So yesterday I spent a few hours working, then took #2 son to help buy a Father’s Day gift for my husband. Buying gifts for him is never a very rewarding process, because he will complain that we spent the money and criticize what we bought. We like to think that he is secretly pleased.

Pleased or not, we bought him a new grill. #1 son took our old grill to a friend’s cabin and shows no signs of ever planning to bring it back, and we sort of felt that it was time for a new grill anyway. We had contemplated getting one of those fancy gas grills, but there were some drawbacks to that:

  • None of them would fit in the trunk of the car. I have to admit that I didn’t foresee that.
  • We feared that things cooked over gas wouldn’t taste as good as those cooked with charcoal.
  • #1 daughter thought that her daddy would miss the fire-starting experience.
  • They cost enough that we feared the cost of the item might completely spoil even secret pleasure in the gift.

So we bought this fun little charcoal grill that serves as a smoker as well as a grill. We also got a chimney fire-starter thing that claims to eliminate the need for starter fluid. And lots of charcoal. We plan a jolly feast of hot dogs and roasted vegetables today. #2 son made certain that I bought chips for the occasion, as well as Italian soda.

Following this adventure, I dropped off #2 son at home with the grill (hidden in the garage) and did the grocery shopping. I stopped off on the way to buy some plain pink cotton for my continuing quilt block experiments, but left empty-handed. All the pinks were so pink. None of them could be considered rose beige.

Feeling ridiculous, I went on home and joined my daughters for a business strategy meeting.

My daughters are so smart.

We’re planning as face-to-face meeting next weekend and we all have our assignments before then.

#2 son made dinner. The meal consisted of  this exotic local dish: Frito Pie. I had never heard of Frito Pie before I came here, so I want to share it with you.

First, you have to say “Free-toe” even if you normally pronounce “Frito” to rhyme with “incognito.” Get a serious “t” sound in there.

Now make some chili. #2 son made it with a chili kit and canned beans, and it was delicious. Put some Fritos Corn Chips into a bowl. Put some chili on top. Add shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, corn — whatever you have around that sounds good.

Eat it.