Category Archives: urban simplicity

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”

Paint it Black

This is a continuation of a previous post. I love the new color, it is more me; I feel more comfortable on the bike now. I still have not ridden it much…disassembled and reassembled it today to paint it, and now it’s pouring rain. I did find it interesting removing the front and rear wheels;Continue reading “Paint it Black”

Love the Bike but not the Color (mon nouveau vélo est arrivé)

Yep…loving this bike so far but not the color (more on why I purchased this color below). I’ve been in the market for a somewhat inexpensive bike to replace my winter bike (aka…the Mule; aka…my home built cargo bike). This is not to replace the Mundo (which is still my favorite bike); it’s just thatContinue reading “Love the Bike but not the Color (mon nouveau vélo est arrivé)”

More Flowers

Today was another day of summer in Western New York even though we are only a few days into spring. It was 80F/27C…odd for this time of year. Everything is coming up early. Despite the unsettling early arrival of the warm temps I’d be fibbing if I said I wasn’t enjoying it (though I’d alsoContinue reading “More Flowers”

Tomato Soup Recipe

This is one of the simplest soups to make but as simple as it is it is equally satisfying. I made this at work today (albeit a larger batch than in the below recipe) and thought I’d share it. Creamof Tomato Soup Yield:2 quarts 3tablespoons unsalted butter 2shallots, peeled and minced 2cloves garlic, peeled andContinue reading “Tomato Soup Recipe”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#413)

A new coffee maker, 3L of red wine, two bags of dog food, sundries, cleaning supplies, and a weeks worth of groceries. Urban Simplicity.

Five Quotes from Robert Zimmerman

Fifty years and two days ago Bob Dylan’s first LP was released. I find this amazing…five decades and he still influences new audiences. When that album came out I was not quite five months old, and some twenty years later I became a fan of his music. Now, after the span of more years myContinue reading “Five Quotes from Robert Zimmerman”