Today we observed the Sabbath (I know, that was yesterday), by going hiking at the Waterloo Recreation Area, and then having a little mini feast of flavors for dinner. I packed a bag with the makings for PB&J + water and some handy snack stuffs. I made sandwiches in the car, and B brought her own salad, since she is not a PB fan. Half-way in, B went back to the car to take a nap, while the kids and I visited The Bog, and went on another side hike. The Bog is an interesting place. We could see the obvious change from deciduous woods and swamp to acidic sphagnum peat bog in a matter of steps. The wood cover opened, and the ground was covered in fuzzy moss, pitcher plants, and shrubs. We also noticed orchids, which I have never seen growing naturally in North America before.
The kids loved it all, and were pretty worn out. B had a nice nap, and it was a leasurely afternoon. When we arrived home I set about digging up something for dinner. I did not feel like cooking anything, but we had some baby portabellas, and a variety of cheeses and toppings. I marinated the mushrooms in a burgandy sauce, and then sauted them in the same with rosemary and whole cloves of garlic. I prepared a dish of tasties, consisting of gorgonzola, feta, and asiago cheeses, capers, marinated olives, and smoked ham, and brought out the toppings of hummus, mixed olive bruschetta, and what was left of our roasted red pepper and artichoke tapenade. With the 7 grain crackers for yum-holders, and some organic oranges for dessert, we were ready for our mini-feast.
Today I was amazed by the sheer variety of pleasures available to us through nature. Our needs are met, and even our desires for space, flavor, and recreation are satisfied. I am blessed, and I know it.
Yum yum! Looks like very worshipful (or worshipable?) supper! It is always good to see people experiencing the delight God intended for us when he gave us hunger. I also love the practicality of B going for a nap while the rest tromped on into the bog– meeting everyones’ needs at once.
God is good! What a peaceful day, and a delightful meal… a blessing! The bog sounds really interesting!
I love your photos. And it’s great to see Ariana and Ethan. Its been a long time, and they’ve changed a lot, as kids do. Thanks for putting them on.
Man, that food looks great and wow, what a sanctuary. I wish my church looked like that. How can you not worship there? There is nothing like God’s creation (nature) to get me on my knees. Ariana and Ethan look so so different than the kids I met in the Philippines. Crazy how they grow.
I had smoked salmon, mediteranean olives, a summer sausage, pepperjack cheese and some mostly cherried lemonade on sunday. So good! Your own sumptuous feast took more preparation and yielded better, I think.
oh. and great pictures!!
Ahhhh it sounds like a very joyous worship day. I was looking at the pictures of the bog and I could hear birds chirping outside my window. It made me feel like I was there. Very satisfying. =)