the mysterious case of the orange powder

Yesterday when I returned from Bob's soccer practice, I returned to a puzzling kitchen. My kitchen was a disaster. I wasn't sure who caused the disaster, so I decided to put on my detective cap and follow the clues.

Clue one: There was a bright orange powder on the counter. It could be one of two things. It could be my husband's Metamucil powder (it wouldn't be the first time that he has not cleaned up spilled Metamucil) or it could be Kool-aid (SJ's favorite drink).

Clue two: There were water rings on the counter and smeared orange liquid near the sink. (Again, this could be from the Metamucil or the Kool-aid.)

Clue three: There are two dirty glasses on the counter. They both have a sticky, orange residue in them. With a quick whiff, I know which one was my husband's and which one was SJ's. (Plus, SJ ALWAYS drinks with a straw!)

Clue four: The sugar canister is on the counter. It is open and there is sugar all over the counter and on the floor. (I was pretty sure that I had solved the mystery after this clue. Metamucil doesn't need sugar!)

Clue five: The empty Kool-aid packet was left on the counter I assume to be cleaned up by me. (Apparently, the rest of the mess was left for me to clean up too!)

So, I confronted the suspect. I asked, "SJ, did you make yourself Kool-aid while we were at soccer practice?" SJ replied, "Yeah, Mom." I asked, "How did you get the sugar down?" He replied, "I stood on the counter." Great, I thought.  I questioned, "How much sugar did you use?" He said, "A few scoops." He had used the scoop that is on the side of the sugar canister.

I tasted it and it was very weak. I told him he needs to put in 2/3 cups of sugar. I added the additional sugar and put the canister away. I also reminded him to clean up when he is done. "I don't know how," he whined. "Well, you better learn how or you won't be having any more Kool-aid," I told him.

Now that this mystery is solved, I just need to learn how to solve the mystery of why the boys in this house never feel that they have to clean up their messes. Hopefully, I will solve that mystery some day!