Saturday, July 20, 2019

Fast Five for Mid-Summer

The winner of VICTORIA FALLS is Rick Robiinson! Rick, you can contact James Hornor on Gmail; he's jbhornor.

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: This week is the midpoint of summer, half-way between Memorial day and Labor Day. Everyone is busy traveling, writing, visiting friends, and hopefully enjoying everything the season has to offer, so it's the  perfect moment for another Fast Five!

Favorite ice cream flavor?  Mint chocolate chip, especially Hood's Red Sox Green Monster Mint, where instead of chips you get tiny chocolate socks.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel. Ross and I went on a roller coaster ONCE when our usual roller-coaster loving friend wasn't available and Youngest desperately wanted to ride. Greater love hath no parent than to induce nausea for his child.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both, and sunscreen. Mr. Sol is not your friend, people!

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? I should say mountain retreat because it's more on-brand for my fiction, but I'm going to go with lake house. Preferable one that's also near a ski resort.

Best part of summer so far?  Working on time organization with Celia, July 4th on the eastern Prom in Portland, with fireworks and the PSO, Thrillerfest weekend in NYC!




LUCY BURDETTE:
Favorite ice cream flavor? Can I say root beer float? That's sweet cream ice cream and old fashioned root beer, yum...

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel--turns out a distant relative used to manufacture them, so how could I not?

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Ball cap and sunglasses

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? We're doing double family reunions this summer. My side's took place beside lake Superior, which is incredibly beautiful. Next week beach side with 50 of John's family on Cape Cod. By then we'll need another vacation!

Best part of summer so far? Magical trip to Scotland with a dash of Ireland.



HALLIE EPHRON
Favorite ice cream flavor? The rose and lychee flavored gelato I had in Tuscany.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Pass. Because ten years ago it would have been roller coaster. LOVE roller coasters. But I've read too much about how your brain sloshes around in your skull when you ride one.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Definitely both. I have a straw hat that started out red and blue and green and it's now bleached pastel.

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Beach house. I like to take flat walks.

Best part of summer so far? Of course, teaching in Tuscany for Minerva Education. I worked with the most fantastic writers, ate the best food, and got to bring my husband along. Alora... when are we going back?





HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN

Favorite ice cream flavor? Jamoca Almond Fudge. This is coffee ice cream with chocolate covered almonds. I ASK you--how great  is that?  Summer flavor, though--pineapple sorbet.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?  Roller coaster, theoretically, if don't actually have to ride it.  I think amusement park rides may be a thing of my past. Ferris wheels are, forgive me, boring.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both. Most def. Although my one regret in life (!) is that I look terrible in baseball caps. Sigh. But sunglasses are a gift from the heavens.

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Beach. No question. Because bugs.

Best part of summer so far?  I bought watermelon strawberry seltzer thinking it was pink grapefruit.  But! Mixed with vodka and ice and fresh lime? Winner. And..I dunno, happiness.



DEBORAH CROMBIE:
Favorite ice cream flavor? Haagen Daz Rum Raisin. And vanilla in a root beer float.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel, if I must. Roller coasters are high on my "You couldn't pay me to..." list.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both. Love my big straw gardening hat.

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Hmm. Beach. I've never stayed in a beach house. Putting on my bucket list.

Best part of summer so far? My trip to visit my friend in Kansas City at the beginning of June. Lovely garden, lovely weather, lovely food, fun outings, and a homemade Cosmo or two.



RHYS BOWEN:
Favorite ice cream flavor: Three Twins salted caramel

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?  I hate anything that goes fast but  can tolerate a Ferris Wheel. Especially a giant one with a view over the city.

Hat. Sunglasses or both?  Both when I am out walking or sightseeing. Never leave home without my sunglasses all year after cataract surgery.

Beach house, lakeside cottage or mountain retreat?  Beach house. Definitely. Love beaches especially white sandy ones bordered by palm trees.

Best part of summer so far? That one's easy. Spending two weeks with my daughter's family in a house on the River Seine in France. Such a wonderful time, sitting late on the deck by the river, enjoying a meal and laughing a lot.



