Insert clever title here…

     Any list of simple pleasures must contain the following, and here’s why……

The warmth of the sun on your face after a long cold spell, the kind that sinks into your bones and warms your soul so that you feel as if you could take on any task and conquer the world. This is also the same sun that entices you to find a quiet corner, a good book, and a warm cuppa (insert beverage of choice here) and act as though you have every intention of reading it, when you are quite certain that if you are still long enough you will sleep the sleep of the justifiably lazy.

It goes without saying that any time spent with animals, preferably tame and cuddly, is a simple pleasure. They lower your blood pressure, unless of course they have just peed on your feet or carpet, they love you unconditionally, and their personalities are so darn amusing. And slobber washes off. If you don’t kiss your dog on the lips, or feed him sparingly from your dinner plate, stop reading now, there is something wrong with you. It goes without saying that they sleep in your bed with you.

 Then there is the unsurpassed pleasure of sitting by the lake “fishing”. My idea of fishing is to cast out your line into one of the numerous lakes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and wait for a trout to swim by, as they are wont to do periodically,  pack yourself into a comfortable position on a fallen log, or loose rock formation (here is where mass amounts of jackets and sweatshirts come in handy), enjoy an occassional nibble from some beef jerky (purchased OF COURSE from Mahagony Smoked Meats in Bishop), a bite of crisp apple and cheddar cheese, and sip on some coffee from your thermos. Added to this is the soft wind/breeze blowing through the pines trees and across the water with the soft sound of lapping water on the shore, and the whisper of the pine needles swaying with the flow of the air currents. At this point, one must close one’s eyes to prevent the glare of the sun off the water from blinding you. Napping is optional, and usually unavoidable. This is when those pesky fish decide to strike.

 I think perhaps another simple pleasure is the look on the face of the person you have just presented a gift to that is the perfect gift. Yes, that too is a priceless moment.

A first trip to Disneyland is always a delight, but hardly free. Or simple. But a delight none the less.

If you are a kid, the big box that the washer came in is manna from heaven. Better, because manna had to be bestowed daily as it disappeared. A big box can last an inordinately long time if you are careful.

A favorite movie that you love to watch over and over, with a big bowl of popcorn, with REAL butter, and a special friend to share it with that loves it as much as you do. The kind of movie that you can quote chapter and verse, so to speak.

Coming home from work after a LONG and TIRING day to find that someone made you dinner, a good dinner,  and you don’t have to clear up afterwards, either.

A pedicure at one of those spa places where they massage your feet and legs and the foot bath has jacuzzi jets. UMMM.

A special someone to rub your shoulders and back. and ocassionally if it leads to something a little more frisky, well, it’s no body’s business but your own. Yeah.