Our family has been dreaming of a California vacation for about eight months now.  Eight months because it was in December that we learned of my brother Stu’s engagement to his girlfriend, Rachel. Stu and Rachel both live in southern California, their wedding is on Saturday, and we could not be happier for this godly couple who’ve been a testimony to so many in their courtship, especially my own kids.  But if the vegetables have their say, I won’t be going anywhere.

The hardest part about having a farm share is DEALING with all those weekly veggies once you get them home!  I knew today would bring lots of time in a steamy hot kitchen {it’s in the 90’s here today, and there’s no air-conditioning in that room of the house}, and a big mess to deal with all on the same day I need to be packing for our week-long venture to Cali!  {We leave at 6am tomorrow morning, and guess who’s the only person not packed?}

Well, it took almost all day, and the kitchen was like a sauna from the all of the blanching, but the arugula, kale, and basil became pesto. {Frozen into cubes for future use.}

And the green beans got blanched, cooled off, and stored in the deep freeze, which seemed like a comfortable place for ME to be stored as well.  It was HOT!

So worth it, though, to be with family and friends to celebrate Uncle Stu’s and the soon-to-be Aunt Rachel’s special day!  Prayers for a peaceful heart, efficient packing, and safe travel appreciated.  Prayers also for  a wedding ceremony that blesses this special couple and gives glory to the God Who drew them together, as well as a lifetime of deepening friendship and joy in their marriage.