In spring, the poets tell us, “a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”
    Well it may not be spring yet, but February, with Valentine’s Day smack in its middle, is certainly the month for romance.
    And what can be more romantic than a proposal of marriage? In this edition of Elkhart County Living, we tell the stories of how three young men popped the question. Even if you aren’t a hopeless romantic, don’t be surprised if your eyes get a little misty.
    Of course, romance can be in the eye of the beholder. Last October, my daughter’s fiancé proposed to her during the fifth inning of a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. To a die-hard Cubs fan like me, nothing could be more romantic.
    There will surely be other proposals this Valentine’s Day, but the weddings will come much later when the weather is a little warmer. Winter will hang on for at least a few more weeks, and if cross country skiing is your thing, you won’t want to miss our article on this popular winter activity.
    If skiing along a frigid trail is not your idea of fun, there is plenty of entertainment to be had indoors. Chess, scrapbooking and quilting for a cause are all ways to avoid the elements and still have fun.
    As the weather gradually warms up over the next couple months, maple syrup season will be upon us and local chef and baker Rachel Shenk provides recipes for turning sweet sap into delicious goodies.
    You’ll also want to check out our regular features:
    • Places in the Park features the 84-acre Cobus Creek Park, featuring one of Indiana’s cold water trout streams.
    • This issues Living Green feature explores techniques for conserving water.
    • Heinie’s in Elkhart is this issue’s featured restaurant.
    • The Scene this month features photos from the recent P.D.Q. Bach (Peter Schickele) performance at Goshen College’s Sauder Concert Hall.
   
    ~ Publisher Jim Kroemer