A few years ago, as we prepped the yard for the Girl Child’s graduation, I planted a pair of Japanese maples. I don’t know why I like these trees so much – there’s a lacy layered-ness to them when shipped right. But there’s also a tie to my parents, though that’s a big stretch.

Regardless, when the late afternoon sun skims across the house and hits the upper leaves, they just pop and glow.