I’m sitting here at my computer with mixed emotions -- happy memories tinged with sadness -- and am reminded of a line from Joni Mitchell's song, Big Yellow Taxi: "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone."
My happy memories are from this past July Fourth weekend when our four grandsons (pictured left with me) visited us at our lake house. I can still hear the 4-year-old, Connor, looking at his 18-month-old cousin and saying, "Hey Pops, look, Nathan has all of his chompers." I can also picture the boat pulling our eldest grandson, Nicholas, on the inner tube -- his thumb in the air begging to go faster. And, I can almost see our 11-month-old grandson, Jackson, light up and smile, big dimples on display, when I walk into the room and call his name.
My sadness is because after a jam-packed holiday weekend, our four grandsons are now at their homes with their parents. Our house might be clean and quiet again, but, as Joni Mitchell says, “I miss the fun and chaos now that it's gone.”
On a very different level, at Frito-Lay, we introduce fun, “in-and-out” flavors of our most popular snacks throughout the year, flavors usually available in stores for a limited time.
Like I said, it’s at a different level, but at the same time, I can’t help but think “in-and-out flavors” are a bit like when our grandsons come for a visit –- disappointing to see them leave, but the time they are around is well worth it!
The latest in-and-out flavor you can find in stores through July is Cheetos Cheesy Enchilada. Our Marketing team tells me it combines the great cheesy taste of Cheetos with hints of tortilla, cumin and sour cream for a Mexican-style treat. I haven't tried Cheetos Cheesy Enchilada yet, so can't offer my own opinion. But, it’s already selling very well and are a big hit with consumers.
As for me, I'll spend time over the next few weeks reliving July Fourth weekend with our grandsons by looking at pictures and remembering the happy thoughts. I’ll also slip back into my normal routine: My friend, Dwight, and I are back to our weekly 24-mile bike ride, and my wife, Janis, and I are making plans for our next vacation adventure -- hopefully a trip to see our grandsons again soon!
I found one bag and then never again. I look hopefully each time I'm at the store but by the date of this post I guess its a lost cause.
Frito Lay, if you make these a regular flavor we might buy Cheetos more often. My husband loves them even more than I do and my 6 year picky son even wanted more! Or make an Enchilada Doritos flavor!
Posted by: Joanne | October 07, 2010 at 11:09 AM
I never cared for Cheetos before, but I Love the Cheesy Enchilada! I think they are my favorite snack food ever. Please bring them back! I got hooked on them and then they dissappeared. Once I saw them back again so I bought like ten bags (I wanted to get enough to last the rest of my life). But now I'm down to my last bag, and it's like someone just told me I could never have ice cream again. I don't know what to do when there gone and I'm craving that flavor. Please bring them back, even for a short while. I'll buy 50 this time!
Posted by: Jeanne | January 20, 2011 at 09:44 AM