ORIGINALLY WRITTEN CHERYL JOST
As I sit at my computer Sunday evening trying to meet my deadline, the United States and her allies have launched military attacks on the terrorist groups being protected by the Taliban government of Afghanistan.
Heaven only knows what the coming days will bring, so pardon me if this column seems trivial in the wake of armed conflict-or terrorism, or fear of retaliation.
God be with us in this time of trial.
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I guess I’m easily amused. Have you seen the “talking houses” that have sprung up around Hillsboro? Do you know what I mean? Have you seen the signs planted in various front yards inviting the passerby to tune in to 1210 AM on their radio dial to receive information about the house that is up for sale?
Well, if you haven’t, drive by the home being offered by Bob and Brenda Hiebert located on North Main Street and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I go by there often. Not that I’m interested in buying their home, although it is a lovely property with its beautifully manicured lawn. No, I go by to make the house talk.
So far, it’s been a bust. I can’t get the house to speak to me. I’ve tried pulling up directly in front of the sign; I’ve tried driving slowly around the corner trying to get a better angle on the invisible sound waves that must be emanating from somewhere inside the house.
Thinking that maybe my van was the problem, I even resorted to having my husband drive by with his “farm car” in an attempt to get the house to talk, but it remained silent.
I’m beginning to think that the house is really mute-or a bit of a snob. Maybe it only talks to those that it considers “serious buyers” and not just some yahoo looking for a good time. I don’t know.
Maybe Gary Franz at Re/Max can let me in on the secret of how to get the house to speak to me. In my opinion, a talking house is a great marketing tool. So, why doesn’t it want to talk to me?
Here’s something else I’ve been doing lately for fun. I drive by Irv Schroeder County Motors and admire the Buick Rendezvous that’s parked out in front of their showroom-which I find odd, because I’m not really a car buff. In my estimation, cars are tools to be used and not possessions to be idolized. Well, except for maybe a Jaguar.
But this little Rendezvous has really captured my attention. I even stopped by one day and picked up a brochure.
This past Saturday, our family made a trip to Wichita. While we were there we spent some time strolling through the car dealerships that line East Kellogg. We aren’t seriously looking for a new vehicle and we have yet to purchase a new car outside of Hillsboro, but it was kind of fun to look around and stick our heads inside to get a big whiff of that new-car smell.
But here’s what I thought was funny. At every dealership a salesman promptly came to inquire how he could be of service. Except at the Mercedes/BMW showroom. I guess we just didn’t project the right image what with our dirty van, our T-shirts and blue jeans and our two kids in tow. The guys at Mercedes just
didn’t want to talk to me.
First a house, then a car salesman. I’m beginning to get a complex. Well, actually not. You can believe the guys at Irv Schroeder talked to me.
Houses and cars and furniture. That’s what’s been fun for me lately. Our remodeling project is finally coming to a stage when we’ll have to find some different furniture to fill the new space.
So another diversion for me has been to watch Friesen’s Furniture store window for displays of new couches and chairs. I had my eye on one set and drove my family down to peer through the window one evening after Keith had gotten home from work only to discover a “sold” tag tacked to the back of the sofa.
I can hear owner Andy Friesen talking to me right now.
“Just tell me what you want and we’ll get it for you.”
I know. As soon as I settle on what I want, I’ll be in. For now, I’m content to watch the window. Some towns have movie theatres. We have Friesen’s showroom window.
Living in a small town may have its disadvantages. This week I set out to the local discount house with a shopping list of six items typically found in such a store and came back to the car empty-handed. I hadn’t been able to find one of the things written on my list, which is disappointing to one who wants to support the local economy.
But with talking houses, new cars and furniture gallery windows-who can be bored? Like I said, I’m easily amused.
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As I mentioned in last week’s column, I recently prepared a meal for a church event in Wichita. Since then, I’ve received requests from some of the guests at that dinner asking for a recipe to be shared for the dessert that was served that night.
Trying to get a little extra promotion for the Free Press, I told them they could obtain a copy of the recipe online at www.hillsborofreepress. com.
So, for the women at First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita, here’s a recipe I’ve already shared with my regular readers.
Heavenly Angel Food Cake
Whip one pint of whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add one jar (12 oz.) of caramel ice cream topping and one tsp. vanilla and continue to beat until thick. Place dollop of cream on a piece of angel food cake and top with crushed Heath or Skor candies.
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Now, for those of you who already have this recipe on file, here’s a similar dessert that can be made ahead.
Angel Pudding
1 prepared angel food cake cut into cubes
6 cups cold milk
1 (6oz) package instant chocolate pudding
1 (6 oz) package instant vanilla pudding
5 Butterfinger bars, crushed
Place half of cake cubes in the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Prepare puddings according to package directions. Spread chocolate pudding over cake and top with half of the crushed candy. Distribute the remaining cake over candy and top with vanilla pudding and remaining candy. Chill until serving.
Note: I personally think a layer of whipped cream on top would make this dessert even better.
