Amish Cooking Class--The Celebration

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Dover

  How do you even know where Darren and Jeremy live?” Becky asked when Ellen turned off the main highway and into Dover.

  “He gave me their address the day we went fishing with them.”

  “Oh.”

  Ellen glanced back at Becky, slouched in her safety seat. “We had a good time that day, huh?”

  “Yeah, I guess.”

  “It was good to see you getting along better with Jeremy. I think he’s a nice boy, especially when he untangled your fishing line.”

  Becky hunched her shoulders. “He’s okay.”

  “Darren’s nice too. I enjoy being with him.”

  “Yeah, I can tell.”

  Ellen turned left at the next street, drove a few blocks, and stopped. “This must be their place. I see Darren’s SUV parked out front.” She turned off the engine, picked up the plastic containers on the seat beside her, and opened the car door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  As Ellen walked across the yard, she couldn’t help admiring Darren’s tan-colored, split-level home with a brick facade. It had a welcoming feel, and so did the well-manicured yard. She wondered how he found the time to keep it looking so nice.

  When Ellen stepped onto Darren’s front porch, she was surprised to see a pot filled with petunias hanging next to a hummingbird feeder. She smiled. Feeding the birds and appreciating flowers added to the list of things she and Darren had in common.

  As Ellen stood quietly, she heard a buzzing sound she thought was a bee. But when she turned slightly, she saw a hummingbird hovering near her head. It flicked back and forth mere inches from her face. Then just as quickly, it swooped down and landed on the feeder. Ellen had to suppress a giggle, watching the tiny bird’s beak dart in and out between sips. Then another hummingbird appeared out of nowhere and dive-bombed the one at the feeder, giving chase to it up toward the trees.

  Turning back, Ellen was about to ring the doorbell when the front door opened, and Darren, with a little dog following him, stepped out to greet her. “I was watching a hummingbird at your feeder.” Ellen pointed to the trees. “Then another one chased it off.”

  “They’re at each other constantly.” Darren shook his head. “I even put another feeder out back, hoping they could feed without being so territorial, but they chase after each other there too.”

  “Aw, what a cute little dog.” Ellen looked down at the dachshund, which was sniffing her shoes.

  “This little fella is Jeremy’s dog, Bacon.” Darren’s cheeks colored. “Well, he’s kinda my dog too. I can’t help but love the pooch.” He reached down to pick the dog up.

  Ellen giggled when Bacon licked doggie kisses all over his face. Then she asked, “How is Jeremy doing?”

  “About the same. He’s running a fever, so I’m almost sure it’s the flu.”

  “Sounds like it. Be sure to give him plenty of fluids.”

  Darren grinned. “Yes, Nurse Ellen.”

  Her cheeks warmed. “Sorry about that. Whenever anyone is sick, my nursing instincts kick in.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” His brows furrowed. “If Caroline were still alive she’d be playing nursemaid, and I wouldn’t have to do anything more than worry.”

  Ellen saw the pain in Darren’s eyes. No doubt, he still missed his wife. Hoping to lighten the mood, she handed him two plastic containers filled with strawberry shortcake. “Heidi sent one for you, and one for Jeremy, when he feels up to eating.”

  “Thanks. I’ll enjoy mine tonight, but it may be a day or so before Jeremy eats his.”

  Ellen shifted her weight. “Well, I’d better go and let you and your dog get back inside.”

  “Okay, and thanks for coming by.” Darren touched her arm. “I’m still planning to take you out for dinner next Friday, but if Jeremy isn’t better by then I’ll let you know.”

  She moved her head slowly up and down. “I’ll be praying for him, and if there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”

  “I will.” Darren pulled his hand aside. “Have a good weekend, Ellen.”

  “You too.” She turned and hurried to her car. Oh, Darren, you’re such a nice man. Where have you been all my life?

  Berlin

  When Miranda pulled her minivan into her driveway, she spotted Trent sitting in a silver-gray mid-sized car. No doubt another vehicle from the dealership where he works. I wonder what Trent wants this time.

  “Daddy’s here! Daddy’s here!” Kevin shouted from the back seat. “I hope he brought us something.”

