Season's gleanings

Pickings get slim after summer has had its way with our gardens: They get that played-out look, full of leggy stragglers and hangers-on.

Which is why Robert made gold from straw with this little centerpiece he pulled together for a dinner with Ben, Ken, Kathy and Carl.

Those purplish leaves are from the smoke trees outside the library -- one great backdrop for the last zinnias standing.