Surprise! A birthday present to enjoy over time

Buddy and Joan Ladenburg

Date published: 12/25/2006

Just imagine receiving a phone call saying you have won a prize in The Free Lance-Star Birthday Contest.

And just imagine winning the services of a personal chef who not only does the shopping but goes to your home, cooks, packs the meals (yes--I said meals) in freezer/refrigerator containers and does a spotless cleanup.

My wife and I were visited by Paul Schellhammer of My Extra Hands, who talked over his menu selections and inquired about allergies and dislikes. He also said we might want to suggest meals.

On the appointed day, Paul arrived with fresh fish, meats, and vegetables. He brought his own cookware and spices. When all was done, we had an assortment of five delicious meals, including crab-stuffed whitefish, zucchini-stuffed pork tenderloin, parmesan-crusted pork chops, chicken Marsala, and Thai fish cakes.

These were dishes that we probably wouldn't have cooked for ourselves. It was an amazing treat for which we only paid the cost of the groceries.

Not only did we meet a fine young man, we also had the lingering aroma of all those cooked meals permeating the house.

It was a most wonderful gift, and we want to thank The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg.com, and most of all Paul Schellhammer of My Extra Hands.

Spotsylvania

Date published: 12/25/2006