  Miranda grimaced. Trent’s gifts, even for the kids, meant nothing to her. She wished he would realize that.

  She’d barely turned off the ignition, when Debbie and Kevin hopped out of the van and ran up to greet Trent as he stepped out of his vehicle.

  By the time Miranda joined them, he was squatted down with his arms surrounding both kids. “What are you doing here, Trent?” she questioned. “This is not your weekend with the children.”

  “I am well aware.” He stared at her intently. “I came by to give you something.”

  Miranda stiffened. “No thanks. The last time you brought me something there were strings attached. You can talk to Debbie and Kevin for a while if you want to, but I’ve got work to do inside.” Without waiting for a response, she whirled around and hurried into the house.

  As Miranda marched off, Trent stood, clenching his jaw. Why couldn’t she have at least given me a chance to show her the card I found? Maybe I should give it to one of the kids and ask them to show it to their mom. His forehead wrinkled. Or would it be better to wait for another time, when Miranda’s in a more receptive mood? Of course, that may never happen. What does she want from me, anyway? Am I supposed to sit up and beg like a dog?

  Kevin tugged on Trent’s hand. “How come you’re frowning, Daddy? Don’t ya like what I said?”

  Trent swept a hand across his furrowed brow. “Sorry, Son, I must’ve missed it. What did you say?”

  “I was tellin’ you what we made at the cooking class today.”

  “Oh? What was it?”

  “Shortcake, and we put strawberries from Heidi’s garden over the top.”

  “And don’t forget the whipping cream,” Debbie interjected. Her eyes looked as bright as shiny new pennies. “It was sure good.”

  “I’ll bet it was.” Trent’s thoughts went to Miranda again, and the delicious strawberry shortcakes she’d made over the years. In addition to wishing for his wife’s companionship, he missed her great cooking.

  “Did ya bring us anything, Daddy?” Kevin asked, pulling Trent’s thoughts aside once more.

  “Uh, no. Not today, Son. I did bring your mother something, though.”

  Debbie frowned. “Mommy doesn’t like it when you bring her gifts. I heard her say so when she was talking to Grandma on the phone the other day.”

  Trent resisted the urge to say something negative about his mother-in-law. The kids loved their grandparents, and he wasn’t about to spoil their relationship. He could only imagine, though, what Alta’s response was when Miranda told her that. Whenever Trent had been around Miranda’s folks, he’d always felt that he never quite measured up. It was like they—especially, Alta—felt as though their daughter could have done better in choosing a husband. He wasn’t sure if it was his job they didn’t approve of, or maybe his personality rubbed them the wrong way.

  “I don’t think your mom will mind what I brought for her today.” Trent opened the car door and reached inside, where he’d placed the card on the passenger’s seat. He’d kept it in its original envelope so it wouldn’t get wrinkled. “Would you please see that your mom gets this?” He held the envelope out to Debbie.

  She hesitated at first, but finally reached for the card.

  “Thanks, sweetie.” Trent bent down and hugged both kids again. “I should get going now, but I’ll see you guys next Saturday.”

  “Why can’t you stay, Daddy?” Debbie’s soulful eyes looked directly at him. />
  “I would, honey, but this morning I wasn’t feeling well. I passed a kidney stone, so I’d like to go home and rest a little more.”

  Kevin looked up at Trent with a hopeful expression. “Are we gonna do anything fun when you pick us up next Saturday?”

  “Yeah. I’m not sure what yet, but I’ll come up with something you and your sister will enjoy.” He opened his car door, but then turned back around to face Debbie. “Don’t forget to give your mom the card.”

  “Okay, Dad.”

  Trent got in the car and sat watching as the kids went into the house. Clenching his fingers around the steering wheel, he murmured, “I hope that card jogs Miranda’s memory and she comes to her senses. If this doesn’t do the trick, I’ll have to come up with something else.”

  Walnut Creek

  After setting lunch on the table, Heidi stepped outside to call Marsha and Randy. It was no surprise when she discovered them standing by the chicken’s enclosure.

  “Lunch is ready.” Heidi put a hand on top of both of their heads.

