Today is that annual spring ritual, that unofficial, floating holiday known simply as "Free Cone Day." It's the day each year when Ben & Jerry's scoop shops around the country give away free ice cream.

Tuesdays are production day here at Seven Days. We're all scrambling like mad to get this week's paper to the press. No way did I think I'd have the time to head to a scoop shop and stand in line for a complimentary cone.

Fortunately, Ben & Jerry's came to us! Just after 11, an ice cream trucked pulled up in front of the JDK building around the corner on Maple Street. A group of us tore ourselves away from producing the paper to grab a treat. Our scoops came in cups, not cones, and we only got to choose from two flavors — Cherry Garcia and Late-Night Snack — but we didn't complain. After all, they delivered.

A little later, the same truck turned the corner and double-parked on the street in front of our building. Eager ice-cream-eaters streamed into the street. Some of them just wanted an excuse to stand outside in the sunshine.

I told one of my coworkers about the truck, and she said, "It's too early for ice cream." I disagree. It's never too early for ice cream, especially free ice cream. And especially on a beautiful, sunny day like today.

Thanks, Ben & Jerry's, for brightening my day, and fattening my belly.