Hope Springs

The weekend after our Germany course was altered we ventured out in search of new hope and something to look forward to. Because so much of our lives had been put on hold pending a transatlantic move, we really hadn't made plans for our future here. In some ways it's been nice to look at a clean slate calendar. That weekend we eventually found ourselves picking up early flower seed packets, soil and trays to begin a 2012 gardening season. Permature? Perhaps - but there is something so hopeful in watching life emerge from a crumb of a seed. Seedlings were securely lodged in moist soil and are now beginning to emerge. Its been a while since I've planted anything from "scratch" and it blows my mind that so much explodes out of such a small particle. Each day we're checking the sprouts and looking forward to the cold days passing and the warm ones cresting, like our sprouts. We're thankful for a God that grows all things and knows our needs.



On the foodie front, we're venturing our way through new ideas and flavors. We went to a superbowl party  where our friends treated us to vegetarian chili, pistachio stuffed dates, hazelnut torte, and blueberry goat cheese - ! We also had sushi night last weekend and crafted fabulous rolls with BBQ eel, crab, shrimp, tuna and veggies-galore. Our newlywed friends showed everyone the ways of the eggroll. They've ruined our low expectations for future eggroll consumption. Let it be known that we have amazing friends!

One of our new finds is grilled avocados. So simple and so ridiculously creamy and delicious. We brushed each avacado half with oil, squeezed on fresh lime, sprinkled with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. The halves sat on the grill for a few minutes (maybe 3) on each side and came off for another round of lime, salt and pepper. We filled the well with verde salsa, a slathering of greek yogurt and fresh cilantro and accompanied the green goodness with black beans and tortilla chips. Avacado - we love you more each day!