This past Labor Day- we, my daughter and friends were invited to a fireworks/birthday party in our quaint fishing village down here in 'the middle of nowhere,' Phippsburg. We walked in past an array of chilled beers and wine and a table full of cakes- and out onto the porches, gardens and docks over-looking the ocean with a full moon rising. Fireworks began and dazzled the guests, pastel hues lighting up faces uttering "oohs" and "aahs." After a bit my daughters guest from Los Angeles, A delightful Guatemalen lady, became very hungry as we had not bothered with supper before departing. Qui decided cake was the only anwser and headed for the refreshments. the cake table was ringed (or possibly gaurded by) a council of West Point elders. Qui selected her peice of cake and was about to rejoin her friends and the fireworks- when a chipper elderly gentleman inquired: "Wanta Faa-a-ak?"

Qui was mortified and momentarily paralyzed. Had she really heard what she thought she heard? The dapper gentleman repeated more percisely: "Wanta faa-a-a-a-k?"

Qui thought surely this can't be true and gazed about the table to the surrounding stoic faces. no reaction-absolutely no reaction! And with that she fled to rejoin her friends. Heart beating and finally reunited with her compatriots, Qui breathlessly repeated the events- only to be met with uproarious laughter.

"Oh Qui, he only wanted to know if you wanted a fork for your cake."