It’s hot outside, and I have the taste of dirt in my mouth because of the torrential winds and the extensive amount of construction on campus. I need something to quench my thirst, cleanse my palate, give me a little boost to finish the day strong. I need frozen yogurt.

Alas, my newest taste addiction is nowhere to be found in this town. No brightly colored walls and cleanly swept floors, no self-serve dispensers, no fresh fruit toppings. I am not sure how much longer I can make it and so in the depths of withdrawal, I offer this column as a plea for someone to open a frozen yogurt shop in Abilene already.

Frozen yogurt, commonly known as “froyo,” was introduced in the 1970s but had little impact on the dessert market until the late 1980s due to its tart taste and yogurtlike consistency. Companies such as TCBY helped froyo make a comeback after they added flavors and sugars to this ice cream alternative. In 2005, however, about 52 million fewer gallons of frozen yogurt than in 1990 were produced in the United States, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.

But froyo is back for Round Two – and it’s the traditional make-your-mouth-pucker stuff this time. In the past few years, numerous self-serve froyo chains such as Pinkberry and Yogurtland have sprouted across the country. While these cutesy shops differ in flavors and toppings offered, all are refreshing.

I discovered froyo during Spring Break when my friends and I became obsessed with stopping at every yogurt chain we could find on our road trip to Atlanta. And since that blissful week, the taste has stayed on my mind – it might even be a little bit distracting. I can’t stop thinking about different flavor combinations, like pomegranate and blueberry or strawberry and dark chocolate. And to top it off – the topping possibilities are endless. Graham cracker crust and yogurt chips or granola and fresh kiwi – it’s just too much for me to handle.

Someone needs to step in here. I say if you have a few grand to spare and you think addiction to dairy products (remember, it’s healthy) is a reasonable pastime – rise up and open a store. The Abilene froyo revolution is calling for a leader.