If it was my home...

Coverage of the oil spill in the gulf is all over the news, but even so, it's easy to forget what so many people are dealing with. There's a website that puts it into perspective a bit.

I took a screen shot, above, that how massive the oil spill really is by placing it over where you live. You can change the map to another location, even putting the spill back in the gulf.

So remember, even if it's out of sight, it doesn't have to be out of mind. Current estimates put the amount of oil being discharged from the broken well at above 1,050,000 US gallons per day, and there are over 400 different species of animals living in the area affected by the spill.

Also on the site are ways to help, so let's put our good intentions to action!

For more information, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Mary Mary Quite Contrary...

...How does your garden grow?

With tomato plants three

and herbs for you and me.

That's how Mandy's garden grows!

Well, this is my first year planting tomatoes, and they are looking great! We planted three Roma tomato plants, and by the looks of the picture below, they are a bit too close together. They really look more like a tomato bush. Whoops! I'll know better next year.

Our banana peppers also are looking good, as you can see below. There are a a few peppers that are getting just about big enough to eat.

Our debut herbs (rosemary, cilantro and parsley) are doing well, and the perennials we planted last year (chives, oregano, mint) are really taking over!

What is it about gardening that makes you feel so good? I wonder if there are studies that cite the health benefits of gardening because of all the endorphins the body releases?

Maybe it feels good because of the inherent hope. Beginning something small and cultivating it to fruition. Thinking about all the future possibilites ... canned tomatoes, salsa, homemade spaghetti sauce.

It's kind of like that in life, too, I guess. Without hope, what have you got? Our lives begin small, but with the love and nurture of those around us—parents, grandparents, friends—we grow into something beautiful and, hopefully, useful to the world. Being less wasteful and taking care of the earth. Living compassionately and taking care of our neighbor, whether he is next door or on the other side of the globe.