We lost two neighbors today. They were two large old cherry trees that stood over our back fence. I've sworn at those trees many times when the birds dropped their messy fruit all over my yard. The neighbor has tried to contain the trees over the years by pruning, but that only served to make them rather grotesque in shape.

Tom and I spent the day in the greenhouse putting in plumbing for the new aquaponics system. We had a general idea of where we wanted the supply line to go but no exact plans. The supply line hooks to the pump in the fish tank and pumps water out to each of the grow beds we are connecting. We started at the pump and worked our way around the greenhouse. I'll have to post pictures at some point. It was actually fun to figure out each step of the way, working together to problem solve each piece.

This morning I was in the kitchen standing at the sink when suddenly a hummingbird flew right up the window and stopped in front of me. It stayed for only a moment and then moved on. I smiled and wondered what made that hummingbird stop and say good morning.

Over the last two years, I have added a number of plants to my yard that provide nectar for hummingbirds. But they aren't in bloom. With the cold weather we've had, everything is pretty sorry looking at the moment. I guess I'd have to say, it was simply a thank you for all my efforts.

I quit a job today. It wasn't your ordinary job. I actually worked for two different companies, one each owned by a father and son. One company I get paid for and the other is a startup. I finally reached the point I couldn't do it anymore. During the last year, I've compromised my values and given until I have nothing left to give. So, this morning, I quit.

I've chosen to get healthy this year along with the help of some family members. What I didn't expect was a new spurt of personal growth to go with it. Maybe its because we are relying on one another for motivation and strength to stick with getting healthy. Maybe its running this website and putting myself on the line. I'm not sure which. All I know is that I'm opening my eyes and seeing some things about myself I don't like. It's a painful process that I haven't gone through in a while.