Now it's your turn, dear readers! Cut and paste the questions and give us a glimpse of your summer in the comments.


 
Favorite ice cream flavor?

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?

Hat, sunglasses, or both?

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat?

Best part of summer so far?

79 comments:

  1. Favorite ice cream flavor? Dark Chocolate.
    Roller Coaster or Ferris wheel?
    I could maybe manage a ride on the Ferris wheel; the roller coaster is a definite no. I’m not much of a “ride” person; the merry-go-round is always my first and only choice.
    Hat, sunglasses, or both?
    Hat . . . maybe. Sunglasses . . . definitely.
    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat?
    Definitely not the beach house, but the lakeside cottage and the mountain retreat both have some appeal.
    Best part of summer so far?
    That’s easy: Having both daughters and most of the grandbabies here . . . .

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, absolutely the merry-go-round.

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    2. Love the merry-go-round! Truly the only ride that's good for all ages (we have pictures of me standing next to baby Sailor, holding him on the the saddle of a painted steed.)

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  2. Debs, I love Haagen daz rum raisin ice cream, too! I thought I was the only one, though why would they keep making it if there weren't fans? Second favorite from the market: Cheeries Garcia. I also, when inspired, make my own grapefruit granita - Hank, you'd love it.

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    1. Oh, Ben and Jerry's. I can eat an entire container of Chunky Monkey by myself...which is why my house is currently an ice-cream-free zone.

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    2. Happy to know I'm not the only fan, Hallie! Although I have an untouched half pint of Haagen Daz vanilla in my freezer, and just bought one boutique root beer at the local market, so you can guess the plan here...

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    3. Hmmm. Suddenly I'm craving a rootbeer float.

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  3. Favorite ice cream flavor? Strawberry--with chunks of real strawberries

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Neither--don't like the crowds.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both, when the cat is not sleeping on my hat....

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? I'd take any of these because it would mean a real vacation!

    Best part of summer so far? Shorts, bare feet--the simple pleasures!

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    1. Flora - I'm laughing at the cat sleeping on your hat. I recently had a light pashmina I wanted to bring with me laid out on the bed. Of course, the cat fell asleep on it, and I was left with the existential question: toss her off, or select another wrap? You can guess what I did.

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    2. Ha, Flora, the cat sleeps on my garden hat, too. Will have to get a pic to post on Facebook.

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  4. strawberry ice cream
    ferris wheel
    hat, sunglasses, SPF 50
    beach house
    daughter's Cape Cod beach wedding where the MOTB wore flipflops and had freckles and no tan

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    1. Margaret, a Cape Cod beach wedding sounds like the BEST, and I bet you were a spectacular MOTB. I much prefer flip-flops to heels; I'm going to have to start talking up beach weddings now, before anyone gets engaged.

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  5. Favorite ice cream flavor: chunky monkey especially Sweet Claude’s homemade in my hometown.
    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel: roller coaster.
    Hat, sunglasses or both: both - Must do to protect as much as possible.
    Beach house, lake house or mountain retreat: I am a lake girl forever! But enjoy visiting beaches and mountains too.
    Best part of summer: traveling in our RV to visit family and friends. At a lakeside campground this week so definitely in a happy place!

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    1. A lakeside campground is the perfect place to spend this week, Lori. I hope you're spending lots of time in the water, escaping the heat!

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  6. Favorite ice cream flavor?
    Ginger, always hard to find but Shains of Maine make a good one. So other - any really good dark chocolate,

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?
    Nevah, evah! Hate going round at speed in any direction, Bawling kid? Sorry, can’t do it!

    Hat, sunglasses, or both?
    Both - macular degeneration threatens, not to mention other bits feeling degenerative.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat?
    Well I live at the lake, but would love a beach house vacation. I too love to walk the beach. Vision of the Malindi beach rises.

    Best part of summer so far?
    Our new awning to shade the deck and my eyes, thanks to our darling daughter and family. A gift for our Golden.

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    1. Well, you heard it here first, everyone. Celia is a degenerate. It's okay, Celia, we like low company in these parts. :-)

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  7. Favorite ice cream flavor? For the summer, mango sorbet. But any coffee ice cream or variation thereof, rum raisin too, and the one I never can find, black walnut.

