The young men from church performed “Come Thou Fount.”
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Ed and Nicole are engaged
On Saturday, Ed flew down from the Bay Area. Although his flight was delayed (first due to a bird strike and then to an engine problem), he finally arrived at John Wayne Airport and then our house around midafternoon. Around 4:00 PM, we finally leave from Laguna Beach to go on a hike (El Moro Canyon).
Unbeknownst to Nicole, Ed had already purchased an engagement ring and was planning to propose on the hike at the top of the hill. Also Ed’s brother and his wife had driven down from Sacramento the day before. They planned to hike to the top and hide so that they could be a part of the big event.
The hike is quite strenuous.
On the way to the top, Ed decides on a change of plans. So he stops at a scenic spot, gets on one knee, and proposes. Most of the group (including Ed’s brother and sister-in-law) end up missing the occasion.
Victoria messages the group and we hike back down to meet up from pictures.
We spend a little time taking a lot of pictures.
We got a family picture (though Jason, Hannah, and Evelyn aren’t included).
Front: Josiah, Sarah, Lizzie, and Joanna
We then hiked back down.
Afterwards we drove back to South Coast Plaza for a celebration meal at Claim Jumper’s restaurant.
Because Nicole’s birthday was the next day, she got a mini-birthday cake. We also got a slice of the classic Motherload Cake to share with all.
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Because He Lives
Youth Choir sings “Because He Lives” at Warner Avenue Baptist Church on Easter Sunday (April 4, 2021).
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Weston’s Get-together
Kevin and Darlene Weston and their children drove out from Kansas to visit family and friends. On the night before their drive back, we invited all of the Weston clan along with the Ouatu family to our house for a get-together.
Here are some photos from the evening.
Here is the Kevin Weston family. They have two twin boys, Adam and James. Because we’re not sure who is who in this photo, the caption might be incorrect.
Here is a short (two-minute) video collage of the evening.
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Low tide at Huntington Beach
Six of us went down to the beach – Jeri, Tim, Justin, Nicole, Victoria, and Lizzie. We (purposely) caught it at low tide. The temperature was in the 70s.
Here’s Lizzie walking along the beach.
A one-minute video composite.
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Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe
A rich, chocolatey dessert! Using a Vitamix and digital scale, this recipe is very easy to follow.
Here are the ingredients. The key is to start with the avocado. The amount of avocado then determines the amount of the other ingredients.
Notes: I like to add the ingredients in the order listed below. I use a mixture of cacao and cocoa powder but you can use either. If you like a stronger chocolate flavor, use the higher proportion of cocoa powder. If your dates are dry, then you will need to increase the amount of liquid (eg. almond milk).
| Ingredient | Proportion | Sample Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | 100% | 300 g |
| Maple syrup (or honey) | 25% | 75 g |
| Cocoa powder (and/or cacao powder) | 20 to 25% | 60 to 75 g |
| Almond milk (or oat milk) | 50% | 150 g |
| Salt | N/A | pinch (or a few shakes) |
| Vanilla | N/A | 10 g (2 tsp) |
| Dates (pitted) | 100% | 300 g |
Start by zeroing the scale with the Vitamix container on it.
Add avocado by scooping the flesh into the container. In the following pictures, I had 318 grams of avocado. Other times, I’ve used only 200 grams of avocado and scaled the recipe accordingly.
Zero the scale and add 100% pure maple syrup. Do NOT use maple-flavored corn syrup! You can substitute honey. The amount should be one quarter of the amount of avocado.
Zero the scale and add cocoa powder. To be a bit healthier, I use a half cocoa powder and half cacao powder. The amount should be one fifth of the avocado amount.
Next add almond/oat/coconut milk. The amount should be half of the avocado amount. I used almond milk.
Next add vanilla extract. (I really like to use Mexican vanilla.)
Add a pinch of salt which is about 1/16 teaspoon. Or if you have a salt shaker, just give it a few good shakes.
Finally add the dates. Zero the scale. Remove the pits and stem caps. The amount should equal the amount of avocado.
Finally blend on the Vitamix. Use the tamper. Gradually increase the speed until you are finally able to blend it on high to get it really smooth.
If necessary, use a scraper on the sides. You will need to work at it for a bit using the tamper to get the mixture to blend until it is smooth. Add a little more liquid if necessary. Don’t worry if it gets a little warm from blending.
When done, scoop into a container and store in the refrigerator.
For a satisfying treat after a meal, I will take a scoop with tablespoon to slowly enjoy. Yum!
It seems to last about a week in the refrigerator.
I started with a recipe that I found online. I modified it slightly and simplified its instructions. Original recipe is here.
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Playing at the Beach
Some of the young people from church planned a bonfire at the beach for Saturday afternoon and evening. Unlike most of these beach outings, Tim, Jeri, and Justin actually attended this one…for a while.
Here are some pictures. Click on them for full size.
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Evelyn Baby Shower
Today, after the morning service, our church had a baby shower for Jason, Hannah, and Evelyn. Today was the first time that they have been able to attend church since her birth.
We had food set up inside. To stay within state guidelines due to COVID-19, we had the men and children eat outside and the women ate inside.
Click on any picture for full size.
Here is a short compilation of the pictures.
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First Pictures of Evelyn
With her red hair, Evelyn looks a lot more like Nainai (Grandma) Pau than Yeye (Grandpa) Pau.
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Bass Lake Pictures
On Monday, August 17, 2020, Joanna, Victoria, Jeffrey, and Lizzie left for Bass Lake (near Yosemite National Park). They rode along with the Oautu family. They returned six days later on Sunday, August 23rd.
Note: You can click on any picture to view it full size.
