Tag Archives: urban simplicity

"Real Life, You’re Livin It"…and a meditative bike ride

This morning I woke feeling somewhat melancholy…had tons I wanted to do (overwhelmed), but being Labor Day I decided to take the day off and go for a bike ride. One of the best things I can think of for a person to do when they are feeling a little down is to get physicalContinue reading “"Real Life, You’re Livin It"…and a meditative bike ride”

My Favorite Kitchen Knife (and a brief story behind it)

Firstly I have to give the reader a little history regarding me and kitchen knives/utensils. By nature I am a collector, not so much these days but I was in the past. When I was a young culinarian I collected not only cookbooks but also kitchen knives. Before the 9/11 days a person could–as manyContinue reading “My Favorite Kitchen Knife (and a brief story behind it)”

Kronan on Elmwood

My son emailed me (via his phone) this picture of a Kronan bike we saw on Elmwood Avenue today. These are unique albeit simple bikes…looks very utilitarian. Actually a few years ago I almost purchased one. This is the first of these I’ve seen in the Buffalo area. Click here to go to the KronanContinue reading “Kronan on Elmwood”

Really Simple Hot and Sweet Pickled Peppers

This is a basic refrigerator pickle recipe that can be used for virtually any garden vegetable. It’s based on the simple formula of 2-2-1, meaning two parts vinegar, two parts sugar, and one part water (and a little salt). Then you can virtually add any herbs or spices you’d like. And these are refrigerator pickles,Continue reading “Really Simple Hot and Sweet Pickled Peppers”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#212 & 213)…and a few comments

#212 (top two photos)…A really big plastic box. Saw this at the curb on my way home from work today…it’ll be great to store firewood this winter. #213 (bottom photo)…$129.37 in groceries in four plastic crates from two separate stores. And here’s quick story and a recap of a conversation. Prior to shopping for theContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#212 & 213)…and a few comments”

Wild Rice Bread with Honey and Olive Oil…and a couple flatbreads, too.

  For those of you who’ve been to this blog before you know that I enjoy baking bread as much as I enjoy riding bikes. And that over the past few years I’ve really gotten into baking breads with whole grains and beans.Well a couple weeks ago the people at Goose Valley Farms sent meContinue reading “Wild Rice Bread with Honey and Olive Oil…and a couple flatbreads, too.”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#210), and a quick comment about cargo bikes

A 15 lb. capacity, all-steel sausage stuffer.A canvas bag containing 4 books.A six-pack of Ellicottville Brewing Company Pale Ale.A gym bagful of wet clothing.A cardboard box containing 2 bottles of Chateau Saint Sulpice Bordeaux.A pound of baker’s yeast. Three pastry tarts.A cardboard box full of kindling. It’s interesting that when I was originally out todayContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#210), and a quick comment about cargo bikes”

No Car Necessary

George Bliss, co-owner of Hudson Urban Bicycles Photo Credit: Fred R. Conrad/New York Times The title of this post is taken directly from a July article in the New York Times titled, Hauling Cargo, No Car Necessary. It’s an inspiring article (and short video below) regarding, not surprisingly, cargo bikes. I’ve been interested in carryingContinue reading “No Car Necessary”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#208)…with a link, a few comments, and another photo.

Sometimes (more often than not, actually) the only thing I carry on this bike is me. While it weighs in the upwards of 60 lbs. and is more then 6 ft. long I still find it the most comfortable and fun bike to ride (out of my 3 main bikes). Not only does it’s uprightContinue reading “Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#208)…with a link, a few comments, and another photo.”

Marie and Pierre Curie on Their Honeymoon

Photo downloaded from Britannica. I find this photo inspiring. The link to it was sent to me by a cousin of mine (thanks Joe!). It’s a photo of the famed physicists and chemist Marie and Pierre Curie. While they shared a Nobel Prize together, Marie was the first person to receive two. The photo wasContinue reading “Marie and Pierre Curie on Their Honeymoon”

Squiggly Man Makes Me Smile

I don’t even remember how I came upon this site…you know how it goes…one page leads to the next and then another, not unlike flipping through a magazine I suppose. Anyhow I came across this 4 minute video titled Everything Will Be OK. I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing ever did…it’s justContinue reading “Squiggly Man Makes Me Smile”

Ezekiel Bread French Toast with Caramelized Nectarine and Apple-Cranberry Syrup

The morning before last as I was pouring my second cup of coffee I heard a common request from my teenage son in the next room, “dad, will you make me breakfast” (translation: will you make me French toast…his favorite breakfast). Having not gone shopping in a while I knew the cupboards were somewhat bareContinue reading “Ezekiel Bread French Toast with Caramelized Nectarine and Apple-Cranberry Syrup”

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#207)

A canvas bag containing, among other things, three books, a daily planner, pencils, and reading glasses.A six-foot long cable lock. A small cardboard box containing three pints of homemade dog food and three sample packages of wild rice from Goose Valley Wild Rice.