Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Day 23-Cookie Jar Sweet Memories Plus Christmas!


Day 23

 

 

Fish cut-ups from Hoefft’s---YUM!

 

A young G.I. stationed in Germany in the ’70’s wrote home to his mother with a surprising request: Mom, buy the Maeystown tavern in my name. And---she did…and, I’m glad she did!  

 Rick Hoefft had been assigned “cook” duties in the army and had fallen in love with the duty.

When he got word that the tavern/restaurant in his hometown was on the market, he knew he had found his life’s ambition; thus, the “business” deal with his mother. When he had been discharged from service, Rick returned to Maeystown and opened Hoefft’s Village Inn; turned out to be a Godsend for ole Ricky and the patrons of his fine establishment. A perfect role!

 Maeystown is a tiny burg of German ancestry nestled between two bluffs alongside a free flowing rock bottom creek meandering through two hundred and fifty years of history on its scenic journey westerly to join forces with “Ole Man River”, the mighty Missisip!

 When we moved to Maeystown our farm was located on the other side of that creek; we spent myriad hours entertaining ourselves in that cool spring-fed water. The girls and I played a “soaking” game of tag on horseback in that stream; some how, “Dad” always ended up wet as a duck’s feet; the girls managed to stay dry, relatively so, anyway. I wonder how that happened?

 Living on a working farm is that proverbial “24/7” job modern man speaks so freely about; there is always another twenty-five, or so, chores or challenges to do---immediately. But, to live such a life in this sophisticated “modern” era is a distinct blessing. Responsibility is quickly learned and the pleasure of completing a job-well-done results in warm satisfaction. And, doing a job “right” the first time very soon instills the virtue into you; there isn’t time to re-do it.

 Hoefft’s served a full menu each day of the week. The atmosphere made the dining experience delightful and jovial Rick, always smiling, was everybody’s friend---always…and, for real.

One day I was on business in St. Louis and found my way over on Hall Street which is the trucking industry distribution terminal warehouse conglomerate for the region. I’m driving down a street when a blue van approaches and the driver is leaning out the side door, waving his arm.

 As I slow down to see what he wants, Rick Hoefft’s smiling face greets me. Traffic precluded me from stopping to chat so that Friday night, our weekly “fish” dinner-at-Rick’s dine-out, ole Ricky came up to our table and mentioned that he had seen me on Hall Street.

 “Rick!” I said. “What on earth were you doing in that neighborhood with your van?”

 Smiling his trademark grin, he answered, “Picking up this cod for your dinner tonight!”

“Good” fried fish is a rare commodity in these parts; lots of people try---and…fail!

 Not Rick; never a disappointment at his establishment. Mmm! Mmm! Good!

Many a Friday night we ran into town to pick-up supper; always a delightful treat.

 I never amounted to much in the “material” conclusion of things of the world, but, Boy! Did I ever meet a most interesting array of characters on my expansive journey through this life.

 Give me the real people of life; those with a genuine, easy smile, an appreciation for a good joke, not so serious about themselves, or life’s pleasures, ambitions and challenges and rewards, folks who “live” without pretense, just happy to experience the reality. These people are:Quality!

Thanks! Rick! You lived with pure intent satiated with good cheer designed on purpose.

My family and I are most appreciative to have known you---and…we sure did enjoy the cod!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet Memories!
 
Plus:
 
 
 
Christmas Peace!
 
 
 
Newborn babe in manger lay
Man praise God eternal day
 
Innocent face sweet spectacle
God’s own Son true miracle
 
Pure as white fresh-fallen snow
Soul renew through faith restore
 
Spirit journey Christmas time
Celestial insight love divine
 
Truthful path never waiver
Eternal light Jesus savior
 
Creation awesome splendor bright
Christian family loves pure Light
 
Humble example birthday King
On bended knee mankind bring
 
Illuminate joyful peaceful earth
Eternity find in Jesus’ birth
 
Amen!
 
 
 

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