Hot Springs, Cold Drinks & Corny Jokes!

In my limited experience and knowledge of Alaska, I imagined the scene as cold and snowy.  The travel tip to visit the town of Chena Hot Springs opened my mind to a warmer – in fact hotter – side of Alaska.  The natural hot springs, beautiful natural surroundings, and opportunities for outdoor recreation make for a great detour or destination.  Chena Hot Springs are quite a distance from Fairbanks, so people who drive to Chena go for one reason alone: to soak in that mineral-rich hot spring.  The local patrons swear by the healing properties of this water.

While no religious miracles have happened in Chena, like those attributed to the healing waters of Lourdes, France, I can say this quiet spot provided a rustic retreat-like setting where people can certainly quiet their souls and rest.  In some cases, finding quiet and peace in this busy world could be considered miraculous.

(Lourdes, France.)

This resort – the only thing in this town – is a unique place.  It has different tours and attractions, such as a geothermal plant, a dog kennel where dogs are trained for the Iditarod, as well as multiple outdoor trails that you and your family can explore by bike, horseback, or cars with four-wheel-drive.

(The steam from the hot springs.)

When you arrive, prepare to relax and enjoy the beauty!  That was the case for me.  After the long drive, I arrived in a very punchy and silly mood.  To make it even more funny and festive, our first tour was to the largest permanent ice sculpture garden/bar/lounge in the world.  From the outside, this looked like a big-time tourist trap.  But after I entered this chilly sanctuary, I was quite impressed.  The psalm, “Ice and snow bless the Lord,” came to my mind, instantly.  I’ve seen fantastic ice sculptures before, but I’ve never been in one.

(One of the many ice sculptures in this ice garden.)

This tour was filled with paradox.  The hot springs and the ice lounge were like an ironic joke.  The mesmerizing beauty of the artist’s ice creations, the long drive, and the fun company that joined me at the ice lounge started to warm up my silly sense of humor and playfulness.

(Watch this video and see just how much corny fun I had in this place.)

Let’s just say, it is good to laugh and even better if you can laugh at yourself!  To help warm up your sense of humor, here’s the recipe for a cool drink for a hot summer day.  I’m sure a few sips of this drink will help you enjoy yourself in this busy world.  Of course, you have to be of legal drinking age to enjoy this one.  And that’s no joke!

Click here for more summer drink specials for the entire family.

Let us pray: Father in Heaven, help us to have a humble disposition to laugh at ourselves and to see the humor in truth – especially in the face of challenges.  May our summer travels and vacations be filled with enough joy to refresh our weary souls.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(It’s ridiculously humbling/embarrassing to see advertisements this big!)

Do you have what it takes to be a stand-up comedian?  How were my jokes?  Do you have a joke that you can share with me and our subscribers?  Your posts, questions, and comments help us to lighten the mood and to be a leaven in society.  Post your comments below.

(One of the many beautiful views.)

SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, COMMENT & SHARE!

Posted in Dinner Discussion, Faithful Foodie, Prayers, Recipe-Drinks, Recipes, Uncategorized, Video | No Comments »

Even though summer days fade into the cooling days of Autumn, the remaining seasonal fruits and vegetables remind me to be grateful for summer memories, new friends, and the delicious foods.  Here’s a fruit smoothie recipe that reminds me of the delicious and fresh smoothie served by a new Grace Before Meals friend in Costa Rica.

Ingredients:  Serves 2

1 mango, pealed and seed removed

1 banana, diced

1 cup fresh strawberries

8 oz. pineapple juice

2 Tbs honey

4 Tbs yogurt

1-2 cups ice

Instructions:  Place all ingredients in a blender with only one cup of ice.  Blend until all ingredients are fully incorporated.  Add more ice and blend until you achieve the desired consistency.  Serve with a strawberry as a garnish.

Posted in Recipe-Drinks | No Comments »

Orange Dew Drop

Ingredients

• Ginger Ale

• Honeydew

• Frozen Orange Juice

Instructions

Mix ginger ale and honeydew in a food processor. Place one table spoon of the mixture in the bottom of a glass. Thaw one can of frozen orange juice. Scoop six table spoons into a separate glass. Add vodka and mix.  Pour overtop the honeydew mixture. Mama Mia! Salute! Good Health!

Posted in Recipe-Drinks | 1 Comment »