Kicking Off  a Super Bowl Dilemma 

In Shady Pines Story Town, and all over the country, people are buzzing about the upcoming Super Bowl. The famous football game with be played this Sunday in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Tampa Bay Bucaneers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the national championship. Both teams want to take home the shiny Lombardi trophy.

But in a house on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane, there is some confusion about this big-deal event. Let's find out why.

Edna Sanders looks over her recipe book and makes a grocery list. Everyone knows that snacks are one of the main ingredients for a successful Super Bowl experience. Even if it's a boring football game, the food can make up for it. "Goodness me," says Edna. "What have I served in the past that was a real winner? Oh, chicken wings, of course!"

PIcking A Winning - Recipe

Edna's husband, Harold, has been working in the garage. He comes into the kitchen to wash his hands. "Hi,"  says Edna. "Did you fix the cabinent doors?"

"Yep. Good as new. I don't think they'll creak anymore when you open them," says Harold. What are you doing?"

"I'm figuring out what to make for Super Bowl Sunday. Since we can't invite anyone over because of Covid, I've made a plan with some of our friends," says Edna.

"Really? What's the plan?" asks Harold as he sits down at the kitchen table.

"We're going to swap recipes so that we're all eating the same thing. Then, when we do our screen to screen call and watch the game together from our own homes, it'll be a party. Well, at least a 2021 - style party!" Harold nods his approval. "What a good idea. Which one are you going to share?"

"I'm going with my super-duper chili," says Edna.

"That's a winner!" says Harold. Hearing the sound of paws scampering in his direction, Harold looks up.

"I did it Boomer. I beat you to the kitchen, " says Halley, a bit out of breath.

"You did not," gasps Boomer. "I gave you a head start."

"Did not!"
"Did, too!" Boomer turns his back on the silver streak of a cat and plops down next to Harold.

"Hey, boy," says Harold stroking the handsome dog's head. "Is Halley messing with you again?"

Boomer pants. "At least someone understands."

Oh, puh-leeze," says Halley as she jumps into Edna's lap.

"Oh, my goodness Halley," says Edna. "You startled me!"

Harold chuckles. "What are we going to do with these two?"

Edna shakes her head. "I'm not sure. Why don't you take the kids outside and I'll go to the store?"

Harold gets up ftrom the table. "Good idea. C'mon you guys. What do you say we do some yard work?"

Boomer barks with joy.

Getting Super Bowl Snacks

Halley shakes her head. "Did he say work?"

Edna has her list and picks up her purse. "Harold, maybe I should take Halley with me. You know how she likes to help me shop."

"Okay," says Harold. "Just don't let her pick out the most expensive tuna again!"

Edna kisses him on the cheek. "I won't. See you boys soon!"

"All right Boomer. It's just you and me boy. Let's go!"

Boomer barks and wags his bobbed tail.

Chillin' With Chilli

Now back at the house, Edna prepares to chill and make her chilli. She places all the ingredients together on the kitchen counter. Halley watches from her window seat before drifting off to sleep. Boomer crunches down on his favorite chewy bone. Harold is in the den watching sports on TV.

"All right you guys. This game on Sunday is special so that means just one thing. I'm using my Super Bowl," says Edna.

Boomer looks up and cocks his head. "Huh? Psssst. Hey, Halley. She's using what?"

Halley opens one eye. "I dunno. Who cares?"

Boomer gets up and looks right at the sleepy cat. "I heard Dad talking on his cell phone to one of his friends," saays Boomer. They were arguing about who is going to win the Super Bowl."

Halley sits up.  Now she's bothered. "Why would anyone want to win Mom's mixing bowl?"

The dog and cat stare at one another. Boomer shakes his head back and forth.

"I don't get it. Did Mom ever use that big 'ole bowl to make something for us?" asks Boomer.

Super Sized Confusion

Halley scruches up her face. "Don't think so.  So, it can't be that great. Why would anyone want it?"

"I have a better question," says Boomer. "Why does she call it her Super Bowl?"

Now Halley is really confused. "What will Dad's friends do if they win it? They don't cook!"

Meanwhile Edna is humming. She loves to create delicious meals. "I think I'll make enough chilli to pack individual servings. That way I can share some with our neighbors."

Edna looks down and sees Boomer and Halley staring up at her. "What in the world is going on with you guys?"

You probably can't clear up the confusion for Boomer and Halley by game time Sunday evening.

But you can join in on some Shady Pines fun by clicking on this link to: EDNA'S SUPER DUPER CHILI RECIPE

 Enjoy!!!!