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheels terrify me although the London Eye is on my bucket list. I never met a roller coaster I didn't love. However now I'm afraid I'll hurt myself brushing my teeth, so no carnival rides in my future.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both?

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Beach house, on the Gulf, Bolivar Peninsula, Gilchrist, the place of my childhood summers. Where the water is always warm and the jelly fish stings don't hurt all that much.

    Best part of summer so far? This summer hasn't had much in the way of a best part for me, but today we're going to the Strasenburgh Planetarium to see "The Eagle Has Landed." And first we're going out to a fancier-than-a-Greek-diner lunch. That and seeing my labs return to normal. It doesn't take a lot to make me happy.

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    1. Oops, skipped one. Like Triss, I have transition lenses. And unlike everyone else here, I never wear a hat, can't bear the feel of one on my head. On the other hand, I stay out of the sun for the most part.

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    2. Ann! You're an upstate NYer! Did I know that? Maybe. Anyway, I'm a great believer in experiencing happiness in small moments. A delicious Greek meal and a show about the 50th anniversary of the moon landing sounds like a perfect, perfect date to me.

      Congratulations on the lab results - good news!

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    3. We chose to eat at Weggies. No kidding. On to the planetarium

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    4. Laughing out loud. It doesn't get any classier than Wegman's.

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    5. Congrats on the labs, Ann!! So glad you are feeling better!

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  8. Favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla chocolate-chip

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Carousel, please. (Yes, I am a wimp)

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both. Prescrption glasses that turn dark in sun, so no forgetting or losing. Big straw hat -dr. orders. Finally found one that can be packed.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Like the beach but in off season - less crowded and cooler. Otherwise, mountains, I think.Not a swimmer or sun bather. BUT...see below:

    Best part of summer so far? Coming up end of July. Rented house on Cape Cod - yes, beach in peak season!- with our daughters, husbands and 3 small grandkids. Not relaxing but very fun. Our 5th summer in different locations.

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    1. Triss, I'm fascinated by transition lenses. I don't have Rx sunglasses, because if it's off my face, I'm liable to lose it. But I like really dark Polaroid sunglasses (right now I have the old lady kind that pop over my glasses.) Do transition lenses actually get dark-dark?

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    2. Yep, so dark that sometimes I can't see a thing when I go from sun to indoors, until the glasses readjust. It is the prefect solution to needing prescription glasses at all times and needing sunglasses. (Between the hat, the glasses and a ton of sunscreen, summer's not really my favorite season.)

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  9. >>>>Cathy Akers-Jordan! Third and final call! You won Hilary Davidson‘s book… Email me with your address! Hryan at whdh dot com <<<<<

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  10. Hallie, that sounds fabulous! And this is hilarious, listening to our different ice cream choices. How funny… We’re also different. Got to go… The kids and grandkids are here for the weekend, and it is 5,000,000° outside. Thank goodness for the pool… Stay cool, everyone. Xxxxx

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    1. Hank, we want PICTURES of you IN that pool! (For those of you who've missed past pool discussion, Hank and Jonathan have a lovely in-ground pool that Hank hasn't been in in three years, mostly because she's so crazy busy.)

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  11. Favorite ice cream flavor? I'm partial to just plain old chocolate ice cream. Though if you gave me a pint of Haagen-Daaz Chocolate Chocolate Chip, I'd like be willing to kill for you...wait, maybe that's a bad thing to say on a blog dedicated to people whose lives revolve around creating ways to knock people off. Awww the hell with it, I really like that ice cream!

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? When I was a kid I'd say roller coaster. These days, you couldn't pay me to go to a circus or amusement park where either of those "attractions" are usually found.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? I wear sunglasses when driving. I used to notable for always wearing a hat but I don't do so much anymore. Unless I'm going to be outside in the sun for a long period of time. Then it is hat, sunglasses and sunscreen that is quite liberally spread on the exposed skin because of my Irish gene for paleness.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? I guess I'd say wherever I can keep the coolest during the summer months. Of course, beach houses wash away in bad weather, a lakeside cottage sounds like the start of a serial killer novel I'd be the victim in, and I'd likely fall off the mountain. So I think I'll just stay home.

