DAYTIME Dad said, “You want money? Go make it!” Those lines, over & over in my head. Just finished my sack lunch, then 20 minutes of serious siesta time; even the cicadas were up for a nap in what little shade was made available. Cicadas! Hundreds— clinging to thin mesquite limbs that tossed & turned in a steady coastal breeze; an occasional chirp or solo buzz, no harmonizing, not even a duet. Only the faint hum of a single engine Cesna passing above. Damn it was hot! That Sophomore year, summer break & making pocket money packing watermelons ten miles from the Mexican border. The migrant workers taught “us gringos” the finer points of living. Lunch then a nap, a siesta. But today something wasn’t right. I spoke some Spanish but I couldn’t keep up with this conversation. Next thing, they were off and running. Then dust from a Border Patrol vehicle breaking next to us, doors flung open, the black boots, the pursuit. The celery green color of the government jeep matching the color of the Cesna. Lucky the cicadas were quiet. And they knew to run.
NIGHTTIME The lights were on. Three fields lit bright. Chalked lines, red clayey dirt, green Johnson grass and the cicadas. Cicadas! Drawn here by the big banks of flood lights. Cicadas! Thousands upon thousands, maybe millions, they came to watch and cheer along with the tight jean halter topped girls sitting in the stands, snow cones in hand.
And me. Chewing Double Bubble! I’m out there, uniformed, playing short stop. Cleats dug in, legs spread wide, leaning in towards home plate and with the pitcher staring down the batter the cicadas’ electrified chant begins. Like a lopsided flywheel beginning to spin, slowly picking up speed. Faster and faster and we join in, mimicking the cicadas, everyone but the pitcher, “ying-ying-ying-ying-ying!” Still faster and faster, the cicadas, the team, me, “ying-ying-ying-ying-ying,” the pitch! And, “SWING BATTER!”
HOT DAYS Packing watermelon we always managed to drop a watermelon or two, scoop out the heart meat, then get back to packing. Win or loose the game, girlfriends were always waiting by the snow cone stand.
Hot days demand watermelons, honeydews & Cavaillon melons. Mangoes & papayas please, consider lemons & limes added to cool water. Stay with peaches & nectarines, yellows or whites. Bing cherries are on a roll, grab ‘em! Harry’s Berries, jumbo blueberries, raspberries & blackberries are in good form too.
EATIN’ RAW It’s easy, tomatoes & mozzarella & basil. Right? And Nancy’s lettuce heads have never been bigger, so salads rule the day. Everyday! Add radishes, micro greens, sweet carrots. Wild asparagus is a raw delicacy. Remember romaine hearts, watercress, arugula, Arcadia mix? What about endive? Tre-color salad! Need protein? Tuna in oil, raw tuna too. Sardines be sooo-ok good for you.
GRILL TIME if you’re gonna cook, go with the grill. Grilled broccoli, zucchini, sweet potatoes, heck, grill some peaches. Salmon, halibut, shrimp or scallops— all love the grill. Throw on chicken, or ribeye steaks, pork chops, lamb chops, and duck, half a duck, it’s the new kid on the block.
MUST MENTION New! Michelle’s Macs, an adult mounds. A chocolate covered delight. Six flavors. Ain’t no stoppin’ us now…
CURBSIDE Continuing curbside for you, but please, best to order the night before and no later than 12 noon the day of. And thank you.