On this day, more than 5 years into the war in Iraq and even longer in Afghanistan, there are many soldiers to thank today, to think about today. And many families who have lived without loved ones for many months and years as their family members serve our country. I just looked at the number of casualties in Iraq, 4080 US casualties confirmed, more if you include the allied forces. Just yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning they said that 4079 had died. I know I should think about all of them, but right now I'm thinking about that one. The one between yesterday and today. Thinking about 4080 people is just so hard to wrap your head around, but I can really grasp that one since yesterday. I can mourn the one since yesterday and pray for their family.
Regardless of everyone's views on these wars, I hope that we can all take a moment today to think about these soldiers who have passed away, the thousands of soldiers who have been wounded and changed forever. I'm thinking about my friend Tony who is in Baghdad right now, no longer serving in the army, but decided to go back to Iraq for the second time, now with the state department. He amazes me, he could be home safe but instead is helping to keep the rest of us safe. Sending lots of prayers to him today so far away and his wife and 2 little kids back home.
My day today was pretty low key. I finished up planting my vegetable garden, and spreading some mulch. Ana ripped out some old bulbs that were on their last legs. I put out the birdbath that I bought and decided to put it on the shady side of the yard to keep it cool for the birds. A house wren has moved into the bird house in the backyard and is tormenting all the other birds that go near the house. It's hard to see inside, so I'm not sure if there are eggs in there or not. But unfortunately it's also right next to the feeder, so there haven't been many birds hanging out back there. Hopefully the wrens will become a little more accepting of the other birds soon.
Here are some pictures of the garden and the yard...
Last year I had one planter with herbs and vegetables, and quite a few of them came back this year. Most of the herbs came back as shown in the photo. The catnip came back with a vengeance, the stuff is out of control! The thyme and oregano came back also, and I think those are peppers coming in again. Then last weekend I planted the tomatoes and green beans. It should be pretty jam packed when they all come in.

This year a bought another planter, and in there there are some more tomatoes, dill, parsley and some snap peas.
Here's a picture along the fence where I planted some blueberry plants, the blackberry plant came back from last year, and I planted a strawberry pot. I've always wanted one of those! There are also some regular plants in between.
Here is a picture of my new birdbath! Isn't it cute?
And I had to add a picture of my baby Eloise. She observed the yard work from where she planted herself on the deck.

I really had a wonderful weekend, my yard looks tremendous! I've taken lots of pictures and I think the practice might be helping! Back to work tomorrow, I want to hang on to the relaxed feeling I have right now, I wonder how long it will last?