Living in Eucharist

Summer, though not technically over, is giving way to autumn. I've been blessed this summer with one of my favorite things--hiking. Most weekends I've worked in a hike or two, in contrast with last summer when I only got to do one hike. And I love to hike! This is by no means the end of  hiking for me this year, but as the seasons change I reflect on the why's and the where's of my wonderings.

'The Mountains are calling' from GreetsDesigns

The first 'why' is my passion for hiking and nature! Growing up in a small town in western Nebraska may not sound like hiking central, but, quite frankly, what else was there to do? Scottsbluff National Monument and the Wildcat Hills were my childhood playgrounds.

View from the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument

Second, hiking is a great way to spend time with people. It's a wonderful way to get to know folks, just walking in the diverse beauty of nature there is always something to talk about and an ease in the quiet. There is an intimacy created with that beauty paired with the absence of distractions, like electronics, that can allow talks of depth that might never occur otherwise.

Nature cheaper than therapy by OliveandThistleCo

The list of why's could go on and on(there's the exercise thing, for example), but my number one motive for hiking is to live in Eucharist! In the midst of His creation I am grateful. I am nourished and revived in His Beauty. I am inspired to share His Love and Beauty and continue to seek Him first.

As for the 'wheres" here, in chronological order, is a list of my spring/summer hikes:

•  Snoqualmie Falls -- this was part of a special day, the day after our daughter's wedding, with very special folks.

Randy, Karen, me & Jim at  Snoqualmie Falls and Salish Lodge

• Washington Park Aboretum -- our annual Mothers' day hike!

Me & my precious kids

• Twin Falls -- first adventure with our hiking group 

'Ridgers Hike'

• Nisqually Wildlife Refuge -- I did this one twice this summer!

Nisqually Delta

Also got to kayak there

• Mt. Galbraith -- a Colorado hike!

Just outside Golden, Colorado

• Tolmie Peak Lookout and Eunice Lake -- a magical, misty hike

Em on the trail

• Mt. Si -- this summer's toughest hike by far!

Katie took this from the very top(where I dare not go)

• Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap -- another group hike. This was so much fun, our original plan was to hike Sheep Lake and then we just kept adding on more trails. The burgers at Wally's after were especially delicious!

This is part of the Pacific Crest Trail

• Rattlesnake Ledge -- one of my all time favorite trails and I got to check Twedes off my bucket list

Patty & I on Rattlesnake Ledge

Agent Dale Cooper's favorite pie, this is another reason I love to hike, after hike treats

• Poo Poo Point -- with the kids on a Sunday

Great fun watching the paragliders from the top

• Hurricane Hill -- just last weekend, another family hike

Amazing views 360 degrees from the top

My hope is that each and every one of us pursue our passions, as they are a gift from God, and in so doing live in Eucharist! 

Linda <><

Honey Ginger Cream Soda

I took one of those online quizzes a friend had posted on Facebook. Supposedly, it would tell me my secret obsession and all I had to do was pick pictures. Simple, right? I just knew, like most of the online quizzes it would be way off. You'll never guess what my secret (not so secret) obsession is. My results concluded that my secret obsession is food! Not, as I might have hoped, love or faith or even nature.

The truth is, those who know me well know how I love food. As a normally reserved, quiet soul I can talk all day about food!

Today I want to share my own latest concoction. If you like ginger you will love it. My ginger loving friends all agree, it's a tasty, satisfying drink.

Ginger is not only tasty, it's got a long list of health benefits

Honey Ginger Cream Soda

About 1 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger,

 pealed and chopped

1 cup coconut milk (or half and half)

1 tablespoon honey

club soda or sparkling water

ice

Place the first three ingredients in a blender (I like the Magic Bullet for this) and blend until good and smooth, about 2 minutes.

Pour through a fine strainer. Put 1/4 cup in a tall glass, add ice and carefully top with the club soda, as it will foam up. Makes about 4 servings.

Adjust the amount of ginger to your liking

I'm a big fan of local raw honey

Straining it makes your drink nice and smooth

Store the remainder in the refrigerator 

As we enter the hectic holiday season don't forget to take time to eat healthy, relax and enjoy the true meaning of the season! I'll leave you with some photos from our weekend hike. A lovely walk on the boardwalks of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Twin Barns

Boardwalk on the delta

The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons

Jonathon Livingston

Linda <><

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