I sat next to her, hand sewing, but highly distracted. Her very presence held me captive.

I had received a call at HG. The woman on the other line was hesitant, and slightly frantic. She explained that her husband had been preparing to take out the now-expired Christmas tree. He heard a commotion inside the tree.

For five dollars and twenty cents I was on a treasure hunt. I headed out my back door into the garden.

My first stop: a Bigroot Geranium. The upper foliage on this evergreen perennial was a delightful shade of warm red with light green veins. A quick rub released a unique fragrance. Mmm. I put it in my basket.

It was all decided on the spur of a moment. Well, more like on a Facebook post. A challenge was posted to one friend from another about a walk in the woods. I chimed in that I wanted in on that. Quick and energy-filled posting back and forth and we were decided. Boyd Big Tree Preserve, just above Harrisburg. New Year's Eve day, high noon.

I have had the complete luxury of walking in the woods two weekends in a row. The first, on Christmas day, was with my husband. The second, on New Year's Eve day with two of my dearest friends.