.
the wanna be country girl - Caroline

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

You're so fortunate to recognize that those simple pleasures are the thread that hold the tapestry of life together. Without them, there is nothing.

Enjoy your weekend away.

mrs mediocrity said...

I totally get what you are saying. And it is hard to be cheerful at this time of year, but soon, Spring will be here for real and things we look better. I think you need a hug. Sending you one now...

A New England Life said...

You can't be anymore fun than my husband and I, believe me!

I like that George has his own couch : )

It is just bitter outside. Next week should be a bit better though. You and your husband will enjoy it, together.

Mary Lou said...

Bless you, my friend.

Bluebird49 said...

Frankly, there is nothing more comforting to me than our simple and very boring life. It's when we get out of that--for one reason or another--that I feel----strange.

JacksDad said...

Well, George having his OWN couch just makes me laugh. I wouldn't know what to do with a dog that only used one couch!!

:)

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Yes, the gift of an ordinary day. I remember the boring drone of the golf shows my dad always watched--I miss it!
V

GailO said...

HeeHee...you sound an awful lot like me and Mr O:)

I think they drag out this part of Idol way too long!

spindrift,maine said...

I completely understand, Kate. Now is all we have. xo

tainterturtles said...

What a great idea to buy tulips for yourself. I love the color.

Nice photo of George all cozy and sleepy.

Ellen said...

Okay, you are officially more fun than John and I!!!

Sometimes, just being together is the best use of time.

Donna S. said...

I'll take the boring!!! Better than drama or worst! :) Have a great weekend & do have some fun.

Marcie said...

We often joke that our dog has her own couch as well. What a sweetheart..and I love the tulips. So filled with hope for spring!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I am thankful for boring. Boring is good.

WPgirl said...

Sounds like an evening around our house. Sometimes my husband drives me batty in the evening but I'm glad he's there. He has had Multiple Sclerosis for 30 years. He's doing ok and for that I thank God.

JaneK said...

I am relatively new to your blog so don't know your husband's history. The anticipation of each scan must be so painful....
Enjoying the simple things of life and the normalness of daily routine should be something we should all relish in. It is a great gift to find happiness in the simple, but meaningful, things of life. May someday this be you natural inclination without the anxiety of the next scan! And thank you for reminding us of the important things in life.

SouthernSass said...

I love the simple things in life. My husband loves to watch hockey; me not so much!

Sometimes cheerfulness is over-rated, or maybe I say that because I have been down in the dumps too here lately. Have a fun weekend!

Unknown said...

I think your evenings sound enchanted.
Sound like peace.
Which is what we are all seeking , really.
Fleeting or eternal , however, whenever.

Your space here feels like that.

I wish it for you always.

Nurse Nancy said...

I am happy when we are in the same room....being together is the best part. Have fun this weekend!

Gail Dixon said...

Sorry you are feeling blue. Hopefully better by now...

My husband has sports on tv all the freakin' frackin' time and I get so annoyed! Wish I could adopt your positive attitude about that. But it really does get old. Fast.

Enjoying your tulips and George napping on the couch photos.

Kate@CatchupwithKate said...

you evening sounds like a blast and very similar to life in our house. Loved the rhetorical question at the end... too...

Daryl said...

Second only to us ... and I am SOOOO excited you will be here in one sleep ...

Misty DawnS said...

Gorgeous photographs, and I know what you mean about being a little bit down... I think it's the weather in my case and the lack of photography.
I'm pouting because I can't watch American Idol right now, because our cable is out and our house is torn apart and it's a long story. LOL

Kerri Farley said...

Oh sweet friend ..... I know where you are coming from. Each day is a blessing. I am sorry you are down but I know you've got Tons of Fun coming up for you this weekend :) Enjoy!!

Carolynn Anctil said...

To be together, to be safe, to be healthy. These are not small things and truly worthy of great thanks. I'm not sure I could put up with the hockey though.....

Hugs all 'round.

xoxo
Carolynn

Jeanne Walker said...

Kinda can appreciate your comment about living from 'scan to scan'...that's how my little sister is living right now...except that her cancer is active. It does make you appreciate life more, not sweating the small stuff, and picking your battles...but most of all, doing a whole lot of praying for myself and other people.

Love tulips...love your tulips. Love dogs.....love your George!

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend from the woman who is wearing flip flops right now!

Jeanne Walker said...

PS: Have a great time with the 'sistas'!

Skogkjerring said...

I know you said not to answer your last question there, but hey, you kinda gave me no choice there...you both sound like a hoot! You're as exciting as I like to be and therefore I think you guys sound great! Can't help but smile when I think of your honey with his SLEEPING BAG in the living room and you with your favourite blanket (which I'm sure is amazing) and then George your fur baby on his very own couch...what a great family you have!! hahahaha...and the sleepy george photos remind me of the gang here, can often sneak photos of them and they barely open their eyes!! I think they are just trying to make it difficult for me to get a great photo- on purpose!! They know what they are doing!
Everyone has blue days, the problem is when those days turn into months and years...I can only imagine your husband's illness lies over your life like a giant rain cloud and you just hope from day to day you won't need your umbrella...
I hope, my friend, that your days will be filled with sunshine and rainbows....and hockey games for years and years to come..

Dawn said...

Woot! Sounds like a perfect evening to me!!!!

Mental P Mama said...

I cannot wait to give you a big ol' hug!!!!

Jan's camera said...

Normal is a wonderful thing. Enjoy your weekend.

Gone Country said...

I know what you mean by liking the normalcy of having the TV on even if it's something you don't care to watch. For me, it's hearing my husband come in and out of the house or playing his video games or watching his 'guy flicks! It's comforting after almost losing him shortly after we were married. Treasure the moments!

I smile every time I see a picture of George! Thanks!

ELK said...

i like the way you describe the happy normal that is your life .. it is truly a gift ..exciting? ..yes in a wonderful way it is Kate...as always the lovely shots to go along with your thoughts ... so nice

Unknown said...

Sounds an awful lot like our house.....(it's a very very very fine house....ok, sorry about that)....we do boring stuff like watch the Science channel....and only "he" is an official nerd (engineer)....sounds great Kate!....smiles.

Lili said...

You always express yourself so beautifully Kate, and I really admire that. xo ~Lili

Mary said...

As I write this, we are sitting under blankets, and it was warm today! Reading the Times, surfing the blogs and watching Oceans 11 on tv... Cat is snoring beside me on the sofa.

The little things are really the important things. And you are so brave. (((hugs))) for you. Hope you are having a blast this weekend. We are going in search of the ocean tomorrow if it's not too rainy. :)
xoxo

Low Tide High Style said...

I think even the most cheerful of people are entitled to a little "down" time. I love the pictures of George and the tulips, and I hope you had a very fun weekend!

Kat :)

Country Gal said...

I will answer that question . Yoy both sound like lovely people.
Hubby and I arent the most fun couple either but we enjoy eachothers company very much and every eve we usually end up in our favorite couch or chair napping with the tv on and yes Miggy has her couch to like you I wouldn't have it any other way ! Have a great day !

Anonymous said...

I agree, life's simple pleasures are the very best. I loooove evenings at home with my love and my kitties scattered about, everyone doing their own thing under one roof. Going out is fun but home and routine is the best.

The JR said...

Shoot, my hubby is snoring by 8....

outlast wool blanketAdded said...

I know what the importance of little things to make me smile and give me pleasure and you are also talking about this.
Thank you for sharing.