When I found out my sister was coming for the holidays I knew we had to take her to the Roxy Cafe at least once. I know she has a special love of sweet, pancake-like breakfasts foods, so I knew she would like the offerings at the Roxy. On this particular occasion I decided to forego veganism and I ordered an utterly scrumptious spinach omelette with other veggies in it. I substituted mushrooms for bacon and they were very good.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
352/365: Sunday,12/18/2011
This house in Albion had been a major eyesore for many years. I often wondered what it looked like inside....and now we know...
251/365 Saturday, 12/17/2011
Despite the rather chilly & snowy weather, Louisa and I had a fun time in Chicago before we boarded a 6:00pm train back to Battle Creek. I had never seen the "bean" sculpture before -- so ti was fun to take the obligatory reflection shots in it.
350/365 Friday 12/16/2011
I took the Amtrak train on Friday, Dec 16th to pick up my sister from O'Hare. After getting off at Union station, I walked to the Blue Line EL stop on Monroe and took the EL to O'Hare. When I arrived Louisa had just gotten through customs and was waiting for me. We took the El back to Monroe and checked into our nice hotel in downtown Chicago.
349/365: Thursday, 12/15/2011
I still had a lot of grading to get through once I arrived home. At least the kitties were happy to "help"...
348/365: Wednesday, 12/14/2011
WhenI came home from Oxford, I was tickled to find this Christmas card addressed to Hansi=the cat on a leash.
347/365: Tuesday, 12/13/2011
This is the recently published novel/romance that centers on my ancestor Jane Lane. I wonder how I will find it...
Thursday, December 22, 2011
344/365: Saturday, 12/10/2011
I methodically go through these two sections of the times, which means I am quite behind--especially with the book review sections.
Monday, December 12, 2011
343/365: Friday, 12/09/2011
Making some notes to myself on what turned out to be a pretty hectic/busy last day of classes.
342/365: Thursday, 12/08/2011
This dish was good: 100% whole wheat rotini with tomatoes cause and some other veggies. The stuff on top is nutritional yeast. I'm glad I found a whole wheat pasta I like.
341/365: Wednesday, 12/07/2011
A vegan stand-by: nutritional yeast. It has an interesting taste. It does add something to pasta dishes. I haven't used a whole lot of it yet.
340/365 Tuesday, 12/06/2011
I really wanted to get an outside picture today--and I remembered this as I walked to the bus-stop. This building on Miami's campus is McGuffey Hall where I taught two of my classes during the semester. It took a while to get used to the building. But in the end I did. I just realized I taught in this building everyday, since that was how my schedule was structured. Next semester I won't be in there.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
339/365: Monday, 12/05/2011
I took this while sitting in my bed--it was about 11:40pm and I had not yet taken a picture--so Georgie was the easiest choice since I was sleepy and wanted to get to bed!
337/365: Saturday, 12/03/2011
*sigh* - I really wanted to like these--Eden is a good organic company from Michigan. But alas they were kind of gray and that just made them seem not that tasty..They made me miss my unhealthy regular durum wheat semolina pasta. Ho hum...In the meantime I found the only box of 100% whole wheat pasta in Kroger the other day and I actually liked it! Hooray. And I'm getting more used to cooking my greens without oil--either steaming or cooking them in vegetable broth.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
336/365: Friday, 12/02/2011
I decided to order a small package of German christmas goodies from a German online store in Texas. Most of these were eaten by my students. The "Rumkugeln" - rum balls were enjoyed by the GREAL faculty, since they do contain a tiny bit of real rum.
335/365: Thursday, 12/01/2011
A cute kitty pic for the first day of the last month of the year!!! I cannot believe the year is almost over...
334/365: Wednesday, 11/30/2011
I apologize-the pictures these days lack vim and vigor...I've been busy busy with the end of semester. Hence yet another glimpse of my apartment mate George.
