The Sounds of Summer

According to Amanda, nothing says summer like back-yard barbeques, the roar of motorcycle engines, and sizzling weenies. I would also like to add the aroma of freshly mowed lawns, over-sugared kids with ADD, a slow and savory novel, and the crackle of ice when fresh lemonade meets glass.

As kids, the summers stretched on forever. Each day a smorgasbord of popsicles, running through the hose, picnics in the front yard, and scraped knees. Who can forget those late night hide-and-seek games? I remember Mrs. Martinez scolding me from her bedroom window as I hid below in her lilac bush. The pennies and nickels I collected were never wasted. A bike ride around the corner and I could buy chocolate footballs, Sixlets, and if I saved up enough, the holy grail: a Fun Dip complete with 2 sugar Lik-em sticks.

Like most Hispanic families, relatives were in abundance and never far away. Each weekend was a camping trip, a softball game, a birthday party, or a backyard barbeque. Cousins to play with! My mom and aunties cooked delicious dishes. My dad and uncles drank beer and played horseshoes.

At grilling time, my dad packed the Weber with Kingsford charcoal briquettes and doused it with starter fluid, which my uncle Bill called ‘poker juice’. On one occasion dad struck the match and tossed it in. WHOOSH! Every hair on his face was white. 20+ years later, my best friend Theresa still won’t let him forget it.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I hope you take the time to slow down and pour the lemonade. Take the glass outside and feel the cool grass in your toes. Even though your grill is most likely gas, throw on some weenies and listen to them sizzle!