Periodically, I try to take myself by the collar and say "Bateman, wake up. Open your eyes. Hold on a second and look around." Nature has treasures to offer, if we will only pause for a moment, take a few deep breaths and smile. Some of the bounteous gifts come in late summer with the last flourish of flowers before fall. To call this roadside tapestry "weeds" is a travesty. The asters and goldenrod form a mural more lush and gorgeous than any Persian carpet. - Robert Bateman