Kenyon comes to wine country


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.

Grapefruit and avocado salad


Grapefruit and avocado salad on a bed of arugula and cilantro with pear dressing served with last nights dinner. So simple! So yummy! We are SO going to make it again soon. (Inspired by this Domino recipe!)

Btw, check out our new love: Missy Higgins. David recently discovered this wonderful Australian musician. We’ve bought a cd and are so hooked. You can hear her most recent disc online at her website. Check it out!

p.s. What do you think of our new layout?! Expect lots of tweaking.

Settling in

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?

Spritzer turns 27


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!