    Best part of summer so far? I generally count ONLY June, July and August as summer months. I don't know that I have a standout moment of the summer so far. However, there's a good chance that my best part of the summer will happen in 12 days. I'm once again going to see Iron Maiden in concert. It's their Legacy of the Beast tour and all the reports when they put on this massive show (there's an actual airplane hanging over the stage during the show!) over in Europe said it was one of the best shows Iron Maiden has ever done. And if you have any idea what that band means to me, any time I get a chance to see them is momentous! I can't wait to hear "The Number of the Beast" and so many other great songs once more and to be exhorted to "SCREAM FOR ME MANSFIELD!!!!"

    Serving as a prelude to summer because it happened on May 11th, a moment that took 30 plus years to happen can be seen in my profile photo over on Facebook. (Some of our JRW bloggers can vouch for this.) I finally got to meet and take a photo with the Metal Queen Doro Pesch. More than three decades after discovering her music, she remains the preeminent woman in the heavy metal community. AND I FINALLY GOT TO MEET HER!!!!

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Deleted and re-typed because the first time I wrote "Joy." There will be no misgendering on JRW!

      Jay, I'm excited for you! A great concert you're looking forward to is always a treat, but there's something so special about a summer concert. I hope you scream and thrash and walk away half-deaf. Please let us know how it went afterwards!

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    3. Julia, no more half-deaf afterwards for me. I have worn earplugs since January 2018 at every show I attend. But I will be sure to let everyone know.

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  12. Coaticook Maple sugar ice cream.
    No roller coaster , no Ferris wheel, I'm a whimp too.
    Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
    Beach house. I love the sea but I'm not going this summer.
    Best part: visiting family and friends. And, I picked raspberries Friday: I love eating all fresh vegetables and berries and fruits

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    1. I'm with you on the fresh vegetables, Danielle. One of the best parts of my summer is getting my weekly Community Supported Agriculture box of organic vegetables picked that day.

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    2. I am late here today because I did my usual first thing on Saturday morning farmer's market run. My favorite thing in the summer, even when it's hot as blazes. Today's haul included tiny sugar-sweet cherry tomatoes, ripe field tomatoes, tiny incredibly fresh okra, bright yellow zucchini (my favorite new veg this summer), an ice-cold brew coffee, and some artichoke hummus and tabouli from the Mediterranean stall. Oh, and some fresh flowers and a new vase from my fave pottery maker. Happy summer!

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  13. Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate chip
    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Definitely Ferris wheel
    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both
    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Mountain retreat. I always feel like something mystical happens when I am far up in the mountains!
    Best part of summer so far? Last weekend we had a family reunion of my husband's family. His mother will turn 91 next week and her sheer joy at having all eight of her children and more than 50 family members surrounding her was something I will treasure forever.

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    1. Finally, a sister mint-chocolate chip lover!

      And the family reunion sounds so lovely, Susan. It's interesting, isn't it - almost all of us, when asked about the best of summer, answer with spending time with family and friends. This is a good group of people here on JRW.

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  14. Favorite ice cream flavor? BR 31 Flavor's Gold Medal Ribbon. It's vanilla with chocolate and swirls of carmel. Yummy!
    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? I Don't. Do. Roller. Coasters! And, I'm still waiting to do a Ferris Wheel. Maybe this summer?
    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Sunglasses and loads of SPF, the higher the number the better.
    Beach house,... No need to finish the question. Beach! Always!
    Best part of summer so far? California Crime Writers Conf. Spent time with amazing people and got to meet two of the best people in our community. Looking forward to finishing off the summer with a week at...(that's right) the beach!

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    1. I'm seeing a theme her, Lyda. We obviously need to do a JRW week-long beach retreat for Writers and Readers. Writers write, readers read, and we all get together in the evening for a fabulous dinner and ice cream.

