Category: NEW

We’re adjusting to winter here. Rain, lots of fog, tons of birds visiting for the winter and chirping all over the place. It’s really quite lovely and I am so thrilled there is no snow in sight.

Yesterday, David and I were totally soaked by the end (middle?) of our runs, despite cutting our normal routine in half. We came home and took hot showers, ate tempeh reubens for dinner, and enjoyed desert wine from Ravenswood. Very relaxed, very warming. I feel like we’re hibernating.

Today I’ve been busy in the kitchen making corn bread, cranberry maple granola, banana bread, black beans, grapefruit and avocado salad, and enchilada casserole. What better way to spend a rainy day than to hang out by the oven?

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes! You guys blew me away with the cards, emails, messages, and presents! Thank you!

Yesterday we celebrated my birthday with Kenny and Yuni with tasty Indian food and a tour of the UC Botanical Garden. The weather was amazing — just the right temperature for wearing t-shirts outside (a very good birthday present). We had a great time together and it was so fun to get out of town, meet up with friends, and see something new. My birthday celebration started the evening before (in true Spritzer fashion) when David took me out to dinner at our favorite celebratory restaurant in Yountville (with food that was to die for). We then finished up the partying last night with incredible pizza and a movie marathon. It was a perfect, relaxed, and fun birthday weekend.

Oh, and we had strawberry shortcake too! My favorite!

Beautiful browns and greens from my excursion yesterday across the street at the park.

p.s. I’m taking a break from email and the phone. Leave a message and I’ll get back to you.

Reading Lucifer’s Hammer – after watching Deep Impact, I couldn’t resist reading a post-apocalyptic drama…

Listening to Speak for Yourself by the ever quirky and talented Imogen Heap…

Working on our Kenyon class 5th year reunion website, new jewelry designs, knitting myself a scarf (see left)…

Savoring my morning cup of English breakfast tea!

Pumped to go for a run (it’s beautiful outside!)…

Excited about our plans for this weekend… we’re doing dinner in Yountville on Saturday and then meeting up with Yuni and Kenny on Sunday!

So giddy (and sad at the same time!) about the final Harry Potter book coming out on July 21, 2007! (that’s a Saturday, so plan accordingly!)

Please pardon my little Mollie Katzen love fest that has been going on for several weeks on this blog. I’ve been cooking my way through her cookbooks and I cannot gush enough. Every single recipe we have made has been phenomenal.

Last night was no exception. We made her lentil soup with a hint of fruit (i.e. dried apricots and balsamic vinegar) — so delicious! We used our fabulous fifteen year old balsamic vinegar from Italy and increased the amount of dried apricots. Yum-o! This morning the leftovers thickened up a bit and it was even better. Thank you, Mollie Katzen.

Inspired by Helen Jane, we have started planning ahead and writing up our weekly menu. Coming up on our list this week: fried cauliflower cakes, spiced pineapple pilaf with spicy beans, savory apple casserole, zucchini-crusted pizza, and noodles with crispy green beans, garlic and chilies. Should be yummy! (I’ll keep you posted!)

All this cooking is keeping me busy and, believe me, that is a good thing.