Entry #6: Summer Smellin' Strawberries

I did not know today was going to be a special day, but lo and behold it was.

I could never have hoped for this, but it happened.

I had to stop by our local market and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies. When I saw the strawberries I wasn’t too hopeful; they were winter berries that were not deep red and looked very firm, but then I gave them a sniff and -

Those sweet strawberries smelled like they were from late April, instead of mid-February. I think my eyes gave me away, not to mention the many whiffs I was taking of the strawberries; my daughter was walking away from me.

“Honey, you’ve got to smell these!”

She wasn’t too interested, so I stuck them under her nose. Yes, the beloved summer strawberry smell! To describe the aroma, it’s like sweet candy with a touch of funk, which permeates your cart - it’s not bashful. I think the funk is a slight touch of fermentation, but whatever it is, it's entirely special.

You would have thought I was on Supermarket Sweep the way I was stacking those plastic clam shells in my cart. I was in a thrall, but trying as hard as I could not to resemble Gollum with my Precious Summer Strawberries. Six containers, all snuggly situated in the front/top of my cart, where children and treasured items are stored.

I smiled the whole shopping trip, even at those people who park their cart on one side of the aisle, only to walk beside it, totally blocking all traffic. Still sniffing, still smiling.

Or the cart that zips past you, only to stop directly in front of you to read and study the cans. Still sniffing, still smiling.

If you’ve ever read the children’s book Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, that story gives a glimpse of the power of what an amazing smell can do.

I think I should find a Summer Smellin' Strawberry perfume and grocery shopping would be changed forever!

The red (and white) berries themselves!