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  15. Favorite ice cream flavor? Like everyone else in Cincinnati, Graeter's Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. They're also a divine candymaker, so the "chips" are actually chunks of amazing dark chocolate. Close second, but harder to come by: watermelon sherbet or sorbet. This was a favorite in my childhood, but lately I have to make it if I want any.

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Never been a fan of speed or twirly things, so Ferris Wheel. Yawn, I know.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both, plus SPF50.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? My daughter's lake house is lovely, but I also enjoy visiting my other daughter in Boulder, and heading for the cool of the Rockies.

    Best part of summer so far? Moving into our new house, at last! Still need to move more furniture, but we really love it, even without anywhere comfy to sit.

    But the best is yet to come: a big family party in a couple weeks, celebrating hubby and his twin turning 70, warming the new house, and welcoming my sister back to the area after 40 years spent all over the world. And all my kids will be here. Heaven, to me.

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    1. Karen, what a wonderful multi-celebratory event to look forward to! Also, how do you get your daughters to have 1) a lake house and 2) a home in the Rockies? Asking for a friend.

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    2. Ha. I couldn't have stopped them if I'd tried, Julia.

      The lake house is now almost 14 years in the family, and we helped them buy it so we could visit whenever we wanted. But my son-in-law, like his mother before him, has visited that area of Michigan (north end of Torch Lake, "up north") all his life.

      The daughter who lives in Boulder happens to be a rock climber (at one time ranked #6 in the US for women climbers, with sponsors like 510 and EMS), also works in the renewable energy field. Both of those pursuits are most accessible in Boulder.

      Also, did you know tomorrow is National Ice Cream Day?

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  16. Favorite ice cream flavor? Butter brickle or fudge ripple. But these days, lactose intolerance makes ice cream a rare indulgence.

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Definitely Ferris wheel—I office in the shade of the Texas Star. But I really prefer an old-fashioned carousel like the historic Dentzel carousel that also lives in the shade of the Texas Star.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Hat and sunscreen, usually. Also, lots of bug spray.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Mountain retreat because my annual summer quest is to find someplace cooler (temperature-wise) than Texas.

    Best part of summer so far? I’ve been on vacation all week, and I’ve been loving it! Met up with friends, saw a Monet exhibit, took a little road trip, bought a delightful painting. Just hanging out at home is a wonderful thing for me.

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    1. Gigi, I'm thinking it can't be that hard to fine some place COOLER than Texas - although this weekend, you may be more comfortable than we are in the Northeast.

      My oldest is lactose intolerant as well, and she's switched to those real-fruit frozen bars. It's not ice cream, but they are cold and delicious, and no unfortunate side effects later on.

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  17. Favorite ice cream flavor? You know that Dole Whip thingie at Disneyland? A new ice cream place near us, Cauldron, has something very similar, and it's terrific. Baskin Robbins also has some Flavors of the Month that excite me, but I can't remember any of them right now.

    Roller coaster or ferris wheel? Definitely roller coaster. I agree with Hank--ferris wheels are pretty boring. Only once did I feel nauseated after a roller coast ride. That was at Magic Mountain, and I had to look at the ground for a few minutes so as not to urp, but then I was able to recover and eat nachos!

    Hat, sunglasses or both? Sunglasses. I only wish I could wear hats, but my head is too large and apparently weirdly shaped. Not kidding--I wrote a whole Toastmasters speech about my monstrous head, and how it has affected my life.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? I don't have any of those, but I do have a timeshare in Maui that is not exactly on the beach. However, next weekend my sons, daughter-in-law and I, plus my 2-1/2-year-old grandson and 8-month-old (today!) granddaughter will stay in a beachside townhouse in South Lake Tahoe--can't wait!

    Best part of summer so far--spending 4 days over July 4 with those aforementioned family members, watching fireworks, swimming at an aquatic center, eating out, and generally having a fabulous time.

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    1. Margie, if I had thought, I would have added Hawaii - although that's beautiful all year round, not just in the summer.

      I have a large head and a face that somehow looks wrong in 95% of all hats. It's such a trial to find one that's flattering, I've actually had friends GIVE me one of theirs when it turns out to fit. Thank you, Roxanne, and Gail!

