summer – Rural Ris

As I sit in the midst of a busy week, I can’t help but think back to a much less busy time–the lake. For 7 blissful days, the world is much more quiet, life is a bit more simpler, and life is considerably less hectic. Every year, our family packs the camper and boat to head to Kerr Lake for a week of family time and relaxation. Filled with hammock naps, fishing, kayaking, boat rides, reading, and campfires, the week at the lake is a treasured time that flies by all too quickly. It is something that we look forward to, but is bittersweet as it marks the end of summer. At least there are memories and photos to visit on weeks like this one where busy and hectic are the norm.

We started with 2 tubes, and by the end of the trip, we had broken them both…oops!

One of the days, we drove the boat up to a town for lunch. After docking the boat, we ate lunch at McDonalds, went to some shops, and got some ice cream.

I feel as though, it is a right of passage for all Linton boys to learn to drive the boat.

On one day, we always head to the marina to feed the ducks and fish, and grab some ice cream.

Islands are everywhere at the lake, and it is one of the boys’ favorite things to explore them.

This is perhaps one of my favorite photos.

Daddy turned another year older while at the lake. Mom made a birthday cake in the camper (talk about skills). The number on the cake may or may not be accurate. I won’t tell.

September 15, 2016November 30, 2018 by ruralris Categories: blog, FamilyTags: boats, camping, Ducks, family, fishing, lake, summer, vacation Leave a comment

It makes sense that one of the hottest months of the year would be recognized as National Watermelon Month. July has been designated as an entire month just to celebrate the wonders of watermelon since 2008, and I must say, it was a brilliant call.

Watermelon is my very favorite fruit. I’m not really a huge fruit person (I know not very healthy) unless it is in dessert or smoothie form. However, I must say that watermelon is something I get terribly excited for. I don’t recommend freezing one, though. We accidentally did that and had a sort of watermelon sorbet. It was super weird. I suggest making sure your mini fridge isn’t cranked to Antarctica standards.

Anyways, here are facts and interesting information about watermelons, and of course, pictures. 🙂

History

Watermelons came from the Kalahari Desert of Africa, and has been seen on Egyptian hieroglyphics. It was thought to have come over to America by African slaves.

Variety

There are over 200-300 varieties of watermelon grown in the USA and Mexico, with 50 of those being the most popular. Seedless watermelons are sterile. They were developed roughly 50 years ago by crossing male pollen that has 22 chromosomes per cell with a female watermelon flower that has 44 chromosomes per cell. Voila! You have the mule of the watermelon world.

Factual Stuff

USA ranks 6th in watermelon production. China is number one.
The scientific name for a watermelon is citrullus lanatus and are cousins to squash.
Leading watermelon states are Florida, Texas, Georgia, Indiana, and California.
Explorers used watermelon as canteens.
Watermelon is the most consumed melon in the USA
Watermelon is 92% water, making it a great source of hydration for many.

The Perfect Melon

Worse than a whole frozen watermelon is probably a bad watermelon. Picking the perfect watermelon is crucial, and can sometimes seem illusive. Follow these tips for the perfect melon: