Tag Archives: urban simplicity

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.

Super color burst times twenty and why I am thankful for it…

“If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that would be sufficient.”  ~ Meister Johann Eckhardt   In the general scheme of things I have so many things to be thankful for…but sometimes (oftentimes) with the business of life and distractions it is difficult to remember this. This week, for example, has beenContinue reading “Super color burst times twenty and why I am thankful for it…”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (ta-da…#500 & #501)…and a brief comment.

 #500 (top photo)…A case of wine, a gym bag containing wet clothes, and a camera and acamera bag with an extra lens. #501 (bottom photo)…A large box of food on its way to a local food pantry. So as the big demi-mille approached I thought that I would wait and post something really substantial, somethingContinue reading “Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (ta-da…#500 & #501)…and a brief comment.”

The real heros in the world…

In the midst of the chaos, violence, self-indulgence, and celebrity-ism in which we sometimes find ourselves today, this man–Narayanan Krishnan–is really inspiring. In a way, he makes me think of a modern day Good Samaritan but on a larger scale (though he did start this journey by helping just one single man). He is aContinue reading “The real heros in the world…”

The Sun Also Sets…

It has been so hot and humid these past few days. Last evening I rode down to the waterfront with hopes of some relief (some, but not much), but the sunset I encountered was nothing short of stunning. I took dozens of photos and thought I’d share a couple. The top is of Buffalo HarborContinue reading “The Sun Also Sets…”

Ice Ice Baby

  “Ice is back with my brand new invention.” Vanilla Ice Ice Ice Baby So I’m not sure what part of the world you are viewing this from, or what your local weather is, but the forecast for Western New York is–as it has been and will continue to be for some time–is hot andContinue reading “Ice Ice Baby”

Chasing light…a few things I saw while riding my bike this evening

I can’t remember which book it was by Ernest Hemingway–either The Sun also Rises or A Moveable Feast–where he was sitting in a cafe enjoying the evening, then looked at a companion for a few minutes, and when he looked up again he said everything had changed (I’m totally paraphrasing, of course), that the lightContinue reading “Chasing light…a few things I saw while riding my bike this evening”

And now for something a little different…

Okay. So you know by now that I like bicycles. A lot. I believe they are one of our most efficient machines, if not the most efficient. But, well..I don’t think I really want to leave the ground on one. Interestingly, the original plane at Kitty Hawk took flight using bicycle parts, and the WrightContinue reading “And now for something a little different…”