Another Award

I was so surprised to find a comment from a reader, Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski, who awarded Sandy and I with the Happy 101 award. Even though I know we have several followers, and possibly who read our blog, I am always surprised when I get some tangible proof of that. And that they not only read it, but like it!

As she states in her blog, the award comes with "some accountability" as well. We are to name 10 things that make us happy. And then pass on the award to 10 blogs that make us happy.

I will share the 10 web sites with my co-blogger--Dive #1, but I will list 10 things that make me happy.

1. Snow. Always have loved it, growing up in rural Michigan. Was frequently thrown in snowbanks during my college years from the "unenlightened." Still love it as a semi-old, gray haired lady.
2. Knitting. I learned in my childhood and set it down. I have rediscovered knitting about 6 years ago and usually have some needles and yarn somewhere close by. (Right now I am wearing hand-knit socks and a shawlette and look rather knitterly.)
3. Spinning yarn. I have 3 wheels of my own and several drop spindles. I have made several items from my homespun, and have enough to start a sweater soon.
4. Finding out story's about my ancestors. My favorite was about my 5th great-grandmother, Mary Sitts who was kidnapped and raised by Indians during the Revolutionary War period. Great story.
5. My family. Granted, they can occasionally drive me crazy. (Ok, most of the time.) But Hubby and Older Son and Younger Son can also make me smile.
6. Extended family. Up until last week when I started another part time job, I had weekly lunches with my last two remaining aunts, a cousin and other friends. "Dinner with the Aunts" was always fun, and I also learned a lot about Dad's family during these meals.
7. Gilbert the wonder dog. This overweight red mini-poodle is exasperating as he begs (and gets) food from Hubby, but he is definitely a joy. Something that this confirmed cat lover never thought she would say. Of course he "protects" me from the cats now.
8. Blogging. I often tried to keep a journal and always fell away. Taking pen to paper got so tedious. But I love to blog, as my fingers can type almost as fast as I compose. Much faster than the might pen. In addition to this blog, I have my original--Farm Mom Musings, as well as the Newaygo County Cemetery Ladies, also co-blogged with Sandy.
9. Country living. I have almost always lived in rural areas, always in Michigan. When in college, I often yearned for "country air". I like the roominess. I like the stars you can see at night, and the plants and animals. Geese overhead, and crunching through new snow. Ahh. Can't beat it.
10. Church hymns. I love belting out an oldie but goodie. I may not be the best singer, but I find that the words of a beloved old hymn will often soothe the soul. Current standby is "How Firm a Foundation." Great words. Great message.
    

Now, for my 5 blogs that make me happy. I follow quite a few, but here is a selection of blogs from different fields that always bring a smile to my heart.

1. Bill's Blog--Bill Steffen is a local icon and meteorologist. I remember when I was first out of college he started broadcasting on a local television channel. His blog is full of weather related trivia and a vast knowlege of the local area.
2. A Year of Slow Cooking--I have been following her after her vow to crockpot everyday for a year had ended. But she is always entertaining and I have learned so much. Also purchased 2 new crockpots in different sizes since discovering her.
3. Sault Boat Watcher. I discovered her through a comment on my blog. We both love NASCAR. The pictures she posts of boats passing by her summer home in northernmost Michigan are wonderful.
4. The Counting Sheep Farm is a blog written by a friend, fellow knitter, spinner and fiber fanatic. She home-schools, milk her one cow, and makes all sorts of crafty, farmy things.
5. The Genealogue proclaims itself the be the site with genealogy news you can't possibly use. Maybe so, but it is frequently funny. Often thought provoking.

And there you have it. My five faves. I will refer to my other half for her 10 happiest things and 5 happiest sites.