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    2. Thank you for helping me not to feel alone, Julia! To make it worse, I have very fair skin that burns easily. I can wear visors, but they expose the part in my hair. So I just smear some sunscreen on my face and head and go. I recently found a gardening hat online--size XL--but it isn't anything I would care to wear in public.

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    3. So funny, you two. I am in the tiny head club:-)

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  18. Favorite ice cream flavor: I fell in love with coffee and chocolate chips a few years ago but this summer I seem to be purchasing raspberry gelato.

    Roller coaster of Ferris wheel: neither. Ferris wheel might be tolerable but it has to stop so others can get on and off, I'll pass on the stopping at the top. Being suspended without walls on a swinging cage/seat/car is not my idea of fun, especially when one's little brother wants to rock the car.

    Hat or Sunglasses or both? If I can't stay in the shade? BOTH most definitely with sunscreen. The hat will need to have a nice floppy brim all the way around.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage or mountain retreat: YES! I'd like all three! What, only one? Okay, beach house but only because I love the ruggedness and views of the north coast.

    Best part of the summer so far: If you could see me rolling my eyes.... Taken no time off..... So, how about it staying light later?

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    1. Deana, your assignment is to do three fun things before summer is over. You don't have to take time off and get away - you can copy Ann and Finta and go to a fave restaurant and then on to a movie/planetarium show/museum exhibit.

      Okay? We're going to ask you what you did in September, so get cracking!

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  19. Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate (of course), with or without anything added to it. Chocolate with fudge swirl or with brownie bits is extra nice!

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel: neither!

    Hat or sunglasses or both: when at home, I always wear sunglasses. On vacation, I often add a floppy hat or sun hat, but never a ball cap!

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat: we always rent a house at Chincoteague Island, where nobody is actually on the ocean but it’s a few minutes away.

    Best part of the summer so far: no snow, sleet, ice, or freezing rain!!!!!!

    DebRo

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    1. "no snow, sleet, ice, or freezing rain!!!!!!"

      DebRo, thank you for helping to keep it all in perspective. :-)

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  20. Shalom Reds and readers. Ice cream? I almost worship at the altar of ice cream. It’s a problem, because I am both lactose intolerant and a diabetic. With the former, I find that if I have small portions of diary food I am ok, especially when I have sugar along with it, like ice cream. I like Breyers and Haagen Dazs ice cream but if I get a half gallon tub or even a pint, I will eat the whole thing in a single evening. So I usually go out instead to Dairy Queen and limit myself to once a week. My appetite abates in the summer, so people always ask, “Are you losing weight?” I weigh myself obsessively every time I shower and I oscillate within a 10-pound range. I think my A1c would be reduced significantly if I lost another 20 pounds. Probably won’t happen if I continue with my ice cream regimen. When I was a kid, we lived not far from a Baskin & Robbins. They had Butterscotch swirl vanilla which they would make a milkshake out of. I loved it. My stomach doesn’t do so well with bananas, so I don’t get banana splits. Right now, I am partial to a DQ Blizzard with vanilla soft-serve and Reese’s peanut butter mini-cups.

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    1. David, you've made me SO hungry with your recitation, I'm going out after I finish my social media and getting a cone from Big daddy's, the local ice cream shack.

      Also, does Lactaid (TM) help at all? My oldest daughter uses it before eating cheese, and it seems to work for her.

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    2. David, isn't soft-serve ice cream made from soy, and not from dairy?

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    3. I think Dairy Queen is all dairy, but I'll check and get back to you. I think Lactaid does work. I know they have milk with the lactose taken out and they also sell tablets that you can take which gives you what you need so you can digest regular milk. I've also purchased soy and almond milk. I'm just in a penny pinching phase.

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  21. Favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate, preferably Hagen-Daz.

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? I'll pass. I'll take a shiny convertible instead, please.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Definitely both. I used to lay on the beach for hours when I was a kid all the way through college, and no one heard of SPF then, we used good old Coppertone. I tan easily and had no problems. But now the spots on my 70+ arms and bald head do testify.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Beach house, without a doubt. I lived at the beach for many years and loved it. Here in Portland, Oregon I'm too far away.

