Today DH and I had a lunch that you couldnÂt pay any amount of money to experience: the winds blowing through the chimes provided us a Symphony in G; the Hummers, Rosy Grosbeaks and Orioles were constant Entertainment; and the scenery surrounding our "dining table" made this a Little Bit of Heaven.

This weekend has had the most beautifully incredible weather I can ever remember having since we moved to this part of the San Jaquin Valley. Copious amounts of winter and spring rain, plus unseasonably cool temperatures and cool winds have all contributed to this yearÂs amazing floral displays. It would seem that every plant that has struggled to survived has had confirmation of itÂs existence and been allowed to flourish. Everywhere I look I see picture-perfect vignettes of hardscape, trees and flowers that beg to be photographed so IÂll never forget them.

I thank God for allowing us the opportunity to have this precious experience.

But, I find I must also thank all those men and women who have put their everyday lives aside to go to wars where history eventually proves they have secured for us the freedoms we now enjoy. Without their sacrifices America wouldnÂt be what it is today.

And, while I am by no means a Hawk, I must also thank all those soldiers who have, once again, gone off, and will still go, to fight in an unpopular war to help preserve the worldÂs freedoms and stand up to a future historyÂs scrutiny..... so I may continue to enjoy future days like today.... God willing.