Summertime, summertime, in the good old’ summertime
You know the tune. If you’re in the right age bracket you certainly know this wonderful ditty, but it is likely that you have heard it on a commercial or somewhere. I thought I would use some “poetic license” this week and conjure up my own version. According to the expert on all things – Wikipedia – this is an American Tin Pan Alley song first published in 1902 with music by George Evans and lyrics by Ren Shields. It has been performed over the years by many well-known musicians including Nat King Cole.
“There’s a time in each year, that we always hold dear. Good old church ice cream social time; with the scent of shredded chicken sandwiches and homemade noodles floating on the breeze, good old church ice cream social time is here.
“When your day’s work is over, you shower up, grab your summer shorts and head to the good old church ice cream social – now you’re in the clover. Life is one beautiful rhyme as you find your place in line, you’ll have a great time at the good old church ice cream social.
“Strolling thro’ the ice cream social line with your baby mine; you hold her plate and she holds yours, and that’s a very good sign, that she’s a keeper at the good old church ice cream social time.
“You’ve had your sloppy jo, noodles, a hot dog, maybe a coney or two, now it’s time for the ice cream and cake or pie, at the good old church ice cream social time. These meals are full of pleasure that we now fondly treasure – we never thought it a crime to get our favorite piece of pie (custard) ahead of time!”
I think that is about the extent of my lyrical abilities – such as they are. Yes, as readers of this column know from past years, the ice cream social time of year is one of my favorites. Thank goodness that this year has them returning to churches across the county. Each church or group seems to have their own specialty – why, one church even goes to the trouble to have turkey sandwiches!
Regardless of your particular “flavor” the annual ice cream socials are a favorite for many – a chance to reconnect with friends and have some good food and socialize. They are also a great opportunity to have your favorite sandwich, pie, cake or some really good ice cream.
The Tokyo Olympics is in trouble – and that is being stated by multiple sources – not only are the Japanese spending money that will not be returned to their coffers, but now a resurgence of COVID cases in Tokyo is causing concern and all this is combined with volunteers calling it quits because of protests. It would seem the cards are stacked against a successful Olympics but let’s hope for the best and the best for all of the athletes that have spent a lifetime pursuing their dream.
Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion
