The Land Beyond the Forest 10

[Julia A Knaake]

The Land Beyond the Forest 10

Márta was in the kitchen chopping celery,and carrots along with mincing parsley and garlic when Andrei walked in the door. “My it smells enticingly delicious in here. What is my dear one concocting in here with her lovely hands?”
“I'm making a big pot of lentil soup. Enough for twelve hungry people.”
“Are you having company?” inquires Andrei with a grin.
“No. Did you forget about the dinner at the orphanage? Once a month you and I along with Sue, Jim, Shelly and George will donate a meal for twelve. You better not have forgotten your part in making bread or I'll paddle you good!” scolded Márta.
Andrei laughed and picked Márta up, twirled her around then kissed her gently on both cheeks.
“My dearest Márta I was up early before dawn mixing coarsely ground wheat and corn flour along with yeast. Right now my kitchen has an earthy smell of rising bread. I have four bread pans, two cup cake pans and one long pan out ready to be filled after the third punching of the dough. I am hoping to use the long pan to make a braid if I have enough dough.”
Sue and Jim are combining their talents by making four pork roasts with cracklings. Jim picked wild mushrooms yesterday and will make three gallons of gravy to go with lots of mashed potatoes topped with fresh parsley.
Shelly and George are busy collecting jars of their pickled red and green chili peppers, pickles, jams and jellies to bring. They also have made plenty of cakes dusted with powdered sugar along with dozens of molasses cookies. I will also make a simple green salad with vegetables.”
“The children will be so happy to see us. Every time it is our turn they have their sweet drawings for me. I have kept every one of those beautiful pieces of art.” replied Andrei.
“I also have the pot holders and dish towels they make for me. At first I saved them but now I use them with love'” said Márta.
In the door came Shelly and George bringing in a half dozen of molasses cookies. “We thought a coffee break might be made and a test taste on the cookies, if you have time.” laughed George.
Sue put the coffee on while Márta finished placing the items for soup went into the pot with lentils and ham.
The friends talked about the children while they had their coffee break. They also kept and used the items the children had given they.
That afternoon when the bread was baked and soup done the four went off to deliver the delicious meal. They met Sue and Jim there delivering their food. The children and their caregivers were there gratefully accepting this delicious meal. The children were loved.

You are special,
because you
know how to give
everything to
a family to make
every member
feel blessed.

©Julia A Knaake

[Julia A Knaake]

The Land Beyond the Forest 11

Andrei and Márta were driving his big truck to Băile Tușnad to see his brother, Benjamin and sister-in-law Herta. The population of Băile Tușnad was only 1,617 but the Romanians were close knit. There were also many Hungarians living in Băile Tușnad. The two groups got along but were not real sociable to each other.
Andrei had not heard from them for five months. His calls to them and letters were unanswered. Benjamin was not a writer but at least he or Herta would call every three months or so.
The truck was filled with boxes of fruit and vegetables along with Mártas canned items. Shelly donated some cheeses she had made long with Georges molasses cookies. Andrei slipped in many different breads he had made.
He really was into the bread making and even was getting orders from some of the businesses in town for his delicious smaller loaves. Four botles of Apricot Brandy or Pálinka as it was called were tucked in between blankets and pillows in case they stayed overnight.
They got to the house about mid-day. Benjamine and Herta were not there. The house had no fire going and looked shabby as Andrei looked in the window. All the beautiful yard ornaments were missing, even Herta's bird baths were not around. Their garden was bare. Márta peered in the living room window and saw that the once beautiful furniture had been replaced by austere mismatched worn out pieces. Their living conditions looked harsh with no comforts or luxuries.
A burly looking man came up the walk and asked what they wanted. Andrei told him he was Benjamin's brother. The man asked for identification and after seeing Andrei was truthful he told him he watched the place while Benjamin was working. He also said Herta had a job in town at a cafe.
“I see you have a truck full of fruit and vegetables. Did you bring it for them? I sure hope so because they do not eat well. Herta gets some of the food at the cafe that can not be sold the next day. My wife also makes sure she sends over soup and tea. We are not as poor as your brother but we will help our neighbors. Your brother and his wife are always there to help anyone. It is time for us and others to return favors.”
They turned and saw Benjamin's truck pull into the drive. Herta was with him holding a medium sized box. “Hello brother, Herta. We were worried about you so came to see you. We brought fruit and vegetables for you and to share if you like.” called Andrei.
Márta and Herta hugged and embraced. “Come inside I will start the fire. My boss gave me a large pot of pork hock and bean soup so I do not have to cook tonight. I'll ask Carl and Lettie over also.” Herta motioned to the burly man.
“Oh this is wonderful because Andrei has started a new hobby of bread making and brought some along with his Apricot Pálinka.” laughed Márta.
“Did I hear Apricot Pálinka? Oh I do love any Pálinka my big brother makes . How you doing Márta?” said Benjamin as he gave her a big hug.
The fire was started and the soup placed atop the stove. Márta. Herta and Lettie brought in some of the lighter items while the men unloaded the heavy boxes from Andrei's truck.
The three men then unloaded Benjamin's truck. He had some scraggly looking wood in the back but it was burnable.
The ladies placed the bread, jam , cookies and cheese on the counter next to the stove where the soup was ready to dip. Prayer was said and the soup was served. Everyone's stomach was full. After cleaning up the fire was going well Andrei brought out the Pálinka and late into the evening the whole bottle had been consumed. There was dance music from the men:
I do not know how I did
or who wanted to take the first step
From the beginning, I accidentally gave it to waltz, waltz, waltz ...
You let me drive, without knowing the next step
1, 2, 3, left, right, left, I gave it by mistake in vaaals, vaaals, vaaals ...
vaaals, vaaals, vaaals ...
Even when we stopped, we always found ourselves
But when I do not hear music, it kills me.
Dance with her, only with her, I heard my heart singing.
When she looked at me, the world was just an orchestra to accompany us.
Dance with her, only with her, I heard my heart singing.
When she looked at me, the world was just an orchestra to accompany us.
I've even gone straight,
It's nothing that we just will notice
and the whole Earth is just a dance ring, dance, dance.
One soul and body
One pair in all!
Verses-lyrics.info
It all started as I gave it by mistake in vaaals, vaaals, vaaals.
vaaals, vaaals, vaaals ...
Even when we stopped, we always found ourselves
But when I do not hear music, it kills me.
Dance with her, only with her, I heard my heart singing.
When she looked at me, the world was just an orchestra to accompany us.
Dance with her, only with her, I heard my heart singing.
When she looked at me, the world was just an orchestra to accompany us.
Even when we stopped, we always found ourselves
But when I do not hear music, it kills me quietly!

There would be plenty of time to talk tomorrow.

You are special,
because you
know how to give
everything to
a family to make
every member
feel blessed.

©Julia A Knaake