From The Editor
Memories of Fireworks and Homemade Ice Cream
By the time most of you are reading this, the Fourth of July will have come and gone. And as I'm writing this, it is too early to know what type of fireworks festivities I will enjoy on our Nation's birthday. I'm sure my children will want me to detonate some explosives at the house, although our dog finds little pleasure in this activity.
When I was a kid we would light firecrackers and launch bottle rockets in the street. When I was in high school we would launch bottle rockets at each other. Now that I'm an adult, my interest in launching explosives has waned somewhat, but the colorful displays are still fun to watch.
I well remember each summer vacation with my family when my brother would absolutely implore Dad to stop at one of the multitudinous fireworks stands so that he could stock up on as many explosives as he could afford. He was a true pyro. I usually saved my money for other things (plus I could always watch him ignite his fireworks).
The father of our childhood buddy in Miami would always put on a spectacular pyrotechnical show with undoubtedly 'illegal' rockets, roman candles and other sundry explosives. He would launch them into the night sky from the middle of the intersection and we would all 'ooh' and 'ah.' It was very impressive and we always looked forward to it.
I also recall going to Biscayne Bay with my family and watching the fireworks over the water -- but admittedly this memory is foggy. However, when I was older I went to the beach with my buddies for a Fourth of July celebration. The fireworks over the water were spectacular. We picnicked and made ice cream, with all of us taking turns cranking that churn. It seemed to take forever to make that ice cream, but we knew it would be worth it. Finally, it was ready to eat. But for some inexplicable reason, my buddy poured the salty water into the mix. After all of that labor I still had to have some. Have you ever tasted salted ice cream? It was absolutely horrible. I haven't hand-cranked ice cream since that fateful Fourth of July fiasco. (These days I use an electric ice cream maker. I am also sure to keep the salty water separate from the ice cream).
In addition to fireworks, the things that come to my mind when I think of July are picnics, homemade ice cream and barbecues. This month, Janice Kaplan shares a few barbecue recipes, as well as some backyard entertainment ideas.
And speaking of food, Ocala's Wheels on Meals program could use some help. Jessica Chapman paid a visit to the non-profit and writes about what she learned.
In this edition of Senior Times, we also return to a veteran profile. Chris Wilson met with World War II veteran Joe Kowalksi who fought in both the Battle of the Bulge and the Invasion of Normandy.
Enjoy!
