In honor and celebration of today’s date and the number nine, the following is my list of “Top 9 Simple Pleasures I Enjoy.”

9. Biting into a fresh, crisp, ripe slice of apple…preferably one dipped in caramel.

8. Falling into the cool, crisp sheets of a freshly-made bed.

7. Sitting on my patio in the cool of the evening.

6. Harvesting veggies from my very own backyard garden.

5. Reading a really great book- you know, the kind of story that you never want to end!

4. Drinking the perfect cup of coffee.

3. Snuggling with my dog Baxter while watching a favorite show.

2. Talking and laughing with my girls.

1. Holding hands with my sweetie!

*”We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”- Thornton Wilder