What's that smell?

In my experience smell brings back the strongest memories. I can not smell Old Spice aftershave without remembering my father scooping me up and hugging me when I was a little girl. It was usually right after he had shaved. I would rub my cheek against his and then touch his cheek with my hand because it was so smooth.

Strawberry lip gloss brings back memories of being a pre-teen girl thinking she was all that and a bag of chips because my lips were so shiny and kissable. Smelling a little baby transports me back to holding my own kids when they were infants.

I was recently at a car show where some vintage vehicles were on display. I opened the door of a ~1970 Mitsubishi Colt and was instantly transported to the late 70's, summertime in Florida. The sun beating through the windows onto the vinyl bench seat creates a certain smell that can't be recreated in today's automobiles. I closed my eyes and it was like I was there.

As a teenager I spent many of my summers in Florida with my dear cousins. The girls were all older than me and at least one of them always had a car. We would dig in the couch for coins to buy gas and other necessary beach items, ahem. We would head down to the beach for a day of sun, sand and guy watching. We were trouble waiting to happen and we didn't care. Some of the best times of my life. Wish I could go back now that I know I should have appreciated it more.

And speaking of my dear cousins..... HAPPY BIRHTDAY BONNIE. Big Five-Oh on January 5th. How in the hell did that happen?