In thanks for simple pleasures

From start to finish, yesterday would have to be the best day yet of 2006, at least from my perspective. After reflecting upon the precious moments that unfolded throughout the day which made me smile, laugh, and openly exclaim enthusiastic gratitude, Monday, Feb. 6 stands out as a winner. Its timeline reflects a vast array of simple, much-appreciated pleasures.

• Sun and blue sky.
• Clear roads, easy driving.
  
• Dozens of empty spaces in the airport's metered parking lot.
• A brief encounter with a former student, Maya Benner, flanked by her parents and headed off for the experience of a lifetime---six months in Christchurch, New Zealand.
  
• No wait for Annie, who was coming down the steps as I walked inside the terminal.
• A thoughtful gift from Annie--North Face walkers with strings attached--other than the shoe strings. I'm to wear 'em only when she's not wearing hers, which match.
  
• Fun at the Bon Macy's and Nordstrom perfume counters. Didya know you can't find toujour mai anymore? Maybe the Internet will net us a bottle of Mother's favorite perfume.
• New classy slip-on black, leather walkers; I used that oft-heard excuse while telling the clerk just why I needed those new shoes---the dog ate my others. True story. Kiwi loves all shoes with that special (no not stinky) Marianne scent.
  
• A walk in Riverfront Park with Annie and Kiwi.
• A television interview with the KREM folks about the rotten Super Bowl referees while strolling past O'Doherty's. Even Kiwi got her three seconds of fame.
  
• Banter with the staff while eating lunch at our favorite Irish Pub--again, O'Doherty's.
• A visit to Gonzaga's bookstore for a Zags sweatshirt, hat and two Zagsnuts. Candy bars for us; Zag gear for Mother and Willie, respectively.
  
• A $40 parking ticket with big red letters on the back side suggesting that Gonzaga visitors don't have to pay.
  
• A pleasant drive home where snow-capped mountains enjoyed a long-awaited coming-out party, and we enjoyed a long-awaited chance to once again revel at their beauty.
• A host of small private planes taking turns with landings and take-offs at the airport next door; a noticeable increase in afternoon joggers and bikers on Great Northern Road.
  
• A beaming Mother who loves her new crimson-and-blue Zags sweatshirt---so much so, she'll wear it to the airport when we head for Texas.
• An evening spent watching a mesmerizing movie (The Constant Gardener) with my two grown-up babies, my doggie baby and the cat crowd.
• A call from Bill in Boise with news that Willie can dogsit when he heads down there later this month. I think these dog owners are going to New Zealand. Maybe they'll see Maya.
  
• A nail biting-frustrating basketball match between two Catholic colleges. How could "Hail Mary's" help Gonzaga as they seemingly explored every tactic possible to lose against their Catholic rivals last night? But, by the grace of some God, they won---in the LAST half second.

Yes, a little Mastercard contributed to the action, which I consider priceless, right down to the last ray of sunshine. After enduring the past few weeks of gloom, we've earned every moment of gratitude for these simple pleasures.