Author Archives: Joe

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#506)

A camera bag containing an extra camera and a zoom lens. A book bag containing a book, and e-reader, and a magazine. A plastic bag containing a new light fixture. Urban Simplicity.

The salad that grew in my front yard, and a few other things…

To quote Tom Petty, “the waiting is the hardest part.” It really is, isn’t it. You see things growing and hanging on their plants but they are not ready to pick…and then all at once everything seems to ripen. Today was my first real haul from my teeny front yard garden. All of the ingredientsContinue reading “The salad that grew in my front yard, and a few other things…”

Things That Can be Carried on a Biike (#505) and a couple comments on how the miles can add up

On the bike…a box containing nearly a full sandwich loaf on its way to a local food pantry. I live fairly close to most things that occur within the realm of my average daily life (but what is average). I’ve consciously and gradually changed my life over the past decade to make this happen. ThisContinue reading “Things That Can be Carried on a Biike (#505) and a couple comments on how the miles can add up”

What’s on your bar?

As this is an ad free blog I generally do not offer product reviews here. Believe-it-or-not I get propositioned for this relatively frequently, but I generally review products on other sites and publications, not this one (someone recently emailed me and said they really like the feel of my blog and wondered if I wouldContinue reading “What’s on your bar?”

Barbe à queue!

Food historians and etymologists generally claim two theories on the origin of the American barbecue. One is that it comes from the French barbe-a-queue, referring to cooking a whole animal on a spit “from beard to tail.” The other is that it’s derived from the Spanish barbacoa, a method they found indigenous Caribbeans using someContinue reading “Barbe à queue!”

Angels in the midst, and three things I saw while riding my bike this evening…

To be closer to God, be closer to people. ~Kahlil Gibran This evening’s weather was almost autumnal…cool, windy, and large rolling clouds. And for whatever reason, I found myself somewhat stressed today (yes, even on my day off that crazy mind of mine never stops reeling). Stress, for me, often morphs into depression or at leastContinue reading “Angels in the midst, and three things I saw while riding my bike this evening…”

Fishing for night swimmers…and a few photos of the international border in my backyard

If you’ve been to this blog before you know that I am typing from Buffalo, NY. And sometimes I forget that there is an international border and another country in my backyard (the awesome country of Canada). A mere eight minute bike ride from my house brings me to Broderick Park, which leads to BirdContinue reading “Fishing for night swimmers…and a few photos of the international border in my backyard”

The view from my handlebars and a surprise I could have stepped on…

I took the above photo on my way home from work late afternoon/early evening today. The weather could not have been more idyllic. After the last couple weeks of an oppressive heatwave this weather is truly welcomed (cool temps and low humidity). And as I arrived home today I noticed a small bright red berryContinue reading “The view from my handlebars and a surprise I could have stepped on…”

Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers (yum!)

Crispy and super flavorful. So yes, these are as delicious as they look. They are really easy to make, and can be frozen, too. Eat them on a sandwich, place them on a salad, or nibble them straight from the pan…you won’t be sorry if you make this recipe. For a southwestern black bean-cheddar versionContinue reading “Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers (yum!)”

Yes, there are not enough [sic]…

I was in Amsterdam only once, and it was many years ago (egad, 25 to be exact). It was on my first and longest visit to Europe; I went with a friend with open-ended return tickets (is one still allowed to do this today?) and nothing but what we could carry on our backs. ThereContinue reading “Yes, there are not enough [sic]…”

Five (or six) Quotes from Helen Thomas

Photo Credit. Helen Amelia Thomas  August 4, 1920 – July 20, 201 To read Ms. Thomas’ obituary at the New York Times, click here. “You don’t spread democracy with a barrel of a gun.”  “George W. Bush is the worst President in all of American history.”  “I’m a liberal, I was born a liberal, and IContinue reading “Five (or six) Quotes from Helen Thomas”

Tacos Multiculturales!

Okay. So first I have to say this…these tacos were freaking delicious (if I do say so myself). But what makes them so interesting are the ingredients; the finished recipe is like the United Nations on a plate. The main component, or at least one of the main components, is the chicken. It’s a variationContinue reading “Tacos Multiculturales!”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#503), a couple comments, and a few things I saw along the way…

On the bike…a canvas bag containing an extra change of clothes (dry clothes in the event of rain, but it didn’t rain). A large plastic cooler full of prepared food and ice. I was on my way to my sister’s house for my nephew’s graduation party today. She lives just past the city line inContinue reading “Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#503), a couple comments, and a few things I saw along the way…”

Cool as a cucumber (and avocado) soup recipe…

This soup is really delicious and really easy to make. I know…I say that all the time, right? Well, all you have to do is put the ingredients in a blender and puree them. Seriously. Easy, delicious, and healthy…what’s not to like. This is also a great recipe for the crazy heatwave that has grippedContinue reading “Cool as a cucumber (and avocado) soup recipe…”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#502)

Two boxes containing salads and other prepared foods. A camera bag containing a camera, charger, and an extra lens. A small book bag containing (not surprisingly) a couple books.Urban Simplicity.