Bee balm, western mugwort, and wings

Taking the dog for a long walk today and found myself off the beaten path - not only to avoid the mad racing cyclists but also to just hang out in a secluded spot I've only been to once, last winter.

Along the path that was overgrown with long grasses and thistle, there was the scent of bee balm (bergmot) and western mugwort (prairie sage) that filled my nose. This specific plant's (bee balm) leaves smell like oregano when pressed between your fingers and the flower has a round, comb like center. The petals a lovely purple. The flower has a scent all its own, but in the winter if you pick the round comb and crush it, it has a distinct honey smell - utterly sublime. The western mugwort litters the sides of paths and fields all round this city. When trod upon, it releases the prairie sage scent, which is slightly dustier than other varieties of sage. The two together should be made into a personal fragrance. Granted one might then smell like an Italian grandmother if you only used the leaves of the bee balm with the mugwort, but I can certainly think of worse things one could smell of.

At the end of this path are two benches and an arch of fence in a reverse U shape about 20 feet around the benches to prevent anyone from falling down the steep slope. In sight is a river, meandering through the park below, and trees surrounding. Nailed to the fence are several former food cans (I suspect cat food) into which people can put bird seed. The chickadees are so tame and curious that they will flutter about and land close to your head whilst cocking their head to one side seeing if you have food for them. Other birds were there, then left due to the dog, but I should return with black sunflower seeds (the chickadees love them) and some other bird seed. The flutter of wings genuinely sets my soul at ease. Imagine 20 small birds all fluttering to and fro curious yet timid, all wondering if you have gifts for them.