David Byrne, Don't Fence Me In

Unseasonably warm weather in Peoria loosened up all those calcified joints, brought out the shorts, and reminded me why we don't live in Arizona. I kept the hot sun complaints under my cap while at Spring Training—after all, "there's no crying in baseball". However, I was glad we were heading into the upper 60's. First though, we had to survive the desert between Phoenix and San Diego.



Imperial Sand Dunes, El Centro California

Just in the knick of time when you're sure that you've landed on the moon, a highway sign reads, "Date Shakes, 10 Miles Ahead". Dateland, California shimmers in the hot sun like a mirage. A real oasis in the desert, the funky 50's restaurant is truly a welcome sight. All calorie and cholesterol fears aside, everyone should have a date shake.

Dateland, California



Date Shakes

• 1 quart of vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• Medjool dates

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 cups dried dates. Let stand 45 minutes, and then blend in Cuisinart, using the “Pulse” button until dates are chunky and thick. Blend one quart of ice cream with ½ cup date mixture in food processor or blender until creamy: a guaranteed delight.