Greeting the Summer Solstice

For my birthday Hubby, Kiddo and I spent three glorious days in the Napa Valley. Napa is California’s renowned wine region. With its rolling hills, fertile soil and Mediterranean climate, the wines produced here are world-class.

Part of what makes Napa so special is the climate. The valley is diverse with microclimates and varying elevations. It’s blessed to be in proximity to the Pacific Ocean, creating perfect conditions to grow a wide variety of wines. Over 400 wineries call the Napa region home.

However; in the summer months, especially June, the marine layer rolls over the coastal range from the San Francisco Bay, creating a low cloud ceiling that is less than idea for ballooning. Not to worry, for those willing to meet their pilot before sunrise and be shuttled to Hope Valley; some 45 minutes north-east, the experience of floating in a balloon is unforgettable. It is in the quiet above that God’s whisper can be heard more clearly.

All good things must come to an end. We can see the chase vans below as we make our descent. What a beautiful beginning to a beautiful day. Praise be.

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Now I couldn’t leave you without a recipe on this National Ice Cream Soda Day! While not a true Ice Cream Soda, this reminded me of the rising sun over a marine layer on a beautiful June morning.

Sunrise Ice Cream Soda
4 Glasses
12 scoops French Vanilla Ice Cream
1 liter Orange Soda

Chill the glasses in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.

Place a scoop of ice cream in the bottom of each glass. Tilt the glass to prevent foaming and pour soda along the edge of the glass about a quarter of the way up. Add a second scoop of ice cream, repeat with the soda. Add the final scoop of ice cream. Straighten the glass, fill to the rim with soda, allowing it to foam.

Serve with a straw and enjoy.

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Blessed are the poor in spirit;
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.