  “Can we come back and watch the hinkel after we eat?” Randy asked.

  Heidi smiled. It was a pleasure to hear him using the Pennsylvania Dutch word for chickens. “Of course you can. And a little bit later, you can give them fresh water and more food.”

  Randy grinned up at her. “I like takin’ care of the hinkel.”

  “You’ve been doing a good job.” She pointed to the house. “But right now, lunch is waiting.”

  “Okay.” Randy grabbed his sister’s hand. “Let’s go, Marsha!”

  Heidi followed, but she’d only made it halfway to the house when Lyle’s driver pulled into the yard. She waited until Lyle got out of the van.

  “How’d your class go today?” he asked, joining her on the lawn and slipping his arm around her waist.

  “For the most part it was good, but one of my young students got sick and had to go home. I think Jeremy may have come down with the flu.”

  “That’s too bad. I hope no one else gets it.” Lyle handed Heidi his lunch pail. “Would you mind taking this into the house while I go out to the barn to check on our horse? She was favoring one of her back legs before I left for the auction this morning, and I want to make sure she’s okay.”

  “No problem. I hope Bobbins is all right. But before you go, I’d like to ask you a question.”

  He paused. “Sure, what’s up?”

  “Well, today, when I went out to invite Velma and her son to join us for strawberry shortcake, I found her in tears. Him too.”

  He tipped his head. “Oh? Did she tell you what was wrong?”

  “Jah. Apparently, Velma’s teenage daughter ran off with her boyfriend recently, and Velma is quite depressed. Her oldest son also left home a few years ago, and they’ve had no contact with him since.”

  Lyle shook his head. “What a shame. It has to be difficult for Velma and her husband.”

  “It is, and also for the younger kids too. As I’ve mentioned before, they’ve had some financial problems since they moved here, which I’m sure has contributed to Velma’s emotional state. I’m wondering if there isn’t something we can do to help that family.”

  “I’ll have to give it some thought, but in the meantime, why don’t we invite them over for an indoor supper or an outdoor barbecue some evening? It will give us a chance to get to know them better,” Lyle suggested. “I’ve seen her husband a few times, but all we did was wave at each other. If we spend some time with them, it might give us a better idea of their needs and how we might help out.”

  Heidi nodded. “Good idea. I’ll contact Velma sometime next week and extend an invitation to supper.”

  “Oh, and speaking of next week… Don’t forget about the auction coming up on Saturday. There will be lots of good food available and some interesting things to see. I think it will be a fun outing for Marsha and Randy.”

  Heidi smiled. “I believe you’re right. And now, I’d better get inside and make sure the kids washed their hands before sitting down at the table.”

  Lyle slipped his arm around Heidi’s waist again, hugging her tenderly. “I’ll be in soon to join you for lunch.”

  Before heading inside, Heidi glanced toward the birdhouse at the far end of their property. The other day, while watering her flowers, she’d watched a pair of bluebirds catching bugs and taking them into the birdhouse—a sure sign they had a family to feed.

  As Heidi walked slowly across the yard, she squinted her eyes to get a better look. “Hmm… Now why does it look so odd?”

  When she drew closer to the little house Lyle had attached to a fence post, Heidi realized one of their barn cats sat upon the roof of the birds’ dwelling. Little tweets and chirps came from inside, as the parent birds frantically swooped toward the cat, then landed in the nearby tree. Their loud and frantic chit, chit, chit let Heidi know the bluebirds were not happy with this intruder so close to their home with babies inside.

  Scurrying to get there quickly, Heidi picked up her pace. Just as the cat reached a paw inside the small entrance, Heidi clapped her hands. “Oh no you don’t! Shame on you. Now scat!”

  The orange-colored feline had been so intent on trying to get the baby birds, the sound of Heidi’s clapping startled him. It was hard to suppress her giggles when the tabby jumped off the roof, with his paw still inside the opening, and dangled there in midair a few seconds before dropping to the ground. It looked like a streak of orange as the cat made a beeline toward the barn.

