I’m not sure why Joni Mitchell in “Both Sides Now” linked moons and Junes and Ferris wheels when she sang about love. I suppose that the moon and June are often connected with love. As for Ferris wheels, perhaps she is referring to that sinking feeling you get when the wheel stops with you at the top as new passengers are loaded on. Particularly if your seat partner, ignoring all warnings, likes to make the car swing back and forth.

I realize that cities have installed giant enclosed wheels to give one a view out over the city. They seem to have gondolas for passengers. I prefer the old fashioned, open air, smaller scale wheel such as pictured above. Each summer many little towns in Connecticut host some kind of summer fair, complete with a midway with a few rides and a few games. Ferris wheels commonly set up at these fairs.

We introduced our children and grandchildren to carnival rides. At first the Ferris wheels was too scary without one of us. Eventually they became brave enough to ride alone. Now the grandchildren crave the dizzying rides which spin, twirl, upend and generally nauseate. I have trouble even watching them.

Summer to me will always be populated with corn on the cob, watermelon, iced tea and at least one town fair with a ride on the Ferris wheel.