Author: Carrie Spritzer

It’s been gorgeous out (think 70s!) and I’ve been running up a storm. I’ve actually been running so hard (and far) that I am now only running about five times a week, because frankly I am too tired to go everyday. Since I am running so much, I don’t feel guilty skipping a day here and there… and I love it so much I look forward to going again. It’s actually worked out rather perfectly.

Here are some pictures from my camera phone. They really don’t capture how beautiful it has been outside. I think I may lug my real camera over to the park sometime, so you can see what it really looks like. I’ve also been trying to photograph the two great egrets that I’ve seen every day this week. They are so stunning. On Tuesday I stopped running and just starred at them for about 5 minutes completely in awe (right photo – good luck finding them!). Egrets in February a couple miles from my house… Just thinking about it still blows me away! Amazing!

Since we both hate the idea of Valentine’s Day, we don’t celebrate it. Single people feel bad, couples feel pressured to celebrate with cards and sugar-loaded treats and expensive flowers. Oh, the commercialism! And how ridiculous that couples celebrate their relationship just once a year. I mean, come on! As far as we are concerned we celebrate Valentine’s Day pretty much every damn day… and we certainly never waste money on cards or blood diamonds.

So, that was my little Valentine’s Day rant. Now comes the part that is so cute, you’ll want to hurl. Yes, this is one of those “we’re so fucking happy” entries. Feel free to stop reading now and save yourself. Trust us; we know that Valentine’s Day sucks.

And now brace yourself for sugar and spice. A few random things about our relationship.

1. We really only shout when one of us is in the shower and needs more soap. Or if we are on opposite sides of the house then “I love you” phrases are thrown back and forth.

2. Every night, all night, we sleep holding each other. Occasionally David sleeps on his back, in which case I sort of sprawl across him.

3. We hate getting out of bed in the morning. (Lots of snooze-button hitting and “I’m so cozy! I don’t want to get out of bed!”) This has gotten much worse since my grandmother bought us a primaloft comforter.

And now let’s move the focus away from us, shall we. Enjoy these beautiful, love-inspired photos: heart kite at sunset, mirror view, stone heart, dancing, and sisters.

This weekend we made phenomenal Cranberry Maple Granola from the awesome raw food book Raw Food/Real World. It is SO tasty and addictive and I cannot wait to make more. After a year of hemming and hawing, last month we finally broke down and bought a dehydrator and this recipe has already made it so worthwhile.

Cranberry Maple Granola (Raw)
From Raw Food/Real World, page 269
Yields about 10 cups

1 apple
1½ cups date paste (I used whole dates)
½ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons sea salt
½ cup sunflower seeds, soaked 2 hours or more
2 cups almonds, soaked 4 hours or more
3 cups pecans, soaked 2 hours or more
1 cup pumpkin seeds, soaked 2 hours or more
1 cup dried cranberries
1. In a food processor, place the apple, date paste, maple syrup, lemon juice, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and ¼ cup of the sunflower seeds and grind until completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the remaining ¼ cup sunflower seeds, the almonds, pecans, and pumpkin seeds to the food processor. Coarsely chop the nuts and seeds in a few quick pulses. Add them to the bowl with the apple mixture, add the cranberries and combine well

3. Spread the granola on lined dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 115 degrees for 6-8 hours. Flip the granola over onto the screens and peel away the liners. Continue dehydrating for another for 8 to 12 hours more, or until the granola is crunchy. Break into pieces and, once completely cooled, store in a airtight container. To maintain freshness longer, store the granola in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.

Yesterday David and I had a fantastic time at a Kenyon alumni event up in our neck of the woods at the Dutcher Crossing Winery. I had forgotten just how awesome Kenyon alumni and parents are. What a smart, interesting, and fun group. We saw old friends, met wonderful new people, David drank fantastic wine (I was driving–I only got a few sips!), ate delicious food, and had an all-around great time! I almost felt like I was back at college for an afternoon! It was so nice having social time and doing something new.

Today the rains have parted and everyone has headed to the parks across the street from our house. This afternoon we were running our way through the masses. I love how Californians really take advantage of–and appreciate–nice days. We saw so many families out walking and running and biking. But as much as I loved seeing all this enjoying nature together time, I think I’m ready for the rains to come back so that I can have more quiet solitary runs with my husband. Terrible, I know.

Quilt project with squares from the charming Amy Butler Belle Jolly Pack.