    Best part of summer so far? Working in the garden, same as every year, and the weather here has been wonderful.

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    1. I'd definitely take a shiny convertible as well, Rick. ;-)

      Please tell me you get checked out regularly by a dermatologist, after your misspent youth imitating George Hamilton!

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  22. Favorite ice cream flavor? Last night hubby and I went out for ice cream, and I was delighted that Cold Stone Creamery had coffee flavor. It has become my favorite, but I can be quite happy with regular chocolate and/or strawberry (best with some actual strawberries in it) from a place with less choice.

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel for me. I've never been a fan of the roller coaster. I've been on a few, and I'm sure the bars across the seats still have my finger imprints. I just can't handle the roller coaster. When I took my daughter's family to Universal Orlando (mainly because of Harry Potter, which was for me, too), my son-in-law couldn't get enough of any of the roller coasters, and my younger granddaughter (then 8) was enthusiastic, too. My daughter and other granddaughter joined in, but weren't as gung-ho. I was content to let them ride The Mummy ride over and over and wait outside.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both. I've been wearing sunglasses religiously for some years now, as my mother had macular degeneration, and I worry about that.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? This is a hard choice between a beach house and a mountain retreat. The lakeside cottage is out, as I'm not a big fan of the lakes. Maybe I've seen too many lakeside horror movies. Hahaha! I'd like to have the beach house during the cold months and the mountain retreat during the warmer months.

    Best part of summer so far? Going to visit my hometown of Maysville, KY (on the Ohio River, halfway between Cincinnati, Ohio and Ashland, KY) where I got together with friends and family for every meal I ate there. I fit in all my favorite restaurants and foods while there, and I spent time with those whom I share so many wonderful memories. Two of my friends and I went to Augusta, KY one night to eat, about 20/25 minutes from Maysville, and ate at a restaurant two tables over from George Clooney's parents, who live in Augusta. Nina, George's mother, has a shop there, too, but it was already closed when we got there. Nick, George's dad, and his sister Rosemary Clooney are from Maysville.

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    1. Kathy, your trip back to your home town sounds wonderful. I would keel over if I saw Nick Clooney - in many ways, he's even better looking than his son.

      On a side note about coffee ice cream - I don't like coffee, but I do like the ice cream. Isn't that strange?

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    2. Hahaha! I love that you love Nick Clooney, Julia. He is a very good looking man, although I have to tell you that he is looking quite frail these days. I didn't recognize him at first. I didn't say anything to them. They were with another couple, and I'm sure they get interrupted all the time, so it was enough to just see them. Nick and Rosemary were always the star Clooneys to me, with Rosemary being the pride of Maysville.

      That is odd about you liking coffee ice cream but not coffee. I am a hard-core coffee addict.

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    3. Kathy, there is a fabulous mural of Rosemary Clooney on a four- or five-story building here in Cincinnati. During the last BLINK Festival, there was an animation projected onto the mural of Rosemary singing one of her best songs, with audio. It was wonderful.

      And of course we LOVE Nick here, because he brought us the local news for decades.

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  23. Dulce de leche or praline pecan ice cream. Limoncello sorbet.
    Rides? Neither now. I will ride no more forever.
    Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen. All of it. My hair used to be red.
    Beach house. I would love that. Unfortunately the Gulf of Mexico is having bacteria problems right now. How's the east coast?
    My summer so far? We did drive what felt like several thousand miles to Deadwood and the Black Hills last month. Love the area but decided that it would not be practical for us to move to. Coming up if husband's health exam checks out: Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and coastal NC and SC for househunting.

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    1. All nice areas, Pat! I, too, used to be a redhead, and now every day starts with me brushing my teeth and then putting sunscreen on any part of my body I might expose to the air.

      And at least here in Maine, the coastal waters are fine. COLD, but, clean.

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  24. Favorite ice cream flavor? Pralines and cream. Or any version of chocolate. However, when faced with an ice cream shop, I almost always order a chocolate malt shake. NOT regular chocolate. Has to be malt.

