I wish it would rain a bit more for our farmers, but what a beautiful summer. There was that gorgeous moon the other night, daily sunsets over the lake that have been nearly perfect, along with enviable summer weather.

We deserve it, quite frankly. We haven’t forgotten last winter.

One new tradition that was started this year is the Weiners On The Water boat. And, it’s just what you’re thinking it is: it’s a boat that chugs around the lake selling hotdogs, snacks and Italian ice.

What a great idea.

It’s the brainchild of arborist Vince Luizzo, who, along with his father, Andy, sets off each weekend to sell hotdogs that they grill right on their pontoon boat. Vince says he was never a “boat person” but after he did some professional tree work along our local waterways, the lake got under his skin, and now he’s putting around with a grill and his dad and every good intention to sell you lunch.

I love this new enterprise for so many reasons–mainly, I value original ideas and the chutzpah to actually see them through, but its a fun story and a fun business and it adds to the spirit and originality of our area.

The pair usually sets off late morning from Ashville Bay Marina and heads over to Long Point State Park just as the lunch hour hits. If you’re anchored over there on the weekends, you might have seen them holding some yellow mustard and passing hotdogs between boats.

Next, they head over to Hartfield Bay, which unbeknownst to me is the place to be on the weekend. Lots of folks head there in their boats because the water is shallow and they can anchor safely for an afternoon of sun and fun. There’s also been some concerts there, where a local DJ company, Mike’s Pro Sound, sets up on a floating dock and serenades the sunbathers on the weekends.

How did I not know about this? I saw a picture of the bay on July 6 and it looked like quite the party–right out of one of those 1950’s beach movies. Get over there and join in on the fun.

Anyway, if you’re looking for a hotdog this weekend on the water, don’t say I didn’t tell you where to find one. I wish Vince and his father sweet waters and sunny weekends for the rest of the summer. Vince is one guy who really graces our area with his abundant creativity.

You can go to their Facebook page to find out where they’re going to be on any given day and to find out how to text them. Do a search for “Weiners On The Water.”

The corn has been good this year, hasn’t it? Whether it’s from Florida, or, more recently, from the northeast, no one at my house has been complaining about the corn. The price is a little steep, as you know, and at least one grocery store ran out of it two weekends ago, but we just drove around looking until we grabbed one of the last dozen at Kidder’s Farm Market in Lakewood.

My cousin freezes corn kernels every August for the winter and this year, it might be an excellent idea to do just that.

I did my food shopping at Peterson’s last weekend because it’s so pleasant to be at a farm stand with out walls and annoying carts coming at you like torpedos, and they’re chock full of what’s in season. Before heading to a grocery store, think about nearby farm stands or farmers market to get most of what you need and love to eat this time of year. (Although, I don’t think I have to tell anyone in Chautauqua County this.) We’re also supporting local food and our hardworking farmers.

Dilemma: I have three giant zucchinis, and here’s the thing about even one giant zucchini: they’re not easy to incorporate into recipes. I know about zucchini bread, and I once made them into some brownies (or was it a cake?) but I’ve just never been convinced that having three giant zucchinis on my counter is like having three rib eyes in my fridge.

I found some recipes online that showed me how to make zucchini noodles for soup or how about this: slice them and put on a cracker with cheese or make zucchini casserole or zucchini chips! But the zucchinis are still sitting on the counter.

I’m not inspired yet. I think I’d rather have a hotdog.