Ice Cream That Will Make You Scream!

The snow clouds are moving away. Temperatures are on the rise. April showers are sweeping through the United States. Spring has definitely arrived... and Summer isn't far behind. That being said, Americans are returning to one of their favorite frosty treats -- ice cream.

Of course, we all know of popular flavors like vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, mint chocolate chip and fudge royal... but what about the other not-so-well-known flavors? I present to you a rundown of ice cream flavors that might just make you SCREAM!

Lobster -- That's right, you can actually order lobster-flavored ice cream right here in the United States. This odd flavor is produced by Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium in Bar Harbor, Maine. It should be no surprise given the geography. Surprisingly enough, it's quite the popular selection with the locals. Now that's some ice cream with a bite!

Butternut Squash -- When you think of potential ice cream flavors, vegetables typically don't come to mind. This odd concoction is crafted by il laboratorio del gelato in Manhattan, New York. Mmmmm... squash flavored ice cream. I think I'll pass.

Secret Breakfast -- Perhaps the best ice cream for deviants and those whom will eat anything, this unique flavor is from Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream in San Francisco, California. So what exactly is in Secret Breakfast? You've been warned... it's a mixture of whiskey and corn flakes. Talk about the ultimate hair of the dog treatment.

Wasabi Pea Dust -- This is an ice cream flavor with a kick! Coming from the wildly successful Big Gay Ice Cream in New York City, it is sure to wake you right up upon first bite. They also have other interesting flavors like Cayenne Pepper and Pumpkin Butter (I think I'd like to try this one, actually).

Cow Tongue -- This one is probably the oddest flavor on the list, hence why I saved it for last. You can taste not only this unique treat, but many others just as strange (if not stranger) at Japan's Namja Town amusment park in Ikebukuro, Tokyo! Within Namja Town are various ice cream parlors. Some feature more traditional, well-known flavors. Other stalls... they're peculiar to put it mildly. You can not only order Cow Tongue, but also Octopus, Snake, Salt and Yakisoba -- all in ice cream form. Sign me up!

Happy place.

I returned a few days ago from a wonderful vacation. Not only did I travel to the farthest point north I have ever been before, but I also experienced something very special. For the July 4th holiday, Crystal and I took a road trip to New York. More specifically, we visited with her extended family on the majestic Lake Owasco. As one of the glacier-carved Finger Lakes, Owasco stands out as a serene setting that's historically been a very popular vacation destination for over a hundred years.

I experienced many personal firsts on this trip...

• I rode in a canoe (absolutely terrifying).
• I went floating in an innertube.
• I went fishing in a boat.
• I shot off fireworks.
• I endured nearly a week without a shower (lots of sink bathing).
• It was the first real vacation Crystal and I have ever taken in the many years we've been together.

Certainly, there are other great moments I'm forgetting at the moment. A perusal through my photos would surely reveal more moments I'd consider as firsts. I can't help but be thankful for the new memories I made with Crystal and her family. They couldn't have been more warm and inviting to me. Folks I'd never met before knew my name. They knew who I was. They knew what I did for a living. They knew things about me I never expected anyone to know. It was like... they cared about me. It was a new feeling, but certainly quite welcomed. I'm very eager to see everyone again. They're part of my family now... and that means a great deal to me.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Fillmore Glen State Park. Hands down, this is one of the most spectacular parks I've ever seen. The vegetation was so lush and green. With the finely cut stone and rock from years of being weathered by rushing streams and waterfalls, it was almost too much to take in. I absolutely suggest it as a place you must visit at some point in your life.

To cap off our trip, we were walking out of the deepest spot in the park when a thunderstorm formed over us without warning. We were drenched. With a mile and a half to go, our little group kept in the trees to avoid lightning strikes (many struck close by). By the time we made it to our vehicle, our clothes and bags were sopping messes. No matter... it was fun like I don't recall experiencing in many, many years. I'll cherish this memory for the rest of my life. Crystal, Brad, Jacqueline, Cale - thank you for helping me have some fun for once in my life. Thank you for helping me find a happy place. You rock!

Yep... I look like a bloated knucklehead in this photo... but do you see that smile on my face? What the hell is that?! ;-)