Memories

My favorite fruit stand is now open, so summer must be here. I stopped by the other day and got a load of squash, new potatoes, tomatoes, and peaches. I also got their last two cantaloupes which, by the smell (which is my method, you may be a “squeezer”) should taste great. What I didn’t get was a watermelon, but that will be on my shopping list next time.

When I was a kid the two things I loved most about summer were homemade ice cream and watermelon. In those days before residential air conditioning, watermelon and ice cream were the great natural remedies to Dallas summertime heart.

I can remember wanting to help my grandfather unload the huge watermelon from his car and being warned about the fact that it would be “ruined” if I dropped it. I carried it like it was a newborn infant! I also remember him getting out his huge knife to slice it in half and teaching me about how the “heart” of the watermelon is the part that tastes the best. I also remember him cranking by hand fresh homemade ice cream, peach and strawberry being his favorites. Those are powerful memories. 

I don’t know what your plans are for the summer, but I hope that you will create some memories. And I encourage you to discover those memories that aren’t dependent on a lot of money or a shopping mall or an online catalogue. Even with the heat the Dallas summer provides its own catalogue of visual and culinary feasts. Go to the arboretum, grill out with real mesquite wood, open a ripe watermelon, take your grandkids to get snow cones. Go to a ballgame or bike across Plano. 

And don’t forget that church is still open for business every single Sunday morning. Those may be the most important memories of all.

Don Underwood