happiness is . . .

lee is going paddling with me, so she sends me a picture and asks if she should pack this:

 yes, i'll have to deal with the wild child on the boat.  i'll make sure we both have life jackets, i think we'll need them.

two weeks ago, i bought a package of basil at publix.  the basil comes sealed in a plastic bag.  sometimes you need to dig to find a pack that isn't the least bit past its prime.  when i got it home, rather than wrap it in a damp paper towel and chuck it in the fridge, i stuck it in a cup of water on the window sill.  two weeks later, it is still chugging away.  it has even blossomed.  when i went to change the water yesterday, i noticed something amazing:

it likes me.  it really likes me.  who'd a thunk packaged basil would grow.  it makes my kitchen smell wonderful.  i went shopping this morning and yes, i bought a new bag for a salad i am making.  i haven't the heart to eat my buddy.  it's the first time i've ever successfully grown basil.

and if you have read this far, i saved the best for last.  day before yesterday in the middle of the kitchen, kidlet uttered words i hadn't heard in over twelve years:

                                                           "I'm happy!"

if you've read this blog for any length of time, you might have just an inkling of how wonderful it was to hear this from her mouth.  life is good.