  “That will teach you.” Heidi watched a few more minutes, as one of the bluebirds flew into the little house. A few seconds later, it zipped out again, while the other parent bird sailed in with a bug in its mouth.

  Satisfied, after hearing little chirps coming from the hungry babies inside, Heidi hummed as she made her way back to the house. Next week would be busy, but she didn’t mind. Between doing something neighborly for Velma and her family, and spending time with the children, she felt sure it would be a satisfying week.

  Chapter 26

  How come you’re limpin’ ‘round the kitchen, Mama?” Peggy Ann asked as Velma moved slowly about the room, getting supper ready.

  “I told you before—my knee hurts from where the handle of the axe fell against it today.” Velma grunted. “Don’t ya listen to anything I say?”

  Peggy Ann’s hair hung in her face as she lowered her head. “S–sorry. Guess I forgot.”

  Shuffling over to her daughter, Velma pulled the child into her arms. She wished she could take back her harsh words. “No, I’m the one who should be sorry. Didn’t mean to be so cross. I’m just tired, hurtin’, and hungry, to boot.”

  Eddie burst into the room. “I’m hungry too. What’s for supper, Mama?”

  She pointed to the stove. “I’m heating some leftover vegetable soup, and we’ll have cheese and crackers to go with it. Nothing exciting, but at least it’ll fill our bellies.”

  “Will we be havin’ any dessert?” Peggy Ann wanted to know.

  Velma shook her head. “Nope. You two had your dessert at Heidi’s, remember?”

  Eddie smacked his lips. “It was sure good.”

  “That it was. And since your sister came home with the recipe, we can make strawberry shortcake sometime. I’m sure it’ll be as good as what we had today.” Velma took three bowls down from the cupboard. “You two go wash up now, while I dish out the soup.”

  The children scampered out of the kitchen, and Velma hobbled over to get the soup ladle.

  Pulling and tugging, Velma blew out an exasperated breath. “Now why won’t this stubborn drawer open?” She rattled it and jiggled it in every direction, but it wouldn’t budge. “Come on you stupid thing. Don’t I have enough troubles already?”

  Velma stopped for a minute to catch her breath. She hoped Hank would be home soon with some money. Their food supplies were running low, and some things needed to be fixed around the house—including now, this kitchen drawer.

  Once more,
Velma wished she could look for a job. But what would she do with Eddie and Peggy Ann while she was at work? She couldn’t leave them home by themselves. That would be asking for trouble. And then there was her need for transportation. If she took a job at one of the stores or restaurants anywhere—even one of the small towns here in Holmes County—it would require a car.

  Staring at the drawer, Velma knew it wouldn’t open itself. She grabbed the handle one more time, and with one final tug, the drawer flew open, almost sending Velma backward to the floor. Apparently the soup ladle had been stuck, keeping the drawer from opening. It was bent, but, at least, still usable. “Why can’t anything ever be simple?” she mumbled.

  “Cause it ain’t.”

  Velma jumped at the sound of her husband’s booming voice. “Hank, I—I didn’t hear your rig pull in. How long have ya been here?”

  “Long enough to say hi to the kids.” He moved toward Velma. “What’s the matter with you, woman? Are ya goin’ deaf? That truck of mine’s loud enough to wake the dead.”

  Velma’s chin quivered. “You don’t have to holler, Hank. I’m standing right here.”

  His eyes narrowed. “What’s going on? You look like you’re gonna start bawling.”

  “I’m tired, and I’ve had a rough day.” She motioned to the pot of soup on the stove. “The kids and I are about ready to have supper. Have you eaten yet?”

  “Nope.”

  “Okay, I’ll set you a place.” Velma took out another bowl and put it on the table where Hank normally sat when he was at home. “Can I talk to you about something?”

  “Sure, what’s up?” He pulled out a chair and sat down.

  Velma moved to stand beside him. “I was talkin’ to Heidi today—told her about our two oldest running off.”

  His face tightened. “Ya got no call to be tellin’ other people our business. What happens in the Kimball home stays right here.” Hank slapped his hand on the table. “A nosy neighbor starts gossiping, and pretty soon the whole county will know what’s goin’ on at our place.”