I just finished the most recent round of Sock Madness. I believe I have advanced to the next round, but won’t know for sure until the organizers wake up in the morning.

While I bask in the glow of a freshly completed pair of socks on Rudi’s feet, let me also reflect back on three beautiful things from the past week:

1. Along with much of the East Coast, D.C. has been experiencing a drought that has brought with it the danger of wildfires. This past week, we’ve had rain. Blessed wet rain.

2. I pass through Franklin Square on the same afternoon as its lawns have been mowed. You’d be surprised how infrequently you smell cut grass in the city.

3. The new washing machine and dryer for our building were delivered Monday, and our landlord surprised us with rolls of quarters. We have washed loads and loads (literally) of clothing and linens. It’s nice to see piles of clean wash, rather than an overflowing laundry basket. And it’s also equally nice not to have count pairs of underwear to see if handwashing is necessary.

How about you? What’s been beautiful in your world this week?