Also presently in bloom is the humble cow parsnip, also known as Queen Anne's Lace. Purists will argue that this royal name should only be applied to flowers with a spot of red in the very center. In legend, Queen Anne of England (1665-1714; reigned 1702-1714) was said to have been tatting lace one day when she pricked her finger with the sharp little instrument she was using, drawing blood and leaving a single red drop on the lace. Loyal and romantic subjects in America, seeing this lovely lacy flower, some with red spots at the blossom's very heart, named it in the queen's honor.

When I was a little girl attending Bible schools (a summer church activity, usually held on weeknights), one of my teachers taught us a way to cause Queen Anne's Lace to change color. She would cut off the stems at a good length, and we would set them overnight in cups of water mixed with food coloring. I seem to remember my favorites were blue, but by judicious mixing of the food coloring you could make any number of exotic colors. Miss Annabelle--that was her name; an elderly lady, long widowed, her children grown and moved away--was a memorable character for many reasons, but when I see Queen Anne's Lace I always remember her--and smile.

And until next time fair thee well.