Dear Friends,
Although we are all hoping for rain, it’s a weekend in January that couldn’t be more beautiful! I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend. I don’t always watch football, but my money is on the 49’ers and Patriots.
There were scores of people out on the trail yesterday. I know many were running for Meg Menzies, a Hanover mother of three who was killed last Monday, struck by a drunk driver, when she went out for her morning run last week. I am always inspired and touched by the way we bond as a community across the nation when tragedy strikes.
Last week we said goodbye to our sweet dog Skylar. I sure missed him this week, but grateful for the over 15 great years we had with him. My uncle shared the perfect sentiment, The Purpose of a Dog. A timely reminder; if a dog was our teacher we would learn things like:
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them;
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride;
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure DELIGHT.
• Take naps;
• Stretch before rising;
• Run, romp, and play daily;
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you;
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do;
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass;
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk;
• Be loyal;
• Never pretend to be something you’re not;
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it;
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently;
Monday is a holiday, and a perfect day to get in a workout too.
We will have LG Boot Camp at 6AM and 9AM and all private sessions are on!
Whatever you do to keep moving forward tomorrow, be aware of your surroundings and be safe out there!
What’s for Dessert:
One of my favorite desserts is plain Greek yogurt with berries, a sprinkle of granola and a drizzle of honey.
Store bought granola isn’t our best choice and generally very high in fat, sugar and calories.
Here is an easy recipe for a healthier homemade granola.
Olive oil granola
By York Avenue
Olive Oil Granola (adapted slightly from Melissa Clark)
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (I’ve also subbed in pecans)
3/4 almonds, chopped
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
1/3 cup ground flax seeds (I’ve also used wheat germ)
1/2 cup olive oil
3/4 cup maple syrup (you can cut this down to 1/2 cup to make it less sweet)
1/3 cup brown sugar (I’ve cut this down to 2 tablespoons to de-sweeten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (this has a very strong flavor so make sure you know you like it! Otherwise you can sub in ground nutmeg, ground ginger, or just double the cinnamon)
Mix all the ingredients together in a big bowl. Spread evenly on a parchment-covered rimmed baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every ten minutes or so.
Much love,
Lori
