On a scale of one to 10

Every year, we keep running statistics on the consumption of certain summer foods, in particular, watermelons, cantaloupes, and, believe it or not, rhubarb custard pie. How this began is uncertain, though a major portion of related discussion focused on a 10-point scale with ten representing the highest rating. After some practice we have now become quite consistent (obsessed) in grading the melons and cantaloupes.

We’re off to a slow start this year. Four watermelons have averaged a disappointing 4.2 due to a throw away looked-good-in-the-moment candidate....