A laugh out loud day.

An ordinary, go to work day evolved into a better than anticipated experience quite innocently. The regular schedule of get up, do chores and get ready for work had been the rule of the day. It was an unremarkable drive to work until it happened. Nothing big, really, but it changed the whole tone of the day.

It was snowy and cold, like every day this winter, and as I drove a commotion caught my eye off to the right. A couple dogs were running with wild abandon playing tag around a row of fir trees. They'd circle, run between trees, jump, turn, advance and retreat all the while barking and yipping. Their sport made me laugh out loud. All of a sudden my day had been changed for the better.

I found the day was improved for the duration of work, made a bit brighter by the aforementioned scene. Later in the day, the barn cats brought me another laugh out loud. I had entered the barn and found Kitty chasing a feather, catching it, and rolling and tossing it again and again.

I have never monitored how many times I laugh out loud in a day when there is no one around. I suspect it isn't all that often but now I know why we keep these animals around. The opportunity to spontaneously laugh seemed to color the remainder of the day for the better.

This day made me think about how great it is to have humor show up in unexpected ways. Here's wishing you a laugh out loud day.

Oops, this is not Kitty, it is Zorro. That is a story for another day.

A good reason to go out on a "bad" day.

This particular "bad" day was gorgeous, but exceedingly cold at below zero.

The radio which awoke us that morning made me want to stay in bed. Eight degrees below zero was enough to make me welcome a warm bed. Unfortunately, that was not an option when the animals, having weathered a very cold night, needed their morning grub. Oh well.

Up and about, I got through the getting ready routine and headed out the door. This particular day had one wonderful attribute - no wind! True it was still bitterly cold and the sun was trying to lift itself over the horizon, but it was clear and beautiful with the hoar frost clinging to... everything. I needed pictures.

I spent the next 20 minutes taking pictures of bushes, fences, the chicken house, etc. I had to stop at times to put my gloves back on because my hands couldn't take the cold. I was also afraid the camera would freeze. It didn't and I got over it. It was a memorable day and I got my reward for needing to drag myself out and about on my appointed rounds.

Somehow the day seems better for having spent the time out in the wonder of the extreme world with the beauty that is there for all to see but consumed by few. I'm thankful.

I will share more of the pics, maybe when summer is here and we're all complaining about how hot it is. Enjoy every day's beauty.