Jolly Cow Ice Cream and Mom

Growing up, I treasured every moment that I got to spend with my Mom. She worked full time and was so dedicated to us kids, that she managed to come up with unique ways of turning everyday tasks into quality time. I have written so much already about the fun things Mom came up with, but sometimes the greatest memories come from the simplest times.

Mom worked at the grocery store and what's funny about that, really is that she did her grocery shopping on her day off a lot of the time. She used to take me with her and I would look forward to going with her. Sometimes my little brother would go, but I liked it most when it was just me and he was left at home with Dad. Mom was not your average shopper when it came to grocery shopping. She had the file box with her coupons sorted and she went through regularly to be sure that none of them had expired. She liked to make her detailed list of everything that she needed. We were on a strict budget and I remember her adding everything up (and then subtracting the coupons) as we went down the aisles. These trips were fun for me and never got old.

One time, after dinner, and after doing the dishes, Mom and I headed out to the grocery. This was a late time for us to go and I don't know why we were on that schedule, but I agreed to tag along and Mom surprised me. Before heading to the grocery, we stopped at Jolly Cow on Ulster Avenue. Jolly Cow was one of my favorite spots in Kingston. I didn't get to go too much, so when I did, it was a special treat. Occasionally, my grandmother would take me there or one of my aunts. I think everyone is a fan of ice cream and Jolly Cow was the best place to go. However, I must say that my mother is truly a big ice cream fan and I always appreciated that Mom would usually stick with a vanilla cone. She chose a very simple, classic item off of the menu and this always inspired me to appreciate the simpler forms of dessert. I always ordered the chocolate cone but I could not resist adding chocolate sprinkles.

Jolly Cow is a vintage ice cream stand. It has a few parking spaces around the tiny structure and you walk up to the window to order your ice cream. Their menu is not big and there are two windows- one on each side of the menu. There is a gigantic ice cream cone on top of the building, a beautiful red sign with their name on it out front and also, a cow that is life-size and looks real where people like to get on and have their picture taken. Along the side of the building, I remember there being a perfectly manicured section of grass with about four picnic tables and umbrellas where you can sit and enjoy your ice cream. Ulster Avenue is a pretty busy road in Kingston, so there was always the noise of the traffic rushing by, which somehow made it seem like you were luckier than if you were inside. Maybe because those cars rushing by did not have time to stop and you did. Maybe they had to go to work or school and you didn't. It was a great feeling to take the time out, especially with my Mom before heading to the grocery. I will never forget how it was unseasonably cool that day or the smile on both of our faces as they handed us our soft serve cones through the window.

Still, I cannot resist the urge to add sprinkles and although Mom probably enjoys plenty of ice cream flavors, I bet her favorite is still a good, classic vanilla. I shall hope to return to the Jolly Cow again, with Mom.