And since we can leave no turn unstoned, we continue to reflect on Richard Linklater’s Before series (see yesterday’s BLOTT). Here is WLBOTT‘s attempt at our own Before series.
Before Breakfast
Before Lunch
We opted for a picnic!
Before Dinner
Elder G sets the scene for us….
The scene opens in the WLBOTT communal kitchen, a quirky yet functional space filled with mismatched utensils, jars of unidentified spices, and a prominently displayed twine dispenser labeled “For Emergencies Only.” A long wooden table occupies the center of the room, surrounded by an assortment of chairs, some of which appear to be salvaged from a yard sale.
Elder KM: (glancing at her watch for the fifth time) “How long does it take to boil water? Sally, get a move-on.”
Elder UC#3: (leaning back in a creaky chair) “Patience, KM. Remember the ancient proverb: Good ramen comes to those who wait.”
Elder G: (sniffing the air) “I think I smell garlic. Or is that just the faint aroma of impending culinary disaster?”
Sally the Intern: (from behind a mountain of ramen packets) “I heard that, Elder G! This is going to be the best ramen you’ve ever had. Just you wait.”
Elder UC#1: (strumming a guitar softly) “She’s got a point. Let the kid cook. In the meantime, I’ve got a song about twine that I’ve been working on.”
Elder KM: “Not another twine song. If I hear the word ‘twist’ rhymed with ‘persist’ one more time, I’ll scream.”
Elder UC#4: (reading a newspaper) “Relax, KM. Stress before dinner is bad for digestion. Sally, do you need any help over there?”
Sally the Intern: (brandishing a wooden spoon like a scepter) “I’ve got this under control, thank you. Just keep yourselves entertained. And no sneaking snacks!”
Elder G: (eyeing the cookie jar) “What counts as a snack? Hypothetically speaking.”
UC#3: (pointing at the twine dispenser) “Maybe we could create a distraction. Like, say, a minor twine emergency?”
Sally the Intern: (turning to glare at the group) “Don’t even think about it. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes—give or take.”
The elders exchange glances, each suppressing a grin. Clearly, they’re weighing the entertainment value of a twine emergency against the wrath of Sally.
Elder KM: “Fine, we’ll wait. But if that ramen doesn’t live up to the hype, you’re on cleanup duty.”
Sally the Intern: (with a confident smirk) “Deal.”
As the water finally reaches a boil, the kitchen fills with the sounds of bustling preparation. Garlic, ginger, and soy sauce sizzle in a pan, releasing mouthwatering aromas that even KM can’t complain about. The elders settle into their seats, ready for what promises to be a memorable meal—for better or worse.
