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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