Tag Archives: urban simplicity

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”

100% Whole Wheat Bread

For those of you who are regular readers of this blog you know that I enjoy making bread…and that I’m an open advocate of incorporating homemade bread into you’re everyday life…it is not difficult or laborious (it’s quite the opposite, actually…it’s rewarding). I’ve also been attempting to make healthier breads these last few years (wholeContinue reading “100% Whole Wheat Bread”

Fish, Green Beans, and Pasta: Variation On Two Themes

One of the benefits of being a professional cook is having the ability to make something out of almost anything that is at hand. You’ve probably seen those “basket tests” that are shown on silly cooking shows (where a chef is handed a basket of odd and sometimes obscure ingredients and is expected to aContinue reading “Fish, Green Beans, and Pasta: Variation On Two Themes”

I’ll Admit it (Reluctantly)

This post could easily be titled “Things That Cannot Be Carried On A Bike,” but I don’t entirely think it’s true. At any rate, I’ll admit a couple things: I’ll admit that I do use my small truck occasionally (and my middle aged knees find a secret relief), and I’ll also admit that I (occasionally)Continue reading “I’ll Admit it (Reluctantly)”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#12)

A large shoulder bag containing a laptop, an extra mouse, and a 25′ extension cord.A small shoulder bag with a sketchbook, datebook, pens, a couple books and other miscellanea.A backpack containing almost 30 pounds of my son’s school books/supplies.An 8-pound bag of dog food.A bag with 5-pounds of whole wheat flour.A 14-year-old kid (he satContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#12)”

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”

My Personal Challenge

I originally started this blog as a sort of New Years resolution in January ’08 (you can read the original post by clicking here). I’ve always been into biking and walking but wanted to…as Emeril would say…kick it up a notch (I have no idea why I just quoted Emeril because I harbor a secretContinue reading “My Personal Challenge”

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 (#9)

Myself.My teenage son.His book bag with about 20 pounds of books and school supplies (strapped to the opposite side of the bike.A salvaged garden urn.Kindling for my wood stove (in the urn).A box containing a shoulder bag, a laptop computer, and two loaves of freshly baked bread.

Anticipation

Well…it’s that time of the year again. Time to start thinking about the vegetable garden. One of the best ways (I think) to live simply in the city, and be in touch with nature, is to grow vegetables. It is so easy…and an on going experiment for me. Because I have such a small cityContinue reading “Anticipation”

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”

Easy As That

I came across this video and thought I’d share it. It was posted by the Dutch site, Amsterdamize. It’s an excellent short video showing how easy it is to use a bike as everyday transport (and it’s accompanied by pretty good music as well…Gasoline, by Brad Sucks). What I like about this video is thatContinue reading “Easy As That”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#7)

Six boxes loaded with books. Lately I’ve been feeling that my house is full of too much stuff…and much of the stuff are things I rarely use. So in one more way of trying to simplify my life I’ve been attempting to purge my house of unused stuff. I am by no means a pack-rat,Continue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#7)”

Whole Wheat Focaccia

I made this simple focaccia today to take to take to my sister’s house as part of out Easter dinner. It’s made with a basic bread dough, but I substituted 1/3 of the flour with course whole wheat flour. I also added a little honey to the dough. This focaccia is another example of howContinue reading “Whole Wheat Focaccia”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#6)

Four boards, measuring 1″ x 8″ x 6′CaulkNailsNew saw bladesPipe clamps When I was loading the boards onto my bike at the Home Depot (about 3 miles from my house) I got a few odd looks. But then as I was pedaling (almost) effortlessly through the parking lot I saw a guy attempting to putContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#6)”