A daily post of Happy.
Day 305: I love clean. I love to clean, I love enjoying clean things, the smell of clean, the look of clean...it makes me Happy. Today has been a really wonderful "reset day": the kind of day where I've been able to cross off all kinds of things from my "list", including polishing Grammy P's old copper pots. Another Timmins treasure rescued from Value Village, I thought it might be nice to bring them home and shine them up. Well. I wasn't sure what to expect...I've never polished copper before...but boy oh boy. Don't they just *shine*?? I'm SO pleased. They really transform that corner of the kitchen. I'm so excited to cook my first meal in them! #GrammyP #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 30, 2015 at 2:02pm PDT
Day 304: Happiness is finishing a great work day and coming out to an empty parking lot only to face a beautiful sunny sky, a gorgeous warm summer breeze, and a weekend full of possibilities. TGIF! #chipnight #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 29, 2015 at 2:30pm PDT
Day 303: Whodunit?! I'm not going to tell. Tonight I was treated to a showing of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap". Our local theatre is just awesome. What a great show! Had me guessing until the end. Thanks for a great evening, Friend. Much needed, much appreciated!! #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 28, 2015 at 8:52pm PDT
Day 302: Presented by my lovely roomie as though she were one of Barker's Babes, I offer you today's Happy: the television and VCR strapped down on the giant cart on wheels that kids who grew up in the 80s and 90s like I did recognize as one of the most exciting things to see on a school day. I think I can safely speak for most of my classmates that seeing this bad boy being wheeled in brought with it the promise of entertainment, or at least a break from writing notes. Mr Eley used this guy once or twice in his instructional days, on the days he wasn't writing blackboards and blackboards of long hand notes (when he *could* write...on the days people didn't steal all of his chalk haha). Oh, what fun. Yes, on TVs just like this I watched Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, King Lear and for some reason I recall watching the Little Mermaid in Mrs Hopcraft's class. Not 100% sure about that one, but it seems to be there. Anyway seeing it in the halls at work today made me laugh! I had no idea these were still used, let alone that we had one. It made me pretty Happy to see it today. #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 27, 2015 at 7:48pm PDT
Day 301: "Ooh la la! J'adore la bicyclette!" These are possibly my favourite pyjama bottoms. They make me laugh every time I see them. The little exclamations, the Scottie in the basket...so cute. As well, when I wear them I pretty much have "I Got A Bicycle" by Coco Love Alcorn looping endlessly in my head, which isn't a bad thing as I love the song (if you don't know it I strongly recommend a Google). All in all these jammies make me pretty Happy. Also, noteworthy: I've done 300 days of this "Happy" business! Apart from the time I committed myself to quitting biting my nails for keeps (which I didn't do until I was 22...I was a voracious nail biter) this is maybe the longest project I've been able to stick with. Apologies to anyone who has found them annoying, I'm nearly done. 64 days to go!! #gonnaneedanewprojectsoon #maybe365daysoffitness #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 26, 2015 at 7:23pm PDT
Day 300: In the room that was once my office, after some plastering and painting, fiddling and fixing, my guest room is ready! I'm so pleased with it. It's made up of more of the Timmins things I was able to bring back with me when the house closed: the bed, lamp and side table from The Brown Room, the knit pillow from The Pink Room, the teddy bear from The Downstairs Bedroom, and the picture of the sheep from above the bed from The Stamp Room. The bedspread was one of Grammy's. I think this was her "spring" ensemble...but I could be wrong. She did have several, one for each season if I'm not mistaken. This room makes me pretty Happy...a small bit of Home. #whoiscomingforasleepover #GrammyP #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 25, 2015 at 7:22pm PDT
