Smells...

I remember being a little girl and running to the door when my dad came home from work. It was my favorite time of day and I loved to jump into his arms and take a deep breath. The smell of machine shop was on his clothes and in his pickup. Whenever I smell that scent, I can close my eyes and remember being a little girl again.
There are certain smells that bring back certain feelings and thoughts. I will be walking around the shipping and receiving area at NAPA and smell apple Jolly Ranchers, thinking of my long-time co-worker Larry, who passed away from cancer. He always had candy and a smile on his face. Whenever I smell sawdust, I think of my Grandpa and Dad working in the basement at our Ponderosa Court house. The smell of gear oil makes me think about the first time I was "allowed" to change gears in the late model. And the smell of wet dog reminds me of Koda - my prince and best friend.
I often wonder what Koda thinks when he smells familiar scents. He can pick me out of a crowd of 100 and can follow a scent that is 24 hours old, but what about familiar scents. Does he remember the smell of his first find? Do we hike through the Black Hills and he recognizes the smell of a tree someone he knows brushed up against?
Whatever the case, take note of the things that make you smile and remember the good times.