Always Be Ready

1. Why Bring One Snack When You Can Bring Twelve?

Some say a two-hour picnic only needs “a sandwich and some fruit.”
To that, I say: What if the sandwich gets lonely?
A truly successful snackpacking trip means options: sweet, salty, crunchy, melty, chewy, and one “mystery snack” in case of emotional emergencies.

Pandy insists, “We’re just going to the park, Doggie.”
I insist, “Parks have squirrels. Squirrels respect abundance.”

2. The Bag Situation (A Cautionary Tale)

Mini Blue once had to ride on top of the cooler because my basket hit “critical mass.” I packed:

• 14 granola bars (assorted emotional flavors)

• 2 cheeses (because what if someone asks for Brie?)

• An entire loaf of garlic bread (not even sliced)

• Backup napkins, because chaos is inevitable
  
  

Pandy sighed so loudly I thought the basket echoed.

3. Snackpacking Etiquette (According to Pandy)

Pandy has introduced “rules” (which I pretend to follow):

1. Weight Limit: “No picnic basket should exceed the weight of its carrier.” (I disagree.)

2. Diversity of Snacks: “Not all cheese.” (I strongly disagree.)

3. Respect Shared Space: “Don’t use Mini Blue as a garnish holder.” (Fine, but he’s very balanced.)
   
   

4. The Moment of Triumph

When we arrive and everyone gasps at the snack spread, I feel validated.
Mini Blue turns bright yellow — a sign of celebration.
Even Pandy smiles (but only after brewing tea).

5. Closing Thoughts (and Leftovers)

If anyone tells you you’ve overpacked for a picnic, hand them a cookie and a granola bar.
They’ll thank you — and you’ll have proved your point without saying a word.