Day 299: Last summer, my first summer owning Lovely House, I had no end to problems trying to get my grass cut. I didn't have the money to buy new so I bought used. I went through two different lawn mowers and borrowed my neighbour's a couple of times which got me through but I was incredibly frustrated with my lack of independence. Proper lawn care was drilled into me at a young age by my Gumpo P whose yard I looked after for years when I lived in Timmins. He kept it immaculate and expected me to hold to the same standard...such to the point that I did it twice each cut: once east to west and once north to south. I must admit it looked great when it was all cut just so, and ever since then I really try to keep my own property in the same way. When the Timmins house sold in March I was able to bring many things home, including Gumpo P's old electric mower. I don't know if this is the same one I used all those years ago, but let me tell you: it works like a charm. I don't care that it's electric, it's a little less convenient than gas perhaps, but it's WAY easier to start and it CUTS THE GRASS. I'm thrilled!! Today this little old electric mower made me pretty Happy. #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 24, 2015 at 8:39pm PDT
Day 298: Last night I spent the night at my sister's family cottage, "Hudson's Rock". It's an absolutely beautiful spot up near Tobermory, and the morning sunshine off the lake was stunning. This morning we enjoyed a lazy bike ride, a rousing game of Old Maid with the kidlets, and sitting by the wood stove watching a roaring fire (roaring because V was diligent in her duties to keep it going all through the night...it was like a sauna lol). Feeling very lucky today. #Tobermory #HudsonsRock #luckyhotdog #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 23, 2015 at 8:09am PDT
Day 297: "...softness in his eyes, iron in his thighs, virtue in his heart...[something something] every part of the Mighty Hercules!" I may not remember it perfectly, but I sure remember it well. TeleToon Retro, you beautiful thing. Kids, THESE were cartoons!! #Hercules #TeleToon #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 22, 2015 at 9:39pm PDT
Day 296: A trashed kitchen displays evidence of a night well spent with great people. Another bonfire in the bank. Loving this spring/summer so far! #imnevergonnagetthesmellofsmokeoutofmyhair #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 21, 2015 at 8:22pm PDT
Day 295: Grilled pork chops, bought from the Farmers Market on Saturday. Delicious!! #alsobrusselsprouts #imightbeobsessed #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 20, 2015 at 6:15pm PDT
Day 294: I know I've posted about this room before but...gosh it makes me Happy. And now that I've finally got the record player and stereo running, now that I have the pictures I brought home from Timmins on the walls, now that the chair in the corner is cleared off from junk to make a cozy reading nook, it makes me even Happier. As much as the friggin roof situation might stress me out, I do love my lovely little house. #itsthelittlethings #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 19, 2015 at 6:24pm PDT
Day 293: Happiness is having two comfy deck chairs to sit on out on your veranda during a thunderstorm to watch the power of nature. #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 18, 2015 at 8:07pm PDT
Day 292: "You remind me of the babe (what babe?)...the babe with the power (what power?)...the power of voodoo (who do?)...you do! Do what? Remind me of the babe!" Long weekend movie day. "Swiss Family Robinson", "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea", and bit of others including "Labyrinth". David Bowie as Jareth will forever make me happy. #dancemagicdance #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 17, 2015 at 11:06am PDT
Day 291: Pretty excited to try these guys. That is all. #smores #reversesmores #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 16, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT
Day 290: Sometimes I think I have this whole "being an adult" thing figured out, other times not so much. Brussel sprouts, which I love, to me seem very "adult". As a kid I doubt you could have paid me to eat them but now, as an "adult", they are a favourite treat of mine (cooking them up in toasted sesame seed oil, salt and pepper as you see here is a particular delight!). Some "adult" stuff I can do. Some I feel I am weaker at. Today, Friends, I got the estimate from the roofers what it will take to fix the ice problem here at Lovely House. Well, after receiving the estimate and hearing the explanation from the very kind roofing man, I have one thing to say: "uncle". I know somehow it'll all work out, it always does, but boy oh boy. I wish that I could just run away and build a fort or race to the swing set or something a call it a day. A Friend of mine posted something about needing to find someone "more adult...someone who adults better, an adultier adult"...and I couldn't agree more. In the absence of that adultier adult, I will fake it till I make it and enjoy my brussel sprouts. #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 15, 2015 at 4:08pm PDT
Day 289: Oh, how I love a campfire. I just love everything about it: the smell, the sound, the sight of the crackling wood, the food cooked on it, the fun of spending time with Friends with great conversation, the fresh air. Ah, how I love it. What I might love most of all is how when I go to bed after a campfire, I can still smell it in my hair and somehow it makes me feel so warm and cosy. Absolutely fantastic evening. Thanks Ladies!! #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 14, 2015 at 8:35pm PDT
