THERE was discussion at work after a loudly-humming radiator required bleeding.

A couple of us, homeowners both, concluded that performing this task was one of life’s little pleasures.

I have a collection of radiator keys at home and my spirits always leap when I have to put them to use. It is all very satisfying as you insert the key and gently open the valve a quarter turn, producing a hiss – more of a whisper really – followed by a trickle of dirty water and you know you are returning your poorly, flatulent heating system to rude health.

Sad, I know, but when you get to my age you get your kicks where you can.

It got me thinking about other pleasing things – not comparable with events such as the birth of your children – but satisfying nonetheless.

So after some serious investigative journalism (staring out of the window), here’s my list of things that briefly make life a little more bearable. And they’re all fit for a family newspaper.

Popping the seal on a new jar of coffee with a spoon.

In a similar vein, popping bubble-wrap (this one is truly addictive and may result in said bubble-wrap being wrested from your hands by a grown-up instructing you ‘I still need that’).

Removing a splinter from your finger with a pin. The splinter must be in your non-writing hand to make the control of the pin more precise and therefore pleasure-inducing.

Thwacking a cricket ball in the sweet spot of the bat.

Discovering there’s one last Jaffa Cake/Licorice Allsort/Pringle in the packet when you thought you’d eaten them all.

Taking the drudgery out of form-filling by using a nice flowing pen and hitting your groove just in time to do a lovely swirly signature at the end.

Achieving nice straight lines on your lawn with your mower.

Discovering your car insurance renewal price is cheaper than all the quotes on the price comparison websites and then re-reading the magical words ‘you don’t need to do anything to renew your policy’.

Getting to Friday night with the intent of cooking a meal and your other half suggests ‘Shall we get a takeaway?’ Thinking it’s a week day when you wake up on a weekend and realising you can turn back over and go back to sleep.

Finding a parking spot on Bank Holiday Monday at the place you’ve chosen to visit.

Parallel parking your car into that tight space on the first attempt.

Scratching an itch.

That lovely feeling after a shower when you tilt your head to the side and the water in your ear trickles out.

That’s my list for now.

What funny little things make your heart sing?