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? I used to love the roller coasters until one of those steel coasters whipped my neck out of place and left me sick for the rest of the day. I still love an old wooden coaster though.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both? I'm with Julia. Both AND sunscreen.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Beach house. I love to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

    Best part of summer so far? My week with my best girlfriend in New Mexico and Colorado. I go out there every year and love the abundant sunshine, which we're in short supply of here in southwestern PA.

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    1. I'm with you, Annette - I often order a chocolate frappe (as we call them in Maine) when at the ice cream shack. Mostly because I've already used up my lifetime allotment of spilling melting ice cream om myself, the picnic table, and innocent bystanders.

      My BFF and former neighbor moved back to Colorado after 17 years in the Northeast, and swears the change in 1) sunshine and 2) humidity levels have cured all her mental health complaints.

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  25. Julia, as my first boss explained to me when I worked at a seasonal fast food place as a teenager, a frappe has ice cream in it. A shake doesn't. So I always order a frappe too!

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    1. I had no idea there was a distinction! I've learned something new today. I like that.

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    2. Frappe is a New England thing. Lime rickey too. Arcane knowledge product of a summer working at Brigham's, Harvard Square. (Who remembers those?)

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    3. I'm glad that I could expand your knowledge base then.

      Triss, frappe may be a New England thing but that's okay because New England matters most. :D LOL

      And yes, I remember Brigham's. There used to be one at the food court at the Silver City Galleria mall in Taunton, MA back in the day when that mall mattered. It was the place I usually chose to eat when I went shopping there.

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    4. Laughing. I should have said more clearly: it's the word "frappe" that is a New England thing, I believe. Other places have other names for it. Ah,Brighams. They used to be all over Massachusetts, but the one at Harvard Sq was the biggest and made for an intersting summer.

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    5. Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage has the best lime rickeys.......

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  26. Favorite ice cream flavor? I'm with Hank in loving Jamoca Almond Fudge. My all-time favorites have been B-R Mandarine Chocolate and the mango ice cream in Jamaica.
    ** PSA, soft serve is usually dairy -- I double-checked with a friend whose son has dairy allergy and who is very involved in education on the subject.
    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Roller coaster, once upon a time but can't take the jouncing now. I can still enjoy the view from a Ferris wheel.
    Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both. I highly recommend the SPF clothing from Solumbra.
    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? All lovely, but I have the best memories from beaches, so that would be first choice.
    Best part of summer so far? Family time, barbecue, sunsets. <3

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  27. Ice cream: intense coffee, especially with fudge or chocolate chunks or almonds. Or raspberry chocolate chip.
    Ride: neither. Total wimp, and get too nauseous to eat coffee ice cream.
    Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, t shirt, umbrella. Had sun poisoning once,
    Where to hang out: grateful to God to go any of those places. Love quiet, sound of water and a view.
    Best part of summer: only one Sunday service, so sitting on the deck Sunday a.m., drinking coffee, feeling luxuriously decadent!

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  28. Rocky road ice cream.
    Ferris wheel. I rode the original one in Vienna with cars that held about 20 people and moved VERY SLOWLY, which was great to see Vienna and the Danube.
    Hat in the garden and sunglasses otherwise. Sometimes a cap if I'm going to be in the sun a lot.
    My nice air conditioned house
    Enjoying my garden.

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  29. Favorite ice cream flavor?
    Breyer's Waffle Cone Overload (vanilla ice cream, chocolate covered waffle cone pieces, and caramel) Had a hard time tracking it down this summer, so it might be a thing of the past, soon. :( Of the traditional flavors, my favorite is definitely chocolate mint

    Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?
    Both! I will gladly ride either one.

    Hat, sunglasses, or both?
    Sunglasses. I hate wearing hats. Since I keep my hair so short, I can't even blame it messing up my hair. I just feel like I look weird in one.

    Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat?
    I would take any of those, really, although I think beach house would be my first choice

    Best part of summer so far?
    Officially getting hired at the job I'd been temping at for 9 months. The Camp Pendleton Mud Run (as always). My parents visiting for the 4th.

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