Tag Archives: urban simplicity

After the Rain…

By now regular readers of this blog have probably figured that I enjoy taking photos; I have since I’ve been a teen. I gave it up for a few years–for various reasons–but with the ease of digital cameras today I’d be hard pressed to find out why a person wouldn’t want to take pictures…take aContinue reading “After the Rain…”

Love at First Bite

No I am not turning into a vampire, I’m referring to the first bite of tomatoes from my garden this year. It’s sort of a ritual of mine to eat the first tomato of the season straight from the vine, which I did tonight (the one in the foreground). Though I have a fair amountContinue reading “Love at First Bite”

Biking in the City: Two Short Videos

I am an urban cyclist not only because I think it’s fun (and saves money, the environment, etc.) but also because it makes the most sense…indeed it is often quicker–and less stressful–to get from point A to point B by bike in the city. Anyhow, with that in mind, here’s a couple short videos. TwoContinue reading “Biking in the City: Two Short Videos”

Cabbage: Two Views

Maybe I’m a little strange (OK, I am a little strange) but I find this truly beautiful. Two cabbage plants in the front yard on a warm evening as the sun was hitting them just right…almost sensual aren’t they? (Click the image for a larger view.) I see home-grown autumn sauerkraut and kim-chi in myContinue reading “Cabbage: Two Views”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#337 & #338)

A canvas book bag containing various books and writing implements, 4lbs of raw whole wheat bread dough, a large bunch of fresh dill and oregano (from my garden), a large munch of cilantro/coriander from a neighbors garden, and a 10lb. pork leg (fresh ham) from T-Meadow Farm (thanks Christa).

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#336)

A small electric fan for next to my bed (to replace the one that stopped working in the middle of last night), the book, Healing and the Mind, by Bill Moyers (which I purchased for 50 cents at my favorite used book store), $22.35 in groceries, and Chinese take out.

Tomato Quiche Recipe, and a few other things

Tomatoes are one of my favorite foods, and like most foods they taste best when eaten within the constraints of their season…now, of course, is tomato season. Anyhow, below is a simple recipe for tomato quiche that is part of an article I recently wrote for Artvoice. It’s an exceedingly recipe to prepare and theContinue reading “Tomato Quiche Recipe, and a few other things”

Two Temperatures Six Months Separated

The above photos are two screen shots from my desktop separated by six months (both are Fahrenheit; they read -22 and 33 in Celsius). The one on the left was from a post this past January (click here) and the one on the right is from today. Both, of course, have their specific difficulties andContinue reading “Two Temperatures Six Months Separated”

A Couple Things…

Firstly…it is hot. Of course many know that much of North America is gripped in what is being called the Heat Wave of 2011. 94F/34C today in Buffalo and super humid…that’s the tough part, the humidity. And I do not have air conditioning anywhere in my life…none at home (fans) and none at work (whichContinue reading “A Couple Things…”

Luxury Made Real

I am immensely interested in the history of the bicycle (among other things) and how it has helped transport people–literally and other ways–so for that reason it is only natural that I also find old bicycle advertisements of interest. Many people are aware that many of the major auto manufactures of today began as bicycleContinue reading “Luxury Made Real”

Five Quotes from Nelson Mandela

 Image found at the Wall of Inspiration. Mr. Mandela was born 93 years ago today and the world is a better place because of him. To read a previous post quoting him click here.  “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keepingContinue reading “Five Quotes from Nelson Mandela”

Saj, Marqouq, and Fatoush…Delicious Recipes to Keep the Kitchen (and the cook) Cool

As many of you know I cook for a living. And as many people around the country and the world currently know: it is hot outside, really hot. So on my day off today the last thing I wanted to do, like any cook–professional or not–is heat up the kitchen. But, on the other hand,Continue reading “Saj, Marqouq, and Fatoush…Delicious Recipes to Keep the Kitchen (and the cook) Cool”

The Dog Days of Summer…

Today is hot in Western New York…there’s no two ways around it. Close to 90F / 32C and very humid. The weather forecast is for much of the same for the next week. I had off work today–which is unusual for a Saturday–and for that I am thankful. The last thing I want to doContinue reading “The Dog Days of Summer…”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#332-334)

#332 (top)…4lbs of raw whole wheat honey-oatmeal bread dough (in a plastic bucket) and a canvas bag containing various items. #333 (middle)…5lbs of stone ground whole wheat flour (in a plastic bucket), 2 loaves of freshly baked honey-oatmeal bread and a canvas bag containing various items (in a plastic box). #334 (bottom)…A gym bag fullContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#332-334)”

Five Quotes (and a short video) from Seth Godin

“Here’s the truth you have to wrestle with: the reason that art (writing, engaging, leading, all of it) is valuable is precisely why I can’t tell you how to do it. If there were a map, there’d be no art, because art is the act of navigating without a map. Don’t you hate that? IContinue reading “Five Quotes (and a short video) from Seth Godin”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#331)

2 cans of dog food…sort of an emergency, I ran out. I know it’s not much to be carrying on a Mundo, but when you are owned by two very large dogs that are trapped in small dog’s bodies this is a very serious matter. Click here to see who’s eating it.