As summer really gets to going, many families are planning vacations, some to the beach to sun, swim and relax. Now, so I've been told on the news, they also have to be shark hunters. Some are going to the mountains for some beautiful views of the “Smokies” or some other elevated area. But, there is one thing that all these places have in common, especially if you have younger children — an amusement park.
There are Six Flags in Texas, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and the master of all amusement — Walt Disney World in Orlando. We've been to all these in our younger years with our two boys. Long before our little girl was born. And, have you ever realized there is little that scares small boys?
I remember in Dollywood, there is a really high water slide that fascinated them, and they climbed up and slid down many times. The last time one of them lost their sliding pad and came down head first. Was he frightened? No! There has been walking across swinging bridges, and dark, scary rides in the caves winding around and around the large caverns, zip lining, and many more fun exploits. The one that sticks in my mind the most is the year we were in Biloxi, and there was a carnival right on the beach. It wasn't very large but it had a really big roller coaster. I've said many times I am afraid of heights and closed in spaces, so it was agreed that I would not ride with them. Of course, their daddy being the brave protector of his children made the offering.
They climbed aboard into the little red swinging seats, Roy sitting in the center to protect them from imminent danger, and the big motor began to purr as it began the round and round motion. The ride had made one revolution and had gotten to the top, stopped to allow other riders to climb on, and my husband stood straight up waving his little blue hat and demanding he be brought down and let out of the swinging red seat. The boys tried to pull him back into the seat but he was having none of that and just kept hollering, "Let me off." The operator brought their seat down to ground level, and he exuberantly jumped off. The boys stayed on the ride two more times before ending the excitement of the fast and fascinating ride. Roy still to this day, gets made fun of about this mishap.
One of our families is planning a trip next week to a resort that has, as its attraction, an amusement park. They are looking forward to this adventure even though they are much older, but this “Big Dipper’ still excites them. As for me, and mine, we will probable stick to the Merry Go Round.
I'm always trying to find new side dishes to go with my meals. We love cabbage, and this is delicious.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 cabbage sliced very thin, 4 green onions sliced, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar
Sauté cabbage and green onions until starting to brown and add rest of ingredients. Bring to a boil and reduce heat and cook five more minutes.
