Late Bloomers

Here we are, having just welcomed Fall,

and are mere days from turning another page on the calendar to usher in a new month,

both leading to the conclusion that Summer is officially over.

...but apparently my gardenias didn't get the memo.

A new crop of heavily fragrant white blooms are popping up

all across the dark glossy green bushes in my yard.

But I'm not complaining,

but considering them an extended summer blessing

...and enjoying!  

Did you know that gardenias are a genus of the coffee plant,
and there are around 140 species of them?

They are also the national flower of Pakistan.

And in France, gardenias are traditionally worn by men as boutonnieres

when in evening dress.

And one last tidbit of information, 

with one of the species, if water touches the white flowers, 

they immediately turn brown.

Pretty interesting, huh?

 I love the pure, simple beauty and lovely fragrance of these late bloomers!

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On another note.... 

My friend, Julia, and I went to Raleigh and Clayton for the day, Wednesday.

We were on the back streets of Raleigh looking for a particular consignment store,

when I spotted the truck below, parked in front of Blackjack Brewery...

The Pho Nomenal Dumpling Food Truck,

operated by Sunny, Sophia, and Becca.

 The trio made it to the finale, as contestants

of Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race, Season Six,

which will air this Sunday night.

{Borrowed Photo}

I've been following the series as Pho Nomenol, 

along with six other food trucks, competed down Route 66,

 and was pretty excited to happen upon their truck.

...so much so, that I squealed when I saw it,

and almost caused my friend to wreck her car!  True story!

...I think she's forgiven me!  ;)

Good luck to these ladies!

...bring home a win to the Carolinas!

And I hope that you all have a great weekend!

Ours will be wet, but it's still a weekend!  :)

~Rhonda

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