Day 288: "Chicks and geese and ducks better scurry, when I take you out in my surrey! When I take you out in my surrey with the friiiiiiiiiiiiinge on top!" (Now you!) Oh, what a beautiful...evening! In case you don't know, the Cineplex runs a "classic movie" series and it's just wonderful. Some movies were *meant* to be seen on the big screen! I've seen Sunset Boulevard, Dracula (the original black and white version) Frankenstein, Miracle on 34th Street, and so many others. And now, tonight, I saw Oklahoma! And it was just perfect. Right from the first moment you see Curley riding on that gorgeous morning singing that fabulous song...oh, it made me Happy. #pointsifyougotthehiddenreference #ira #cineplex #oklahoma #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 13, 2015 at 7:05pm PDT
Day 287: ...how is it possible that I have gone through 32 years of this life without ever knowing the wonder of a fabric shaver?! You guys...it makes clothes like NEW again without picking off every ball of fluff!! I cannot even begin to express how Happy this made me today haha! #itsthelittlethings #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 12, 2015 at 8:34pm PDT
Day 286: Happiness...no, *perfection* is spending a lovely evening with a truly kindred spirit, watching Anne of Green Gables, feasting on delicious stir fried rice and absolutely delectable lava cookies. Perfect. I really needed this today. Thanks Friend. #TomorrowIsAlwaysFreshWithNoMistakesInIt #WeMissYouGilbert #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 11, 2015 at 6:32pm PDT
Day 285: Not going to buck the trend today. There have been so many posts about mothers and I would be remiss if I didn't boast a little about my own. Today my Happy is dedicated to my own wonderful mother, the very best mother there is!! For 32 years she has been my nurturer, my confidant, my counsellor, my teacher, my protector and my Friend. She has raised six rambunctious kids, is Momo to four fabulous grandkids, works full-time, is active in her church, and still makes time to cultivate a beautiful home life that is welcoming and warm. So for you, Momo, Happy Mothers Day! Thanks for just being you. Xoxoxo #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 10, 2015 at 3:25pm PDT
Day 284: Today I attended one of the loveliest bridal showers I have ever attended. The food was superb (see photo...nom nom nom) the games were fun (I totally won a prize!) and the company was just lovely. Can't think of a nicer way to spend an afternoon. Very Happy to have been invited, and very very Happy I was able to attend. #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 9, 2015 at 8:56pm PDT
Day 283: For yesterday. I hate being behind a day. It feels like cheating to write two in one day. It was worth it though, worth it to FINALLY be able to play this game. This glorious party game for Horrible People. And...yes, it pretty much is exactly that lol. Definitely not for the faint of heart or those lacking a strong sense of humour. Last evening a group of us went out for some delicious delicious sushi action, and then rendezvous-ed at V&N's for post-supper merriment. This game (not this particular set but I forgot to get a photo of V&N's super party expansion version) was brought out and I really didn't know much about it, just that it can be kind of "inappropriate" depending on the group playing. Well. I probably would have ate less sushi if I'd known I'd be laughing that hard. Actually, I couldn't write last night because I had a splitting headache from all the laughing. True (though it probably doesn't help that I'm battling a cold again and so when I laugh I cough...basically when I got home I pretty much just had to lie down haha). Anyway it was a great time, great game, and I think just about everyone went away feeling pretty Happy. #CardsAgainstHumanity #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 9, 2015 at 8:52pm PDT
Day 282: I wish there was a good "Before" photo so you all could fully appreciate this "After". The Garden Fairy came to my home today. Yes, it's a real person! She's positively fantastic! What was once a dreary and drab shade garden now looks clean, cheerful and organized. I'm beyond thrilled! Thank you Garden Fairy!! #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 7, 2015 at 3:25pm PDT
Day 281: Enjoying a Big Mac combo for McHappy Day. I personally know of more than a few families who have had to make use of Ronald McDonald House, and I was Happy to be a small part of supporting them a little today. #McHappyDay #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 6, 2015 at 7:45pm PDT
