Road Tripping

I finished up early at school with all of my students so that I could travel to the wedding a few days early.

The sights were endlessly beautiful and some great playlists made the four hour trip fly by.

We took Patrice's vehicle so I got to be a passenger and just spend the time sightseeing and enjoying myself.

We stopped in to visit Marcy (Nicole's mom) who is a dear friend from waaaaay back. 

She still has a needlepoint picture of some Scottish thistles displayed that I made for her about 33 years ago.

Cool bit of history we share.

Plus we share kids so that's even more impressive.

Marcy prepared a beautiful tray of tea and goodies and we had a sweet visit while Patrice tried out Marcy's 7 string guitar!   It was a gift from her grandmother who played it when she lived back in Russia.

Such a precious friendship!

Magnificent May

The month of May doesn't really require words...

It pretty much speak for itself, broadcasting beauty in every direction and singing the glory of it's Creator.

A profusion of flowers, of fragrance and beauty.

Opportunities to spend time with friends on the sun speckled patio surrounded by potted flowers and vines .

May is also a good month for wedding showers and it was a perfect day to be outside celebrating Natasha's upcoming wedding to Ryan!

Gifts and goodies galore and...

a deer strutting confidently down the road!?! 

I was a little surprised when I got into my car to see this fine looking creature followed by a younger deer making their way through the neighbourhood.

Most likely finding flowers to snack on.

Church on the blue tarp.

We're still meeting in the purple dance studio.

But even that can't detract from the powerful presence of God, the Body standing unified in love and the broken bread and wine...

I'm grateful for this group of believers that I get to journey with.

They have big hearts and big faith and an even bigger God.

We had a little reunion with some friends from far-away over some delicious Thai food.

And an evening with family.

So sweet and precious.

The generations mingle, stories are told and hearts are warmed.

Friends 

and puppies...

and always love.

Auf Wiedersehen

Our leder hosen clad friend was at it again as we enjoyed our final Bavarian breakfast! 

The blue cloudless sky was a perfect backdrop.

When he finished welcoming the morning, he dragged the horn through the eating area continuing to play and entertain.

What a friendly, homey feeling place! 

 Patrice spent some time at the coffee bar communing with some local wildlife from another era.
I was terribly excited about the hot chocolate AND coffee machines available to make my morning mocha and was wishing for a man-sized appetite to enable me to taste EVERYTHING, but I had to be content with the goodies I was once again able to sample.

A grande paino in the breakfast room was irresistible  and we mother's took turns filling the air with joyful sounds.
How can one not worship when surrounded with such goodness and beauty?
Foretastes of heaven...

Traveling with these two beauties was a dream come true.
Mother's and daughters...

We packed our bags and bid the beautiful town farewell...

Auf Wiedersehen dear Leavenworth.

It's been a blast! 

Next time we had better remember our dirndl dresses and backpacks...

We enjoyed a scenic trip home with a short stop to pick up some wine and cheese before heading over the border.

When the border guard  heard what we had purchased he laughingly called us snobs.

Again and again I am awestruck at the beauty that surrounds me wherever I go.

I snapped these pictures from the car window as we wound our way through the valley.

So grateful that this kind of scenery is just a short drive from my home, in every direction.

What a peaceful, refreshing trip with the best of friends.

I am in awe at a God that gives us so very many gifts, and who reveals Himself to us in multitudes of ways.

This little oasis of delight, this trip, was a heavenly gift, coming down from my Father of heavenly lights.

And that's the end of this particular Bavarian Fairy Tale.

I'm hoping for Part 2 and 3 and maybe 4...

This trip will be nourishment for my soul in days to come, because...

"A pleasure is not full grown until it is remembered.”

C.S. Lewis

Source: “Out of the Silent Planet” (1938)

An Oasis

Here we are.

Two pilgrims delighting in an oasis of beauty and in the comfort of comradeship. 

It seems a bit surreal that we were even able to do this as life has not afforded us this opportunity for oh so very many years, but we're just happy it happened.

There was an amazing, accessible pathway over a bridge and onto a little island crowded with beautiful trees, birds and vegetation which Patrice was bravely sampling, much to my chagrin.

I can't remember what she ate, but she lived and when we had supper later in the day it was actually a featured item on the menu.

She knows her stuff, this birdwatching, nature loving girl of mine!

Her time at A Rocha has broadened her horizons and I am enjoying the second hand experience. 

We played pooh-sticks upon entering the island and on our departure.

These girls are just so easy to have fun with.

We often commented on how relaxed the whole experience was.

And birdwatching...it's our new sport and even I can participate!

A whole world of wonder opens up when you look up and listen...

Such a pretty place.

The smells were fresh and intoxicating, reminiscent of camp experiences from a lifetime ago.

The river was running at pretty full capacity as there has been so much rain in all of these areas but thankfully we hit the sunshine!

Simply providential.

Idyllic, peaceful, recharging, mesmerizing, exceptional beauty.

The clouds and everything else declaring the glory of our magnificent Creator who has given us richly, all things to enjoy.

And enjoy them we did!

We headed to town for some shopping and sightseeing and scoped out where we'd be having dinner in the evening.

'

Every corner rounded afforded us delightful sights

and thankfully we were visiting midweek so there were no crowds.

In the afternoon I lay down to rest my back and recharge while the others went for a round of free golf across the street from our hotel. 

They were pretty much professionals by the end of their game.

Apparently there was a goat mowing the lawn while they putted along.

But that evidence is on someone else's camera.

Patrice chose the Watershed for our evening dining experience and it was simply superb.

Farm to table dining, served with a flair and the flavour was over the moon amazing.

We were seated outside on a covered deck, overlooking the river and protected from a refreshing rainfall that graced our fine dining.

We could't get over the rich flavours of the pesto and almond encrusted salmon, gnocchi, morel mushrooms and sauce...

A double rainbow filled the sky on our walk back to the hotel.

Very fitting somehow.

We enjoyed yet another evening playing games and sipping on hot tea while we listened to more beautiful music floating up from the grand piano below.

Lots of laughter and sweet times.

Another delight filled day was finished and we retired to our puffy beds with our hearts and bellies full.