RIC: It’s Sunday!
ME: I am making beef stew for dinner.
RIC: You know that I don’t like beef stew.
ME: I know. That’s why I never get to have it. And I want it for tonight, so I am making it.
RIC: But what am I supposed to eat?
ME: Whatever you want. You are on your own tonight.
RIC: [Going through the cupboards and refrigerator]. There’s nothing in here.
ME: We just went to the grocery store this morning. I am sure that you can find something.
RIC: Hmmm . . . [pulls spaghetti noodles out of the larder]. I guess I could make my own pasta.
ME: That sounds wonderful.
RIC: [pulls out ground beef from freezer]. Do we have Italian sausage?
ME: It’s in there.
RIC: What are the other two meats?
ME: Pancetta and . . .
RIC: I can’t find pancetta.
ME: It’s in there.
RIC: What are the vegetables?
ME: Come on, Ric. You have watched me make this a thousand times.
RIC: I know, but I can never remember how you do it.
ME: Chop up some onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and . . .
RIC: What about the tomatoes?
ME: I will get there. But first take your carrots and . . .
RIC: Why do you do it stages like that? Wouldn’t it be easier to do it all together?
ME: Things cook differently. Some things take longer and some things less time to get them to the desire doneness. So, first you want to cook the . . .
RIC: It’s too complicated!
ME: It’s not that hard. First, take the . . .
RIC: Ugh! I guess I will just have a tuna fish sandwich.
ME: If that’s what you want.
RIC: [Pouting as he rummages through the pantry]
ME: [Sigh]. Get out of the way. Give me the carrots and celery.
RIC: [sarcastically]. No, no. I don’t want you to go to any trouble for me.
ME: Just move out of my way and open the wine.