I Tasted Summer Last Night

There is really no other way to describe it. I got some plums at a farm stand at the Middlesex County Fair (in NJ). As I bit into the thin, but ever so crackly skin, the golden flesh beneath it was so soft, sun drenched, and juicy. It evoked everything the summer is, and all the smells and activities of the season were dancing on my tongue.

Definitely being at the fair didn't hurt, but when I had another one this morning the results were the same. One bite, and I was at the beach, in the pool, playing net ball with the kids, summer evenings on the porch, barbecuing and riding bikes at dusk.

The fair itself was great. Lots of rides (with lots of lights), though we didn't end up going on any of them. After the magic show, animals, acrobat show, face painting, window (actually tent)shopping, Skee Ball! and fireworks, it got too late, and everyone had had a good time.

A few minutes before the fireworks were supposed to start we headed in the general direction of where they would be. We were told "anywhere, just kind of look up and you'll see them." As much as this seemed like a good plan, I love fireworks, and was able o determine based on which part of "the sky" I was advised to look up at, where I wanted to be for optimal viewing. We walked through the fairgrounds, and found the farm stand along the way, continuing to the giant,Paul Bunyan sized Turkey Hill cow mascot, as the first explosions began. They were right on top of us, and there was plenty of room for us to stop and watch without blocking any foot traffic. One of the kids echoed my thoughts when she noted all the people just walking on, not even glancing skyward. We did. What a treat.

Imagine, a cool summer night sitting on the grass, lights strung up between tents, the tall rides glowing in the night sky, hearing shouts of glee and laughter from the rides and entertainment, and watching the fireworks splash pulsating colors on your wide-eyed children's faces.

Perfect.