LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, May 22, 2015

We Love Lucy


We're a bit later than usual in planting our little herb garden on the deck.  This was the year for re-staining so we had to wait for the weather and the workers.  But we still have plenty of summer left to enjoy the fresh herbs in our cooking and salads.

Lucy is always quite interested when we bring anything home and the herbs were no exception.  She checked out each one as we put it in the garage.  She loved the smells.


Checking out each little pot




 No, Mom.  I was only just smelling them.  I didn't bother a thing.




 Any more in there, Dad?




 Oh, and flowers too.  Lovely


 Finally she tired of walking back and forth from the car to the garage, so she stood watching.

 I'll just stand here and guard these for you.

Since we live in the woods, we have little room for a garden, so we grow some herbs in containers on our sunny deck.  Fortunately we have a market nearby that sells fresh produce from local gardeners so we can enjoy the fruits of the labor of others.

This weekend is the traditional "kick-off" for summer in the US.  Memorial Day marks a time for us to remember all those who died in service to our country.  (As opposed to Veteran's Day in which we honor all who served.)  Memorial Day began as "Decoration Day" immediately following the Civil War.

Here in the south, especially in the mountains, most churches and family cemeteries celebrate a Decoration Day in which families of those buried there come together to clean up the cemetery and decorate the graves with flowers.  The hard work is usually followed by a huge potluck picnic.  Many families have family reunions on this day.

In cities and towns all across our country, bands will play and wreaths will be laid at the memorials to those who died in service to our country.  We will all fly our flags high and sing patriotic songs to celebrate this day.

Thus, it is appropriate that our quote of the week is about patriotism.  It comes from Robert Reich, political economist and former Secretary of Labor:

"True patriotism isn't cheap.  It's about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America strong."

Unfortunately there are too few Americans willing to take on a fair share of the burden.  We see a continuing divide among the very rich and the very poor, the haves and the have nots.  Let's all try to do our share for equality.

HAVE A MOST WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE!  STAY SAFE AND SPEND SOME TIME IN REFLECTION

 

13 comments:

Barbara Rogers said...

Yes the disparity is terrible. Wish I knew an answer. Love to see Lucy every Friday! Enjoy the wonderful weather today for planting! Happy holiday too!

Carolina Linthead said...

Beautiful pics of Lucy! Yes, growing disparity and continued systemic disrespect, despite the ubiquitous quips like "thank you for your service", of those who have given so much of themselves, including that last full measure, at their government's behest.

Arkansas Patti said...

Love Lucy's attention to gardening. Such a dog.
We must remember that some gave all.

The Bug said...

The other day Mike & I were talking about how sad it is that organizations like "Wounded Warrior" have to exist. But I'm glad they're there since our government doesn't seem interested in helping veterans when they return home...

Ginnie said...

Lucy is very accomodating. I wonder if she'd let you know if she didn't like one of the plants.
She sure is photogenic.

Lowcarb team member said...

Great idea to grow some herbs in containers on your sunny deck!

Love the pictures of Lucy.

I hope you enjoy your weekend,

All the best Jan

Ms. A said...

Lucy is a great supervisor!

My daughter planted her first large boxed bed and is so excited to finally have the room and be able to do it!

Anonymous said...

Nice to see Lucy guarding those herbs! We have a container garden going here as well, with lots of chard, kale, and spinach. Yum!

Always good to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Cheryl said...

Like dear Lucy I love herbs. There is nothing nicer than going into a garden and picking fresh herbs for cooking :)
I had a Cavalier that used to roll in my thyme bush..... I told my vet, He said she would be trying to heal herself.....in fact several months later we found she had a heart condition, that was causing problems with her lungs??


Always good to remember those long gone..........to honour, to respect..........to come together.

KB said...

Sweet Lucy. She seems like she's become even more attentive to your activities recently. Those herbs must smell wonderful.

I love that quote. I grew up with a father who was an economics professor and who ingrained the notion that "he believed in redistribution of wealth" to prevent true poverty. I agree with him but it seems that few agree with me these days.

I loved hearing about your dream of Ellie. What a sweet dream...

Vicki Lane said...

I'm for requiring some sort of national service for everyone.

KGMom said...

Good dog, Lucy, to help with planting. Good dog.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.