October gardenias

It's the 8th of October and the thermometer in the shade of the screened porch reads 92 degrees. True, it's a decorative instrument and gives, at best, ball park readings. But, it's hot no matter what thermometer one consults.

The bowls of gardenias continue to grace my desk. The gardenia bushes under our bedroom windows are laden with blooms. And, with the temperature as it is, the scent is intense. Ahhh ...