HANOVER, PENNSYLVANIA

After several false starts, Susanne and I climbed into the Box late this afternoon to journey past the city of Harrisburg, into Cumberland County, and finally into York County and the town of Hanover. There reside our good friends Jane and Doug West.

Doug is head of Revelation Design, a Web, graphic, and print design firm. Jane, a former teacher, is an accomplished artist. Doug and I worked together at the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in Harrisburg for a number of years. Actually, he was my boss, and I did all the work. He felt it was a good arrangement. I'm not so sure.

Anyway, Doug and Jane inherited a lovely duplex in Hanover, which they turned into an even lovelier single home for themselves and their kids, Bryn and Dylan. We always like visiting to see what's new. Jane is very modest about her wonderful design and decorating skills, but she willingly gave us a tour of the house to see what had changed since they had become empty nesters (Bryn is married and Dylan is off at college). Above is the "grand escalier," the wide stairway that stands where a wall once divided the two houses.

We were greeted next with delicious chips and dip made of cheese and onion. Yum yum. Next came a cold martini, my first in about a year. It was refreshing and intoxicating. The first sip cleared my sinuses, and before long I was unable to feel my legs. We spent a few minutes admiring the new lighting fixture in the kitchen. It would be perfect in our house, too!

Soon enough, we were called to the elegantly-set table for a meal of chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, steamed asparagus, and fresh bread. The martini came along, too. We had a great time chowing down and catching up on our families' news. Next came coffee, brewed to perfection by Doug, and my contribution, Madame Albert's Cream Puff Pie.

We enjoyed this sweet confection as we discussed current events and politics. Thank heaven we are all on the same wave length, politically speaking! We trashed those who don't agree with us and discussed who were our favorite television pundits. From time to time we drifted to HGTV and which shows we liked or didn't.

Too soon, it was time to leave. Our friends graciously walked us to the car and reminded us of how to get out of town. Or were they telling us to get out of town? No matter; we had a wonderful time and look forward to the next get-together.

This unusual wooden bowl on legs

descended in Jane's family.

 Jane painted this beautiful still life

of an ironstone bowl and pitcher.

Susanne reports to the table while chefs

Doug and Jane put the finishing touches

on the meal.

Madame Albert's Cream Puff Pie was a hit.

There was a lot of time spent after dinner

talking about world events and politics.

Pepsi, the family pet, was a friendly face all evening.

Madame Albert's Cream Puff Pie

Boil together one cup of water and 1/4 pound margarine or butter. When boiling, remove from heat and add one cup flour. Add four eggs, one at a time, and blend each thoroughly. Spread the dough in a 9x12 greased pan and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Mix together:

8 oz. softened cream cheese

2 small boxes vanilla instant pudding

2 1/2 cups of milk

Spread on top of crust. Complete with a layer of whipped topping. Serve and enjoy!