chookooloonks life list update: number 11, hand churn ice cream with alex? CHECK.

So early last month, I gave a talk at the World Domination Summit.  As part of my presentation, I talked about my life list, and in giving examples of what was on my list, I mentioned that I wanted to make homemade ice cream with Alex, preferably using one of those old-fashioned hand-crank ice cream makers.  I think I may have even mused that I wasn't sure where I was going to find one of these machines, but that I was determined to do it.

After my talk, a lovely woman with kind eyes approached me.  She introduced herself as Sophia.

"I loved what you had to say," she said, smiling.

"Thanks so much," I said, returning her smile.

"So," she continued, "as it happens, I have a life list, as well."

"That's awesome."

"Thanks! Anyway, one of the items on my list is to help 5 people with their life lists."

"Oooh," I said.  "That's such a great one."

"And," she continued, "I want to help you.  I want to find you a hand-crank ice cream maker for you to make ice cream with your daughter."

I'm pretty sure that at this point, my mouth was hanging open stupidly.  "Seriously?"

"Absolutely," she said. "You have to let me do this.  That way I can start working on that item of my list."

"I ... well ... gosh." I was gobsmacked.  Normally, I would've turned her down, but dude, I didn't want her to have to work harder on her list just because I didn't accept!  So, finally, I smiled.

"Goodness," I said. "If you're sure ..."

"I'm sure."

"Well, then, yes!  This is so kind of you. Yes. I happily accept your lovely offer."

And Sophia was true to her word:  last week, a huge package arrived, and in it, a vintage, hand-crank ice cream maker from ... wait for it ... Montgomery Ward. Goodness knows how old this thing is, but it's in pristine condition, and works a treat.

Still a bit stunned, I immediately got on my email to thank her for her kind gift.  And this weekend, our friends Trish and Carl and their kids came over, and with their help, Alex and I completed number 11 of my life list.

Also, for posterity's sake (and because it had been a while since I'd played with stop-motion), I made a video of the experience.

Thank you so much, Sophia.  It was delicious. And I suspect we'll be making more ice cream all summer long.

(And for those of you here in the United States, and Americans abroad, Happy 4th!)