ThinkstockIt only happened once, but my vivid memory evolved into a family tradition enjoyed every Fourth of July.
I was a young child in the early 40s and spent much of the summer at my grandparents’ farm in central Missouri. They had no electricity; therefore, no refrigeration other than the well house where we drew fresh spring water to drink. I have no idea where Grampa got the ice, but I vividly recall him carefully preparing the small metal ice cream freezer for real homemade ice cream. He cranked it slowly with a few “assists” from my young hands. I do not remember the taste, but I well remember the joy of that long-ago experience.
So on July 4, I will prepare the mixture and my husband will prepare the freezer and when guests arrive the fun will begin. Each person will take a turn at the crank – no fancy electric freezer for us. When finally frozen, it will be carefully wrapped in blankets to be jubilantly served at dessert time.
As someone exclaims, “It’s the best ice cream yet!” as they always do, I’ll be deep in memory of that long-ago time when life was much simpler and real homemade ice cream magically appeared before a young child’s eyes. Precious memories are turned into traditions for new generations in many ways. For me, one way is our Fourth of July homemade ice cream.
SPORTS NEWS – WEEK OF JUNE 30, 2013
AREA
Area man participates in “Tour Divide”
Most of us have heard of the Tour de France even if only because of the questionable practices of some of the entrants. Tour Divide is probably unknown to many of us. Recently it was learned that a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Batavia had entered this year’s event. His name is Bruce Gerould who lives in Oakfield. Bruce had been cycling for much of his 56 years but only in recent years became interested in the more extreme events.
Tour Divide takes its name from the route it roughly follows, the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains. It starts near Banff in Canada, crosses the border at Roosville, Montana and ends at the New Mexico/Mexican boarder, a distance of over 2,700 miles.
More remarkable is that the route is almost entirely on Jeep trails, Forest Service access roads and hiking trails – no pavement. The ups and downs result in nearly 200,000 feet of vertical traveling for a rider who completes it. There were 142 entrants for this year’s event which started on June 14. A rider’s progress can be followed on the internet. Search Tour Divide for information or to check on Bruce.
