Sweet casual conversations

By Sandy Holthaus

Last Saturday, I went to the All-City Garage Sale. The weather was gorgeous! It was a perfect day. It was as if everyone wanted to be outside in the sunshine enjoying our “new normal.” All these phrases that we never spoke of just over a year ago. I have to say I am surprised at how much I have missed “casual conversation.” The art of catching up with all those friends you don’t see very often. I ran into lots of people that Saturday and it was warm hellos and glad to see you again. I must say it made me feel good. People were smiling, and a lot of sales were made, but I really didn’t buy much. I was just happy to be part of a community again. I missed you.

I used to take all of this for granted. I would stay home for days and sometimes an entire week, never leaving my house. This was prior to COVID. I just like my house, my family, and my pets. I’m comfortable here, and I have become a lot like my Dad where I prefer being home to anywhere else. But it was the knowledge that I could go to town any time of the day and run into several people and share some “casual conversation” that kept me secure. You know what I mean. A quick, hey good to see you! You look great! How are the family-type conversations that raise a spirit to let you know that you are not alone in this world. You matter.

Today on the radio they said that, because of the isolation we all have faced, the art of casual conversation has been lost. Our brains are foggy, our wits have been dulled, and we no longer can wrap our heads around face-to-face, in-person communication. I agree. Sometimes words get stuck, I might know the face but can no longer attach a name … that sort of thing. It’s like stepping into a bright light after weeks of darkness. It will take some time to adjust. But we will find that “new normal.” I have faith in us. We want to make those connections again and help each feel better. This has been rough. In 20 years, we will be sharing our pandemic stories with our grandkids. Of course, by then maybe “casual conversation” will have been replaced by mind-reading glasses, who knows? But for now, and for the rest of the summer, I look forward to bumping into you and sharing a hello.

Peace and Hugs,

– Sandy

Here are some great tips to get back into casual conversations:

• Lead with a compliment. Compliments are the best possible way to begin a conversation.

• Embrace small talk. Don’t underestimate the value of small talk. It’s an art form.

• Ask lots of questions. Come away knowing at least one new thing about the other person.

• Be nice. Need I say more?

• Let the other person do the talking. After months of only hearing our own voice, this should be easy.

• Keep it light. In my world, sharing candy recipes is about as light as you can get. Enjoy!

These candies are favorites of mine! Peanut butter and chocolate!

Buckeye Balls

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 Tablespoons shortening

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper, set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar with hands to form a smooth stiff dough. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate.

Melt shortening and chocolate together in a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth, and remove from heat.

Remove balls from refrigerator. Insert a wooden toothpick into a ball, and dip into melted chocolate. Return to wax paper, chocolate side down, and remove toothpick. Repeat with remaining balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Puppy Chow

9 cups crispy rice cereal squares

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate; add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Remove from heat, add cereal and stir until coated. Pour powdered sugar into large plastic bag, add coated cereal and shake until well coated. Store in airtight container.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge

1 pound confectioners’ sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

6 Tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Line a 8×8 inch square pan with wax paper.

Combine the confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, cocoa, milk, and vanilla together and mix until smooth. Chill until firm then cut into squares.