Sea Quest

The winter has been long, gray, and chilly.  News of a sunny week-end at the beach was welcome as we turned our wheels toward the beach.  The great Pacific did not disappoint!  Waves and sunshine mixed with the fellowship of family and friends created a lovely meld of activities inside and outdoors.  A pleasant surprise, miniature daffodils blooming beside the rental house, added an extra touch of cheer!

Beach Buddies

"Don't grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach."

- Michelle Held -

Signs of Spring

Slowly but surely, little signs of spring are appearing. The first tender shoots of daffodil and tulips are pushing through the earth. The special tulip bulbs, hand delivered via the honeymooners after their trip to Amsterdam last September, are also starting to push through the earth in the large clay pots they were planted in on the porch. Tiny white snowdrops are budding, looking like pearly white teeth right now. Soon a sunny day will arrive and they will open their faces wide as they seek the sun. Don't you just love the little bits of spring that are appearing, even on these wintry days? They speak of hope, promise, and joy. For now, I'm just wishing the clouds would move aside and LET THE SUNSHINE IN!

Have you seen signs of spring in your yard?

Love Seasons

 

Love maketh its own summer time,
'Tis June, Love, when we are together,
And little I care for the frost in the air,
For the heart makes its own summer weather.

Love maketh its own winter time,
And though the hills blossom with heather,
If you are not near, 'tis December, my dear,
For the heart makes its own winter weather.

 

Pasta con Faggioli

Fresh, savory, and quick to make --- Pasta con Faggioli is great for a crowd. Serve with sandwiches and enjoy the fellowship of family and friends.

Pasta Con Faggioli

6 cups water
4 - 5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and diced
1 sweet onion, medium
8 ounces crushed tomatoes, canned
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/4 Tbsp. chili pepper, crushed
1 Tbsp. parsley, fresh and chopped
15 ounces cooked Great Northern White Beans
8 ounces spaghetti, broken (gluten free if necessary)

In a skillet, sauté sweet onion and garlic until soft. Add seasonings, tomatoes, and beans. In a kettle, bring water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until tender. Drain spaghetti. Add spaghetti to the bean and tomato mixture. Add fresh parsley and stir in gently. Adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and allow to sit for 2 - 3 minutes before serving.

Dear Potter

We realize we have been jarred by life, causing brokenness. Some of us feel like shards of china instead of the exquisite and intriguing vessels that we want to be. We want to be pots that, when poured, tipped, dropped, or spilled, issue forth streams of life. Please, You who rework clay to repair damage, mend us. In Jesus' restorative name, Amen.

 

Patsy Clairmont