sausages and beer. and other good things.

Hello out there. I am not really going to tell you why I think sausages and beer are good, because I think they speak for themselves.

I will tell you about my quest for the perfect dog, however. I know that some people would argue with me that a sausage is not a hot dog, and that a hot dog is far from a sausage, and I take your point. I understand... But really, if you eat it on a hot dog bun, I want to compare it. I want to find the tastiest bestest one. There are some out there that are in the running... That classic but natural dog from Dogma in Miami is pretty awesome. DO NOT skip the garlic fries. That Dog-man-du guy in Rosemary Beach Florida is great, but it could have something to do with the hunger you feel after a long day at the beach. And, I know purists who want a hot dog and not a sausage might not agree, but Wurstkuche in Los Angeles kind of knocked my socks off. I will let you know when I find the winner... but for now, I just grilled sausages and drank beer in my own back yard. Aren't you glad spring is here?

One thing I really discovered this month that you MUST try is the shandy. I found a recipe and made mine with the yummiest ingredients around and added some mint. Delicious!

- Hoegaarden Beer

- Reed's Extra Ginger Beer

- Lemon wheel

- Mint leaves (do not crush)

- Serve to taste over ice

cold

While I slept, the world became cold again. There were bits of frost on the roof this morning. While I was away, my kitchen became cold again. It is spotless and clean. Another new blank canvas.

A bit of winter in the middle of spring does nothing but remind me. It reminds me that I physically need the sunshine and the warm days.

If it remains cold, where will the peaches and the grapefruit come from? Summer I need you. Please do not stay away too long.

Summer, I need you for so many reasons. I need to know that there will be a reprieve from daily life and work. I need to know that there will days spent in flip flops and no remorse. I need you for the sandy beach bags and sweaty upper lip.

Summer, I need you for the tomatoes and the vidalia onions. Summer, I need you for the sweet drippy watermelon and the juicy cherries. I need you for the okra and their slimy insides. I need you for the blackberries and the stained tips of my fingers.

Summer, I need you. Please do not stay away too long.