Christ is illumined! Let us shine forth with Him!

We are now in the feast of the Epiphany (west) and Theophany (east). It is a feast of the Incarnation within the Nativity season. I didn't share the icon last week, but here it is for the third day of the Octave. I love the icon of Theophany. Christ is buried in the cave of water in His baptism, but is not immersed as it is Creation which is baptised by Him. The waters of the Jordan are turned back ("When the waters saw thee, O God, when the waters saw thee, they were afraid, yea, the deep trembled" ~ Psalm 77:16, "The sea looked and fled, Jordan turned back." ~ Psalm 114:3). All Creation is moved by His presence. Our readings this week reflect His revelation and manifestation to the world. All of those readings show the presence of the Trinity as well. I love how the Church teaches us about His life and Incarnation and our life and salvation because of that.

We were able to go to the blessing of the waters here at the lake, and celebrate the Theophany. It was a little shorter than normal, for some reasons of health in our priest's wife, but it was still beautiful and moving. Rich retrieved the cross from the water, but he didn't have to jump in to get it. Then, we had our knit night party, and really had a full house. There were bout 28 people in our little place. The food was fantastic, the company was delightful, and I think everyone had a good time.

We are back to our normal pattern of eating. Wednesdays and Fridays are abstinent days, but there aren't a lot of major feasts or fasts until Lent. We begin school work with a vengeance this week, but also the girls have a winter show coming up, which will keep us rather busy.

Dominic is settling in at his film program, and because of some connections in aviation, we were able to get passes so we could go through security and bid him farewell at the terminal when he flew out, like we used to do. Even though Alexander is married and moved out more than a year ago, this feels like the real first one out, because he is gone for so long without us seeing him. It will be six months before we see him, unless we can swing a visit between now and then, though even that would only be Rich and me. Pray for him and also for us. Alexander and Autumn wil be celebrating their first anniversary this weekend, and we are so happy for them. It has definitely been a momentous year.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Leftover Snack Tray from Party, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Turkey Tetrazzini, Salad, Crackers, Cookies
• Monday
  Breakfast: Bacon and Egg Cups, Toast Fingers, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Onion Burgers, Fried Potatoes, Pickles and Veggie Sticks, Do Nothing Cake
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Cranberry Pumpkin Bread and Bacon and Biscuit Bake, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Croatian Dill Soup, Crackers, Kiflice
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Kusheri, Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Sliced Oranges
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Baked Oatmeal with Chopped Apples and Walnuts, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chipotle Beef, "Mexican" Rice Pilaf, Cumin-Lime Cabbage and Carrot Slaw, Cardamom Orange and Dark Chocolate Cookies, Orange Cranberry Cookies
• Friday
  Breakfast: Vegetable Hash Burritos with Salsa, Fruit Plate, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Ta’ameya Plate with Yellow Rice, Sah'awiq, Taratoor, Salad, Dates
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Cream Cheese Swirled Cherry and Mixed Berry Coffee Cake, Bacon, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Slow Cooker Irish Coddle, Thyme Roasted Carrots, Fritule, Krostule

What is on your menu this week? If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. If there are any starred recipes, I will follow up separately with a weekly recipe round up on Saturday.

Labels: Church Year, Epiphany, Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Tales from the Kitchen, Theophany