Pie Boys

My dad was the oldest of eight with five younger brothers, three of whom were life-long bachelors. I suppose he too would have remained a bachelor had the loneliness and separation experienced in WWII not changed his heart. Some may doubt this statement concluding this change is merely the transition of a spoiled, selfish boy who finally grows up into a responsible man. No, not so! Hearing dad talk, (though never complaining) about his childhood experience, I've concluded that growing up in a large family, existing in poor and crowded conditions all you dream of is your own space.

Front row: 2nd from right is Uncle Ivan
Front row: 4th from right is Uncle Bob
Sun Valley Snow-cat Operators 1960's

Two of my eternal bachelor uncles, Ivan and Bob "Stubs" visited our home often. Both of these gentlemen loved pie. Pie? Yes, not just any pie, it had to be my mom's homemade apple pie.

Like waterfowl tracking an ancient migration route, they always knew when there was a fresh pie in our house. Looking back, I'm not sure if they ever knocked on the door or if they just let themselves in. I do recall they'd typically come as they were -- all covered in hay, grease, snow, or mud.

What I remember clearly was their love for apple pie and coffee. With the insatiable appetite of a bachelor, they cut right to the chase. Bypassing the niceties of even a casual "hello" they both would blurt out the same question to my mom. "Got any pie Trudy?"

The question really seemed more like a statement or a demand rather than a request. Though they never visited together, the question seemed rehearsed and staged to be delivered identically with the same cadence and timing from both of them. I am sure they collaborated on the most effective statement for being served a plate of pie, never thinking this would wear on the thin nerves of the tiny cook. Typically, after pie, they'd ask for a cup of coffee and then more pie and then quite often....dinner!

With the advent of the mid 1960's came the health food craze. Mom read and applied all of Adelle Davis' recommendations cited in her well known works, Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit and Let's Get Well. By this time my dad was pre-diabetic and he had to watch his sugars. Even though the desserts stopped, the apple pie remained. The healthy modifications of whole wheat, honey, and fresh butter didn't seem to deter the uncles. In fact, since it was health food they boldly asked for a quarter pie slice rather than the usual sliver.