Enough Said

This poster says it all…in both image and few words. I first came across this poster at the site of ReadyMade.com. At the time it was available for free PDF download, but at last checking it was unavailable. It’s a poster by the artist, Nick Dewar. To visit his site, click here. Here’s a quoteContinue reading “Enough Said”

Old Faithful

This past week I resurrected my sourdough starter…I’ve had it in hibernation (i.e. refrigeration) for the past few months during the cold months. The starter on the right (7/99) is the oldest of them…7/99 stands for July 1999. After a few feedings it came back to life strong as ever. I made a traditional PullmanContinue reading “Old Faithful”

Complicated Life

I love this video. It’s a great leisurely bicycle video…more importantly, the music is excellent. It was filmed on Decatur Street before hurricane Katrina. If you’ve ever been to N.O. you’ll probably agree that it captures that city’s essence. The video is a little over five minutes long; I encourage you to watch it, itContinue reading “Complicated Life”

The Most Popular Vehicle

I came across this chart at Romanian Bike Culture Blog; I also found it posted here, at Treehugger. Click it on for a closer look. It’s rather interesting…especially that it states the bicycle is still the worlds most popular vehicle. Here’s an interesting link at EcoWorldly.com listing 17 reasons the bicycle is the worlds mostContinue reading “The Most Popular Vehicle”

My New Yogurt Maker (and its 3 pages of warnings)

I have been interested in naturally fermented foods for about ten years…since the first time my sourdough starter seemingly and magically came to life; I was so inspired I built a small brick oven in the backyard of a previous home. Since then I’ve moved on to sauerkraut (and kim chi), pickled vegetables, and yogurt.Continue reading “My New Yogurt Maker (and its 3 pages of warnings)”

Ernest Was A Bike Advocate

I can’t remember which of Ernest Hemingway’s books this quote is from but I remember reading it in one of them. When I was an impressionable young man his writing inspired me on many levels. It (his writing and the lives portrayed in his books…particularly The Sun Also Rises and A Movable Feast) is simplicityContinue reading “Ernest Was A Bike Advocate”

Everything’s Got A Purpose

This is one of the many things that I find truly amazing: put a seed in the ground and it grows. Exactly eight days ago I pushed a bunch of seeds into little plastic trays with soil in them, watered them and put the trays on a table. Within a few days some of theContinue reading “Everything’s Got A Purpose”

Kahlil Gibran, a retrospective

The following is a medium-length clip (a little over 10 minutes) on Khalil Gibran: writer, poet, artist, philosopher, prophet. If you are not familiar with his life or his beautiful work, click here. I encourage you to watch the video; like his writings it is both beautiful and inspiring.

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#10)

A pint of steaming gumbo (dinner!). Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe:Shrimp, Sausage and, Okra Gumbo1/2 cup vegetable oil3/4 cup all-purpose flour1 medium onion, diced1 small green pepper, diced3 stalks celery, diced3 cloves garlic, minced8 ounces smoked sausage, split lengthwise and sliced12 okra pods, sliced 1/2 inch thick1-1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon thyme1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper6Continue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#10)”

Signs of Renewal

Chives and garlic…these are always the first to emerge; to me it’s the first real sign of spring. And it amazes me, it really does. I’ve mentioned in previous posts about the harshness of this past winter (I don’t mean to keep harping on it, but it really was cold and snowy…even by Buffalo standards)Continue reading “Signs of Renewal”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#8)

Another Bike. I’ve done this a few times, though not since last fall. I got the idea online but can’t remember where. I came across a site that sold the Mundo Yuba and it actually showed them being delivered by another Yuba. Anyhow, much to my teenage son’s chagrin, that is his bike being towed.Continue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#8)”

Basmati Rice wiith Tilapia and Asparagus

It probably comes to no surprise to readers of this blog that I like to keep things simple when I cook…I’ve learned, by trial-and-error mostly, and through years of experience, that too many flavors often (unnecessarily) complicate a dish. This is also true with technique, I think…the simpler the better in my book. Even theContinue reading “Basmati Rice wiith Tilapia and Asparagus”

Friday Night Fish Fry

Some readers of this blog may already know that I cook professionally; I’m the chef of a private women’s club. Normally, I don’t present photos or recipes from my work life on this blog because this is about my (sometimes inept) attempts of simplicity in my personal life; but like many people, my work andContinue reading “Friday Night Fish Fry”

Bike Racks

I was in Toronto this past weekend, and as usual was impressed with the city for many reasons: its multiculturalism, it’s friendliness, it’s vibrancy and cleanliness, but mostly it’s robust bike culture. Toronto is a mere 100 miles from Buffalo and the climate is pretty much the same…snowy and bitterly cold much of the winter.Continue reading “Bike Racks”