Joy To You Baby, Wherever You Are

It was my first full day on my own, and it worked out pretty okay.

I got up early (as I do every day) and made myself some eggs and toast.

I was so proud of the pups, because they slept cuddled together all night without bickering.

After breakfast, I had some meetings and then saw some counseling clients while Jessie did her magic in my house. I am continually amazed at how sparkling clean she makes the whole place. The difference before Jessie is here and after she leaves is like night and day, and I am still so grateful for her help.

I had more meetings, saw some clients, worked on school stuff, and went to the dump with a load of yard stuff that needed to be disposed of. The yard and garden and garage all look so great. I’m thrilled!

Later on in the afternoon, the dogs and I took a nap. I did a quick run to NaKyrsie Meats for some nitrate-free hot dogs. I spent a while making Greek sauce for the hot dog, and was very happy with the result (with cheddar cheese and beet kraut for good measure).

I’ve spent the evening reading, listening to music, chatting with my mother-in-law and then my parents on the phone. Ivy is resting, Coco is chewing up something she shouldn’t be eating, and the house is peaceful and calm. And so, so quiet.

I’ve been pondering one of my favorite Josh Ritter songs tonight, and I had to share it with you:

I go to the parties

Throw my hands in the air

I drink what they pour me

The cups of “who cares?”

Go up in the night sky

Up in the clouds

Fly over the houses

I’m looking down

Joy to the city

Joy to the streets

And joy to you baby, wherever you sleep

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Tonight, tonight, tonight

There’s no ghosts in the graveyard

That’s not where they live

They float in between us

‘What is’ and ‘what if’

And cast our own shadows

Before our own eyes

You don’t get them up here though

They don’t come up high

Joy to the city

The parking lot lights

The lion of evening

With the rain in its eyes

Joy to the freeway

And joy to the cars

And joy to you baby, wherever you are

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Tonight, tonight, tonight

There’s pain in whatever

We stumble upon

If I never had met you

You couldn’t have gone

But then I couldn’t have met you

We couldn’t have been

I guess it all adds up

To joy to the end

Joy to the city

The heatwave and all

To the lion of evening

With the storm in its paw

And joy to the many

And joy to the few

And joy to you baby

Joy to me too

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Thanks for reading,

Matt