Chips Ahoy

 Of course, you want to impress your spouses' new boss, and when you know that he is bringing his wife and kids over from Spokane to neet you and your kids, the pressure is on. My parents were not in the least formal dining or party type people, so it was mutually decided that we would all meet at Pottsville, and have a good old-fashioned hot dog roast and picnic.

It was the late summer between my 3rd and 4th-grade years of school, and a day at good old Potsvville sounded splendid, and if anyone knew he to do a great picnic, it was my mother. The potato salad that made you want to jump into the bowel and devour it all, baked beans, chocolate cake, fruit, and not but not least, potato chips.was gourmet dining outdoors.

The fire for roasting was ready, the sticks sharpened with a perfect point for holding the hot dog over the fire, and all of the salads, sides, and deserts stood ready to go.

As we finished roasting and began placing our hot dogs on buns, lading them with relish, mustard, or whatever your choice, my mother was standing over the table with a frantic look on her face. It was then she softly choked out, "where are the utensils?" It seems like in the check-off list something had been left behind. We had salad, cake, and other things like beans, but we did not have spoons, forks, or even a butter knife. 

While most of us stood looking like we had to figure out how to solve world peace, my dad's new boss's wife picked up a large chip and began dipping. Soon, like an ancient people learning a new survival skill, we all grabbed new chips and got small helpings. Of course, that did create a problem with the cake, but other than that we all got our fill, and everyone agreed it was a great time and an unforgettable first meeting.

By the way, my dad turned out to be one of his boss's favorite employees for the next 10 plus years.