I'm into old cars, and I own a 1969 Camaro convertible. (Thus, the Ragtop name) It's been a cold spring here, but yesterday we finally got a warm sunny day that allowed me to put the top down and go for a cruise.

I hit the country roads, and just soaked in the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of a beautiful late spring day. the fresh air. The wind in my hair. The sun on my face. The trees and flowers in bloom. And, of course, the sound of a good 'ol V-8 thundering down the road.

Unfortunately, when I got back into town, I started to feel the burn in my feet again, which reminded me that I still have this nasty disease. But that still couldn't take the smile off my face - it lasted all day.

I'm fortunate to still be able to do many of the things I love, just not as often or for as long as I used to. But if there is one positive thing about having this illness - it has helped me to take in and appreciate some of the simple things that I used to take for granted.

Thanks for your post! Lots of smiles here.

Thanks Ragtop for telling us of your great day - sounds like it was awesome!

I hope this thread continues - and that others share their good times. In the midst of all the hard days it's inspiring to read what others do when the 'stars align' and give us a great day treat.

I had a good day a few weeks back and remember thinking I was feeling the best I had in a while, the weather was good and I was getting things done and that it would be nice if there was a 'good day' thread to share.

Ragtop - hope you have many more great days to come and the Camaro gets out of the garage lots over the summer.

I'll jump in here and continue if I may. Friday, my daughter dropped her dog off to stay and, despite my ribs and the Hypersensitivity, he is still the only thing - living or inanimate - I can bear touching me. He laid behind my legs all night.

Saturday, I got to spend 4 happy hours with my Granddaughter, 17 months old and in a great mood despite the teething.

Problems now they have gone, obviously, but those who know me realise my pleasure is fleeting - and extra special for that.

Dave.

In the past ten days, waiting for my toe to fully heal, and waiting nervously on a dermatologist appointment to survey something my podiatrist said looked "suspicious" I spent a lot of time thinking how I would want to spend my time if it was melanoma. I went and made a reservation for a yurt at a local state park on the spur of the moment. Sat on the deck all day with a great view of the lake, my husband and youngest son brought the dog over and joined me for a hike, dinner and a campfire. Husband ran son and dog home ( dogs not welcome in yurts, son welcome but working on Eagle Scout he gets enough camping without going with us.). Listened to the rain all night long, cleared off in morning, we made and ate a pound of bacon just the two of us, more deck sitting drinking tea, watching the mist clear over the lake, brought dog back for another walk. Perfect 24 hours.
Dermatologist dismissed spot as nothing to worry about, toe finally showing real improvement, but even if I am not going to die soon I want more days like that! Just being outside instead of at home fretting about the dust bunnies about to take over the house because of my ineffectiveness, or worrying about everyone else's emotional state. It really takes something like a cancer scare to figure out what makes us happy and what drags us down, and to feel entitled to pursue the former and avoid the latter.
Another great topic!

I am glad for every nice day, also. We had a quiet two days, working on the yard and me putting up planters with petunias in them. My seedlings are growing quickly now.

Weezie follows us around while we worked. She likes to have us outside with her. My goldfinches are singing away and I saw a siskin (a northern wild finch) even at my fluff dispenser.

It is nice to see this thread here today.

Thanks Ragtop for starting this thread and thanks to all those that posted to it.

Nice to read about some "happy" stuff on NT.

Great thread. I am a truly lucky individual, so even my really bad days health-wise, can still be some of my best days, because I have people in my life and things that I love that make it so.

For instance, a few months back, I had a horror of a day with head to toe pin pricks and pain, even in my throat, mouth, and eyes. It was a bad flare, and I was fearing it was my "new normal". I broke down on my couch, telling my husband that it wasn't fair and I don't think I can do this for the rest of my life. He just held me, looked me in the eye, and said no matter what, everything is going to be fine, and we always find a way to feel good again.

Afterwards, he ordered pizza (I typically am very careful with my diet-but I love food-and sometimes, you just need a pizza haha), put on a Stephen Hawking documentary, and (very gently!!) held me on his lap with a (very soft! haha) blanket around us. By the end of the documentary, you would have had to shoot the smile off of my face. I love science, and learning about space and the universe-something about it really puts things into perspective for me. It helps me to separate from myself a bit. That memory is so bright and so full of love, it makes me smile every time I think of it, even though I felt terrible physically.

My flare started diminishing over the next couple of days

In general, I keep myself very busy, as it helps me to stay out of my head. I love reading, I'm an artist, I do a few crafting type things, I love cooking, and now neuropathy has spawned a new interest, and I've started making (and even selling) my own body lotions, bars, etc. Keeping my brain full and heavy is always a big thing for me. We're buying a house right now-so I'm looking forward to even more crafting and hobbies-redoing floors, painting, etc.

Thanks for your story ellsac - its great to hear that you can still do so many of the things you love. Staying busy does seem to be a good way to remove yourself from some of the pain.

Well...some of it is sheer stubborn will that I will often pay for haha-but to me at this point, it is worth it. I want to enjoy as much as I can while I can.