This morning's culinary adventure took us back to AJ's for breakfast. I thought I'd indulge in a comforting bowl of oatmeal, but in hindsight, perhaps the mini breakfast would have been a wiser choice. Alas, I encountered a baffling phenomenon: stiff, crumbly oats! It’s safe to say that this peculiar sight is not one I wish to revisit.
As the cheerful staff member inquired about adding fresh fruit, I enthusiastically replied, "Sure!" She presented the choice between peaches and strawberries, and I opted for the peaches. To my surprise, these weren’t the sun-kissed gems of summer but rather the canned variety. To top it off, I found myself forking over an extra dollar for those peaches and another buck for a sprinkle of nuts that danced atop my oatmeal. Quite the breakfast tale, wouldn’t you agree?
Connie had the bacon and cheese omelette with hash browns and English muffins.
Cathie had the bacon and cheese omelette with potato pancakes and English muffin.
Geranium (different variety)
Today offered a tranquil escape, driving through picturesque landscapes woven with rivers, mighty dams, fertile farmlands, and towering mountains. I’ll let the photos capture the moments that my words may fail to express.
Hang glider
Miles and miles of orchards, many covered to protect from birds
We stopped in the town of Leavenworth, a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food line Front Street. The Nutcracker Museum displays thousands of nutcrackers, some dating back centuries. On the Wenatchee River, Waterfront Park is a habitat for ospreys and eagles. The village is a gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries.
For lunch, the tantalizing aroma of bratwurst filled the air,
I savored Helga’s Giant Kielbasa, a hearty delight that promised satisfaction
Connie indulged in Hans’ Jalapeño and Cheddar, a spicy kick wrapped in deliciousness
While Cathie opted for the playful Dirtyface Beer Wurst
Each sausage was nestled in a locally crafted Basket Bread bun—my own gluten-free bun standing apart—accompanied by an impressive selection of 14 mustards, crisp apple cider sauerkraut, zesty onions, and dill relish, creating a feast for the senses.
Munchen House Sausage and Beer Garden
Naturally, the day beckoned for a sweet finale—an indulgence of ice cream. A tantalizing blend of blackberry sorbet, creamy vanilla bean, and delightfully nutty pistachio almond awaited, each spoonful a blissful escape..
Aplets & Cotlets are a type of fruit and nut confection, similar to Turkish Delight, made by Liberty Orchards in Cashmere, Washington. They are known for their soft, chewy texture and are made with apples (Aplets) or apricots (Cotlets) and walnuts, and coated in powdered sugar, and were created by two Armenian immigrants who owned an orchard in Cashmere, WA, founded in 1920.
Upon our return to Cathie's home in Marysville around 7:30, she was greeted by the sight of her hydrangeas flourishing in vibrant bloom.
The sun, while not fully descending, has nestled behind the trees, providing us with the closest semblance of a sunset we can hope for.
In the course of one week, we found ourselves traveling 1,586 miles. Today was particularly taxing in terms of time spent in the car. Yet, we have consistently sensed the Lord's presence, providing both protection and guidance throughout our journey.
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord stands as a steadfast shield, a sentinel against the myriad perils and malevolence that life may cast our way. God is not merely an abstract guardian, but an intimate and abiding presence, vigilantly overseeing each facet of our existence.
This divine safeguard knows no bounds of time or circumstance; it resonates through the ages, signifying the perpetual and unwavering grace of the Almighty—an assurance of protection for "now and forevermore." Such imagery speaks to the everyday paths we traverse and the quests we undertake, a gentle reminder that we are enveloped in sacred care through all our endeavors.
What comfort and peace that provides.
