I spent some time today working on what will be the herb garden beside the deck stairs (click here for a couple of before and after photos.) It is far from done, needing some more digging and weeding, and to be filled with compost and soil, and plants of course but I feel happy with the progress I made in the short time I was working. I eventually want to put some lattice up blocking the view to under the deck.

We knew when we chose to move here, that this property had been bought out of foreclosure. Until today, it never really dawned on me what it must feel like to loose your home. As I dug up that tiny area I found a handful of items (some of them in this picture) that the former owners had left behind. A little frog figurine, glass stones from a broken welcome tile, bits of children’s toys. I wonder what use to be in that hollow area of the butterfly? I suppose the swing set Damian plays on is the biggest reminder but that never really sank in as being “someone else’s”. To me, these things, these little treasures, give the current economic climate a very human face.

It reminds me of how much I have to be grateful for in my life. Michael’s stable and good job, a health happy child, a fantastic circle of friends and wonderful family, a food filled pantry, this house and all that it means for us.

I think that I will put a few of these found treasures throughout my garden in the spirit of recycling as well as to be little reminders of the importance of gratitude.