Southern Living

As the thunder rolls and the rain gently falls outside, Callie stays diligently by my side. I am flattered. However, today she's not just a shadow but more often than not, a stumble or a tripper. She hates loud noises; including but not limited to thunder, hair dryers, vacuums, lawn mowers, power washers, etc. Kinda odd for a big dog but hey, we love her anyways and she does provide a chuckle when she hides with her head under the bed.

One of my favorite things about living in the south, or mid-south, are the magnolia trees. The blossoms are so fragrant and gorgeous and the trees vibrant and massive with the large leaves providing steady shade from the sun. Growing up our next door neighbor, Mrs. Heiney, (I know funny name but that lady was all class and oh so nice) had 2 massive magnolia trees, one on either side of her house. She of course had kept them well manicured and trimmed and they were the perfect height to have picnics underneath, bring the dolls out, or just use our imaginations.

At our current home, we have a small one out front which doesn't provide any shade and isn't tall enough for Callie and I to enjoy during a pleasant afternoon. It does however, have the glorious blooms.

The tree has had about half a dozen blooms so far this year and I always make a point of stopping by for a strong inhale of the fragrance every time I am outside. 

They bring back such happy memories of my childhood. 

For instance, these were used as  bombs which we would throw at the neighborhood boys. As I'm sure you can imagine, the big the tree, the bigger the blossom, which only equaled bigger bombs. 

I lead a simple, happy childhood. 

Now, off to protect my 4-legged, black, daughter from the horrendous thunder. 

Cheers!