Something nice on the Internet

I've had a bad couple of days. I tried to do something nice, and it turned out to make some people unhappy. That sucks. And the way things are on the Internet, with people able to attack without any knowledge of whom they're affecting or how their words cut -- in real life, with real consequences -- it's really hard to find a safe place to say, "I'm sorry, really sorry, that I made you unhappy. I didn't mean it," and ensure the apology is credible.

I Googled "something nice on the Internet," and I got shopping websites. That's sad, isn't it? In this economy? We have to put out money in order to find a salve for our wounded souls.

So if you, like me, are looking for a respite for your weary soul, here's my contribution, starting here, starting now:

- I just saw three birds of prey, one of which was so much larger than the other two that it might have been an eagle, soaring and sparring over my tiny town. The little ones were chasing off the bigger one. And they were definitely all birds of prey, although I couldn't identify them against the hot, white sky. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: Nature is awesome.

- My little dog is a hero. She sounded an alarm last night. I misunderstood and thought she just needed to go outside, so I put on her leash and opened the door -- and there was our kitty Virgil, outside on the porch! He must have sneaked out the last time the door was open! No one knew except Doris Daylily. Good dog! Good girl!

- My neighbor's garden is a riot of daylilies. It's just a joy to see. She told me that she has one in her back yard with blooms bigger than her head, and the name of that cultivar is "Primal Scream." That name is a scream, if you ask me!

- I'm not waiting until tomorrow for a better day. I'm making my day better right now. Ice cream may be involved, but it will be a nice day if it's the last thing I do!