Day 280: Friends, I'm so excited/happy I just might burst. My music room is becoming a reality!! Back in the summer last year when Grammy P's house was starting to get cleared out and being prepped for selling, I salvaged as much of the original home stereo system as I could. Music has always been a big thing for me, and I loved the idea of being able to use her stereo and records in my home. One of my favourite memories at her house was the evening we had a little record party in the basement. I think my mom was there, and Soupy, and of course Grammy but I can't remember if there were others. We went through the collection and I distinctly remember playing "Breezin'" by George Benson, and I think we might have danced too haha! Oh, what happy memories. I can also vividly remember my Gumpo playing his Christmas records, and how the popping and cracking of a record somehow makes me feel like home. The speakers were blown and the record player shot by the time I got to them last summer, but I saved them from the dump. I figured I'd take it all home and see if I could get it fixed up and get things working. Well, there is this magical fix-it man in the town where I live. He has got me all back up and running, and tonight I fumbled my way through setting it all up (I was just too excited to wait for my Engineer lol). And, let me tell you, when the first tones came out of those speakers, when those first crackles filled the air, I was so Happy I just about started to cry. For a brief moment I was back in the basement of that wonderful home, 169 Spruce North, and I felt such joy. I can imagine how happy they would both be if they were here with me today. Funny too...today is the anniversary of Gumpo P's passing...it's somewhat fitting that things started working today. Ah, how I miss them both. I feel like they are a little closer today. Such Happy. #luckyhotdog #LovelyHouse #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 5, 2015 at 4:01pm PDT
Day 279: The other night I was gifted this little token of appreciation from a local school as a thank you for presenting at their Parents Night. Again, I don't do the job for the "atta-boy's" but they are sincerely appreciated when offered. What made this little parcel that much more special was getting to share it tonight while reconnecting with a dear Friend that I haven't seen in far too long. I love nights like this one: spending them with great people and just acknowledging how lucky I am. Having pizza, wings and gourmet chocolate doesn't hurt either ;) #luckyhotdog #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 4, 2015 at 7:17pm PDT
Day 278: Happiness is enjoying "a little rest" on a warm, quiet Sunday afternoon. Curling up in the afghan my mom made me, Ella Fitzgerald playing softly in the background, laundry drying on the clothesline...there are few things I like better than days like this, really. #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 3, 2015 at 11:58am PDT
Day 277: What a gorgeous day!! A beautiful, summery-like day...perfect for "Florida Cleaning" the car. Casper got a real deep clean today, bumper to bumper, and it feels like I'm driving a new car again. I spend SO much time in my car that having it be so filthy was driving me insane (pun intended). It felt so good to "reset" it today. #FloridaClean #Casper #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 2, 2015 at 7:33pm PDT
Day 276: Another super fun bathroom sign! Part of me is curious about the back story of this one, but more of me is not. #bathroomsigns #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on May 1, 2015 at 11:25am PDT
Day 275: No flushing of hopes or dreams while enjoying wood-fired pizza in CWood. It says so right there. #thanksyouregreat #signsigneverywhereasign #clever #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on Apr 30, 2015 at 8:55pm PDT
Day 274: Happiness is the first bonfire of the year! #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on Apr 29, 2015 at 4:43pm PDT
Day 273: I've been travelling with work the last 24 hours. Some of the best bits of the work I'm involved in are the colleagues I have, and on weeks like this one its just lovely to get a chance to reconnect. It's wonderful to have conversations with people who understand the ins and outs of what I do for my living, and fantastic to get to swap "war stories". A few of us went out for supper this evening and the laughter and merriment were abundant. I learned some new things about ex-hockey players, and generally just had a wonderful time with people I don't see very often. Reconnecting with them made me pretty Happy today. Collapsing into this lovely king-sized bed doesn't hurt either ;). #RIPPeterZezel #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on Apr 28, 2015 at 9:05pm PDT
Day 272: "Red sky at night, sailor's delight!" This beautiful colouring caught my eye tonight. #365happydays A photo posted by @kaileyjane82 on Apr 27, 2015 at 7:39pm PDT
