Mr Whippy

Do you remember the infamous "Mr Whippy" mobile ice cream van music from childhood? 

Most commonly at the beach - that tinkling rendition of Greensleeves was enough to turn every child into a perfectly behaved nymph - begging and pleading their parents for an ice cream (with extra focus on whichever parent was MORE likely to say yes!)

I LOVED Mr Whippy. I always chose a flake cone - so even after the ice cream had dribbled down my face, neck and arms and the cone was gone, I still had that log of flake - which I could scientifically dissect for hours (and drive my sisters crazy  Samantha Millward).

It was the perfect combination of sun, surf, sand and ice-cream. By the last lick we were all covered in sticky "ice cream" infused sand, which was washed away with a dunk beneath the waves. It was the top highlight of an absolutely "tops" day!

So when I heard the unexpected chime of Greensleeves at the beach this weekend, I jumped up - scanning where the magical ice-cream van was. Just like Pavlov's dogs - I could already taste it. With mobile phone in hand - I followed the musical lure - actually running to get there as fast as I could. 

It must be YEARS since I have had a Mr Whippy ice cream- but it did not disappoint. My flake sundae (with added chocolate sauce and nuts - now that I'm paying) was divine. I was transported back to the supreme joy of sticky fingers, melting ice-cream and shrieks of delight.

The thing I noticed and loved the most?

The anticipation. The excitement. The intense thrill knowing what was to come.

It made me stop and think. In our "24/7, instant gratification, pay later" modern world, it's rare to feel that level of excitement over something as simple as an icecream. 

It was the link back to childhood - where ice-cream was a genuine special treat that triggered the intense emotion and added endorphins.

Which makes me wonder...what else in my life would feel much more special if there was less?

(Footnote - this excludes Mr Whippy)