Spit

When I was way younger, I lived in a row home, one that was very small. I did not know anything else, so I thought this was how everyone lived, except in books.

My neighborhood was filled with other homes of the same size. A short two block walk would take you passed dozens of other families. Things were different back then; all the families knew each other by name.

The stores were different too. Twas not until I was somewhat older that a 'supermarket' opened about two blocks away. So there were many, many stores instead. There was a grocery store less than half a block from my house. The owners lived above it. Two blocks over was the business district, about a mile of stores on the same street. Each store was not much bigger than my home as they were just converted row houses.

Each product you needed came from a different store. The butcher; the poultry store; shoe stores; clothing stores; five and dime stores; a vegetable store; the fish store; etc.

There was a candy shop somewhere in there. I was rarely in that store. Any candy I ever ate came from Bill's, the grocery store on my own street. I often/ always went with my mom to the business district and what made the candy store memorable was the large drum that sat outside it on the pavement in front of the store's glass display window. It was shaped like the detachable drum of the pencil sharpeners of the time. only about ten times my size.

The purpose of the drum makes it memorable for a different reason. It was used for roasting seeds. We called them Polly seeds, you know them as Sunflower seeds. When they were cooking the entire neighborhood smelled delicious. Many times my brother or sister would bring some home and I got to share. They must of only bought them warm somehow, because that is what I remember most.


When I was young, my son, Shane played little league. I will not go into how incredibly great he was, both all around and as a pitcher. You will think I am just another proud dad bragging anyway.

I saw most of his games.

There was a point when he and his teammates began eating Sunflower seeds. The professionals must have noticed this because suddenly major league ball players started copying them.


More recently, I decided to buy some Sunflower seeds at Walmart. Strangely, Walmart only had two brand, both in huge pound bags. They did not have any of the exotic flavors either.

I thought a pound was a lot. I was wrong.

The first ones I bought were a brand called David's. Their slogan is "Eat, Spit; Be Happy". To which I now say amen!

There is a place you go while consuming these things. A meditative trance. Thankfully, these little kernels are good for you because you cannot stop eating them once you start.

Walmart was frequently OUT OF STOCK. This feels like being out of heroin or something. Being now addicted I think I understood WHY they were often sold out. Other addicts were buying ALL of them just in case.

There is a bright side to this nightmare. I was at the store two weeks ago and Walmart was only out of David's. So I bought the other brand, called Spitz.

The purpose of this rambling post is to recommend Spitz to anyone and everyone.

Buy some Spitz, I promise you will not regret it, except for the addition part and the possible lack of supply making you quite sad some days.

Spitz has only three ingredients; Sunflower seeds, salt and OLIVE OIL!!!

'Nuff said.


Love someone well today,

Bobby