I spent most of Sunday washing the family van. Usually this task gets me cranky long before it's finished, but this time, it was great fun all the way through, and I really got into it.

Why was that?

Great weather for it. Got the kids involved. Cranked up the boombox with some great stuff -- a couple of homemade party mixes, a Buffett, the Motown greatest, and then a mellow Neil Young to cap it off. (Apologies to the neighbors, especially when I joined in the singing on a few numbers.) Used both garden hoses, which was handy. The Mrs. fueled us with a fine lunch. We took some breaks for cool drinks. Neighbors dropped by -- one bearing gifts. And all the car washing gear was on hand and working well. Besides, the vehicle really needed it.

Many hours later, a very clean van emerged, and along with it a ridiculously strong sense of satisfaction on my part. I'm not sure I'll ever understand why. Perhaps it's because I have a bit of a tan.

Perhaps it's best not to ask.