The Sounds of Summer

Kids splashing in the pool.  The satisfying "thwap" of a flip top on a can of ice-cold Coke.  The rousing cheers of sun-soaked boys in response to the words "Let's go to Sonic--it's Happy Hour!". I'm sure that you can add to this list.  This summer, there have been several new sounds to add to the memory bank.

He Who Is Now Taller Than I, having embarked on the self-styled fitness regimen to which I earlier referred, is the purveyor of the first sound.  The back door closing and the subtle "swoosh-swish" of his jump rope hitting the chattahoochee patio as he skips rope.  This is not your double-dutch, "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn around" rope jumping of elementary school recess days.  These are impressive, boxer-like repetitions, averaging nearly 1200 turns daily.  I'm impressed.  It makes me tired just watching him.  Through the window.  Of our air-conditioned home. 

Clickety-clack, space-bar, space-bar.  Clickety-clack, space-bar.  My Ninja provides the second cut on the soundtrack of summer.  He has found a passion for creative writing, inspired by several captivating book series (Warriors, Harry Potter, and the Chronicles of Narnia), the formation of a young writers club (Writers of Rivendell), and his seemingly endless cache of imaginative creatures and realms.  He makes lists of names for his stories, carries a notebook around with him--in case an idea strikes him, and then transfers his tales to the Mac. "Mom, can I work on my story?".  "No, son, we don't want you to be creative, use your imagination, or exercise your vocabulary muscles."  Not.  

Naturally, the sound of the kitchen appliance Ninja, making Yoda Smoothies or late-afternoon "better than Happy Hour" milkshakes, completes the triumvirate of summer ear candy.  We start off healthy in the morning; but, then, around 2:00 in the afternoon, something happens.  The internal body clock that remembers, with alarming accuracy, that this is the time for all good citizens to head to their local Sonic for half-price slushies and limeades.  Thanks to the new cucina addition, we serve up some pretty decent afternoon delights.  It's amazing what a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream, some chocolate syrup, a slosh of milk, and ice cubes can do for the soul.  Of course, if you have have Oreos or some such delight on hand, crush them up and toss them in the concoction.  It's the "Diet Coke with a cheeseburger" theory.  

Good things.

Disclaimer:  This blog post is not brought to you by Coca-Cola, Sonic, or the makers of the Ninja blender.  I promise.