A while coming

That's right, folks.  After over six years, the boy and I agreed to take the plunge.  *Disclaimer: Mushy story to follow*

Because Nate had recently started a job, we couldn't make it to California for the holidays.  We started planning a vacation to visit his family.  We stopped first in Tahoe for some sweet skiing with Nate's Dad and brother.  Those mountains were actually mountains.  This picture does not even compare to the real magnitude of these slopes. 

The following day we all rode from Tahoe to Monterey, California.  Nate suggested hiking at Point Lobos to stretch our legs after hours riding.

At Point Lobos, we watched the waves break on the shore for a long time.  The waves were fantastically big and commanding like I have never seen.  I'm used to Gulf of Mexico waves. 

Fog hung in the air.  It made for an other world feeling.  We climbed up a hill to look down over the coast.  Well, you can imagine the rest from there. 

It was perfect.  Perfect for me and perfect for the relationship he and I have.

Spiced Caramel Apple Dip

This Caramel Apple Dip was a huge hit.  After trying it at a book club gathering, I took my own to a St. Patrick's day party.  Some people I didn't know searched me out to get the recipe!  That is definitely a sign of success.

Spiced Caramel Apple Dip 

                 By Addapinch on Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients

• 8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Brown Sugar, Packed
• ½ cups Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1-½ teaspoon Cinnamon Plus A Pinch For Topping
• ½ teaspoons Ginger Plus A Pinch For Topping
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 pinch Cardamom, For Topping

Preparation Instructions

1. Cream together cream cheese and sugars. Make sure sugars are well-combined.
2. Mix in vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and salt and combine well.
3. Top with sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamon.  (I only used the cinnamon for topping.)
Serve with apple slices.