Even though the current weather has left us feeling used and confused, we can rest assure that summer will make its grand entrance one of these days. 

While there are far too many enjoyable things about summer to list, one that really stirs up memories are the lemonade stands.  It’s not something you see every day — unless you reside in a neighborhood with overly ambitious kids.

Growing up in a neighborhood filled with kids my age, days were planned around water fights, swing sets and selling lemonade. While mom mixed up a pitcher of lemonade, we’d drag our wood stand out of the basement. We’d round up a Frisbee to store all the change we’d earn that day — if we didn’t drink our entire supply before we had a chance to make some dough.  Neighborhood friends would come over and help us with the curb appeal. 

That’s what it’s all about – the curb appeal.  The more hopeful-looking kids present, the better. Nobody actually needs a cup of lemonade.  No one really wants to guzzle a beverage that was stirred with a child’s arm.  This is not about lemonade, folks – people stop for the kids!  Either because they’re too cute to pass up, or because the gloomy face from behind the stand forces you pull your car over and start digging for change.

Due to my upbringing, driving by stands is nearly impossible. I know what the kids are going through — and believe me, an afternoon spent trying to attract customers can be exhausting.

Keep that in mind when Donald Trump Jr. is charging $2 for his three ounce Dixie cup filled with watered-down lemonade containing a bug and several pieces of grass.

Regardless of the price you pay for a gulp or two of lemonade, pay the stand attendant, visit for a very short amount of time, and move out. After all, a guy in a three-piece suit leaning on the kid’s stand is killing the curb appeal.

Shootin’ the Wit is a weekly column about everyday life that should never, ever be taken too seriously.

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I’m a writer and photographer who loves old cars, big dogs and trying stuff for the first time. I believe everyone should have a bucket list because life isn’t about working, paying bills and having the latest and greatest. It’s about experiences. Achieving goals. People. Adventures. Travel.

I’ve never dyed my hair, broken a bone, or watched a Star Wars movie, and I don’t plan on doing any of these.