Author Archives: Joe

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#416)

A cardboard box containing 4 pints of homemade dog food for the pugs (chopped leftover beef scraps), two pints of brown rice and lentils (for me), a couple cooked tilapia fillets (also for me), and a pound of coffee straight from Coast Rica (thanks Nicole!). A canvas bag containing a magazine, a book, a journal,Continue reading “Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#416)”

Five Photos of Plants

Like many cities, Buffalo has a lot of urban gardens and flower beds (we, in fact, host the largest garden tour in America each summer), and the neighborhood in which I live seems to have a large proportion. Anyhow, the reason I’m mentioning this is that I am lucky enough to work in a placeContinue reading “Five Photos of Plants”

When I Grow Up…

This photo is a manipulated version of a photo I borrowed from Sustrans. I’m not sure if it is the fact that I turned the big five-oh this past fall, or maybe that my son is approaching college age, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately (as if I didn’t think enough already)…mainlyContinue reading “When I Grow Up…”

Homemade Whole-Wheat Tortillas and Other Good Things

I didn’t intend on making homemade tortillas tonight but I did…and here’s a quick story why. Last night I made my son and I tacos for dinner (using store-bought tortillas). I filled them with homemade carnitas de pollo (click here for the recipe and pics), salsa pico de gallo (recipe below), lettuce, and cheese. TheyContinue reading “Homemade Whole-Wheat Tortillas and Other Good Things”

Red Red

It’s been raining, sleeting, and hailing for most of the day today. Maybe that’s why these flowers caught my eye…their bright colors in the midst of a drab and grey day. Beautiful aren’t they. I took a couple of these this morning as I left my house for work, and a few more on myContinue reading “Red Red”

A Book, A Bike Ride, and Four Loaves of Bread

It is the beginning of the busy season at my place of employment and today is/was my only day off this week, sandwiched between a series of busy and stressful days. But as usual–being the doer that I am–I had a series of things that I planned on accomplishing today. My man-cave is in desperateContinue reading “A Book, A Bike Ride, and Four Loaves of Bread”

A Couple More Things (about the new bike)…

While I really haven’t had a chance to ride the new Cargo-T that often in the past week (since receiving it), nor have I carried much on it, I think it will be a good all-around weather bike (aka, next year’s winter bike). When I came out of work this evening–after working a double shift–itContinue reading “A Couple More Things (about the new bike)…”

Planet Walker

I came across an article on John Francis today and was intrigued…and still am. I had never heard of this inspirational person. In 1971, after a collision of two oil tankers under the Golden Gate bridge which resulted in a disastrous oil spill, he decided not to ride in motorized vehicles…and he didn’t for 22Continue reading “Planet Walker”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#415)

A cardboard box containing 10lbs/4.5kg of whole wheat flour; a canvas bag containing two books, a magazine, and a spare camera; a pair of Levi’s jeans. Urban Simplicity.

Macaroni-and-Cheese with Ham and Shrimp (recipe)

Macaroni-and-Cheese with Ham and Shrimp 1 small onion, 1 clove garlic, 1 or 2slices of ham, 8-12 ounces cooked or raw shrimp, 2 tablespoonsunsalted butter, 2 or 3 tablespoons flour, 1-1/2 cups milk, 1-1/2cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, saltand pepper, breadcrumbs, 8 ounces macaroni Peel and dice the onion; peel andContinue reading “Macaroni-and-Cheese with Ham and Shrimp (recipe)”

Le Levain

7/99, as in July 1999…this is my 13-year-old levain (sourdough starter) which I brought out of hibernation. I’ve yet to make 100% whole wheat bread with a natural starter…this is next on my list. After that, naturally leavened whole wheat Ezekiel Bread. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, if you want to read moreContinue reading “Le Levain”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#414)…and a few comments on the new Bike

On the bike…3 liters of red wine and a gym bag containing wet clothes. A few comments on the new bike…Well, I’ve had it nearly a week and am finally getting used to it. I haven’t introduced a new bike into the fleet in some years and it sort of feels like I brought aContinue reading “Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#414)…and a few comments on the new Bike”

Spicy Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe

I am far from being a vegetarian but some days–most days–I eat far less meat than grains and vegetables…but comfort foods like this literally make my mouth water. Now I don’t expect you to make 50 lbs / 22.6 kg of the stuff (pictured above) but I hope you try the below recipe. It isContinue reading “Spicy Cheddar Meatloaf Recipe”

Rural Western New York

Sometimes I forget. Or, being in the city for most of my time, I don’t remember. I don’t remember how truly beautiful the surrounding countryside is. This is only 40 miles/64 km from my home. I visited my niece and her husband yesterday at a farm they operate in North Java, NY. The lush greenContinue reading “Rural Western New York”

Asparagi Aglio e Olio (ricetta)

This is just another delicious variation of cooking vegetables in olive oil with garlic and hot pepper. It is so simple but truly delicious and you can cook nearly any vegetable in this fashion. Here’s a simple recipe; for more recipes like this click here.  (I ate this for dinner tonight with brown rice, lamb,Continue reading “Asparagi Aglio e Olio (ricetta)”

Middle Eastern Brown Rice with Lamb and Vermacelli

This is a variation of my recipe for Lebanese Chicken and Rice. In this version I replace the chicken with lamb and use brown rice instead of white. Beef or pork can replace the lamb but it’s not quite the same. The aroma this dish (or any of it’s variations) will permeate the house withContinue reading “Middle Eastern Brown Rice with Lamb and Vermacelli”