Males Sometimes Clueless about Meals

I began working fulltime the year my boys were 22 and 14; both of them worked with their dad that summer. Since they were accustomed to having a meal on the table when they walked in the door, mealtime became quite an adjustment for all of us.

The three of them came in each night like ravenous wolves. They paced the kitchen floor like caged animals while I tried to prepare supper. I couldn't yell at them to get out of my kitchen and leave me alone, because they talked about their day as they paced, and I might miss something I really wanted to hear. They kept me entertained, if anyone needs to be entertained while cooking.

Some days they got home before I did, and I found them already pacing. They created an obstacle course, and I had to ease my body toward the stove, dodging them as I went.

More exhausted than usual one night, I warmed the chili, heated the wieners and buns, and sat down at the table. I told them they would have to do the rest because I was too tired to move.

All three of the sat down with me. We looked at each other.

Finally one noticed we didn't have any plates, and got them.

Another saw that we needed silverware and napkins; that became his duty.

Another caught on that he should bring the chili, buns and wieners to the table.

We were getting there, but still we needed mustard, catsup and onions—glasses needed to be filled with ice and tea poured.

I lost count of the number of times these male members of my family got up before they finally got everything we needed on the table so that we could eat supper.

Would you say that I have spoiled them?

This story, along with several others, is in my cookbook, The Proof is in the Pudding Cookbook. You can purchase this book by contacting me at evegray854@charter.net or 864-859-5239.

My chili recipe is included in the book.