It’s that time of year again when nature is perfuming my yard with a smell favored by me and a neighborhood cat who is fond of sleeping beneath this bush this time of year. Gardenia!

I’ve never been good with trees, shrubs, etc. If you don’t know, ask. Right? I looked up what my cousin called this fine specimen and found names like Fringe Tree, Old Man’s Beard, Grancy Graybeard (Chionanthus virginicus). Whatever it is, it is beautiful!

The beautiful nandinas I cut back were flourishing. But the clover that had grown up around them detracted from my art work. Pulling the clover, and other unwanted greenery, out I discovered an unexpected surprise hidden underneath.

It makes me wonder. What am I missing in my life that I might see if I paused to take a closer look? For instance, when an acquaintance says something so out of character I need to pause and ask, “Where did that come from?”

Why is the poodle skirt often seen at “1950s” theme parties? Because it was so popular! Whoever made mine went overboard on the poodles…

What clothing item was trendy in your childhood?