I took the above photo in May 2010.

I’ve looked at it every Memorial Day since.

Memorial Day in the United States has somewhat slid from a somber remembrance day to something between that and a fun-filled kick-off of Summer. I think the balance is good. I want to never forget those that gave their lives in service of their country. No matter what I think about war and violence – they were asked or volunteered and they stepped up. But with any loss … those of us left do a service to the loss by living on with integrity, compassion and joy, i.e. making sure the loss was not in vain.

Although our Memorial Day weekend got off to a rocky start…

with the skunking and clean up and accompanying anxiety which took all of Bear’s energy on Saturday morning…

Sunshine and blue sky – unusual for Memorial Day in Montana … but welcome!

Bear was back to himself by Sunday morning. A little funky smelling still: combination of some skunk and the skunk-off neutralizer. It takes awhile to fully go away, but it is not really noticeable except close up.

Not only do we have unusual sun and clear skies for this Memorial Day weekend, we are also having unusually warm (hot to us!) temperatures. We hit 80F yesterday and it looks to be the same today (Monday) and tomorrow.

The lilacs have bloomed and they are wonderfully fragrant inside and outside. The heat of the sun brings out the fragrance when I walk near them outside.

The fushcia (and blue lobelia) are ok with the warmer temperatures: early sun and shaded afternoon warmth.

We are all feeling this first bit of heat. The behemoth air conditioner and fans were drug out of closets … in May! Bear and I are particular heat wimps but Auggie feels it also and was in early in the afternoon until it started to cool off. I know, in another 3 or 4 weeks, if we get some June 90’s, 80’s will feel “cool”.

Even with the heat, we are enjoying a slow and simple weekend with walks, naps, good food and each other’s company.

Remembering … Honoring the sacrifice by living with Joy: Memorial Day weekend.