Of all the things to happen on Memorial Day...Busy day!

The grill and tools needed a thorough cleaning. Baked grease. Scrub scrub! The second refrigerator broke down. Shuffle shuffle! The rain threatened so the tent had to be pitched. Which pole where? Then the gas bottle was empty and the electric start didn't fire.

Paper plates, plastic cutlery, napkins and toothpicks in great abundance. Phew! Oh yes...must get the ice! How to prepare that special salad? That's it. How to make all the marinades? The salad dressings and sauces? And how to cook everything just the way everyone likes it.  Get the temperature right!

The lawn needed mowing. The shrubs had to be trimmed. The leaves raked and the yard cleaned up. Everyone pitched in and we got it all done. Smiles and hard work.

The house was pristine! The garden in full bloom. The birds were all a-twitter and the squirrels were calm. The guests arrived in clumps and groups. Smiles and good cheer. The driveway and the street were full of cars. The neighbors were all enjoying the new season. Everyone was friendly and happy. And hungry!

Then...would you believe it? We ran out of pickles!

© 2007 Keith Walls. Original for CCF (Walls grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).