333/365 Tuesday, 11/29/2011
Another pretty good vegan meal. The portion was a bit big, and the spaghetti was not whole grain, which is what who I now call the "healthy healthy's" (Dr. Esselstyn, Barnard, Hicks etc etc) want us to eat. I'll have to research what they think about olives. I know they don't like olive oil. The stuff that might look a little like parmesan is Bragg's nutritional yeast-a vegan standy..
332/365: Monday, 11/28/2011
Bill left me this as a going away present when he left the Monday after bringing me back to Oxford after Thanksgiving. (I had left earlier than he did, so i could get to my office to get stuff done before teaching).
Friday, December 9, 2011
331/365: Sunday, 11/27/2011
It was rainy and cloudy when we drove back down to Oxford on Sunday. We started listening to George Eliot's "Middlemarch". I'll see how far Bill has gotten listening to it when I go back with him to Michigan for Christmas this coming Wednesday, Dec. 14th.
330/365: Saturday, 11/26/2011
I went out with my friend for sushi in Jackson, Michigan (Aka sushi). Some of the things we ordered were vegan (I had seaweed salad and a vegetable tempura--should have asked about the tempura). Some of the sushi we got was not vegan (like the one picture, which I think is either salmon or tuna. Yes I had some of it...
329/365 Friday, 11/25/2011
I had brought some grading I needed to do home with me and my kitties were glad to be of some assistance!
328/365: Thursday, 11/24/2011 ~Thanksgiving~
One of the things I miss living in Oxford is our daily newspaper: The Battle Creek Enquirer. Even though it's not a great newspaper I got very used to reading it when I lived in Michigan. And the comics were probably my favorite part.. We were invited to Thanksgiving dinner with our friends in the afternoon. They made vegan stuffing! (Which was delicious). And there plenty of other vegan options! And then I indulged in a small piece of (probably) non-vegan pumpkin pie with a small amount of definitely non-vegan whipped cream. It was good.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
327/365: Wednesday, 11/23/2011
Georgie seemed fairly happy to be home. The other kitties were a little put-out since Georgie can be a bit of a bully. Little Mieze hissed at him a couple of times and had to give up her spot in the prized "boudoir". Hansie was more cranky than I was used too--he seemed even more aged to me since I left in August---so skinny compared to spoilt George. He was glad George was home. They have a bit of a "Brokeback mountain" relationship....Hansi "cannot quit" George...yet further indication that he was neutered to late. It's very hard to fathom how Georgie feels about Hansi's inappropriate encroachments--he nonchalantly continues eating while it is going on and only sometimes turns around & tells Hansi to take a hike. (For a long time I thought the yowling that one heard when this was going was coming from Georgie, but no it is always and only Hansi that is doing the yowling - Georgie is completely silent).
On other occasions though, even Hansi hissed at Georgie--it was obvious that his absence had made the three other kitties rearrange their hierarchies, and having him back shuffled everything up again. At least this time he will be back sooner. (We go back to Michigan next Wednesday, Dec. 14).
When we brought Georgie back to the apartment he seemed even happier to to back here where he's the number one kitty. And I was glad to have him paying all his attention to me and not the other three kitties. But now I know better what to expect and also that I need to court their affection in order to get into their good books. They are cats after-all and do not immediately reconnect if one has been away for a longish time.
On other occasions though, even Hansi hissed at Georgie--it was obvious that his absence had made the three other kitties rearrange their hierarchies, and having him back shuffled everything up again. At least this time he will be back sooner. (We go back to Michigan next Wednesday, Dec. 14).
When we brought Georgie back to the apartment he seemed even happier to to back here where he's the number one kitty. And I was glad to have him paying all his attention to me and not the other three kitties. But now I know better what to expect and also that I need to court their affection in order to get into their good books. They are cats after-all and do not immediately reconnect if one has been away for a longish time.
Monday, December 5, 2011
A short message for Janie Randerson
Hello,
If Janie Randerson sees this message I just want her to know that I have replied twice to her email message and have not heard back. Perhaps she could try my other email: catgrimm@gmail.com?
If Janie Randerson sees this message I just want her to know that I have replied twice to her email message and have not heard back. Perhaps she could try my other email: catgrimm@gmail.com?
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Barbie cake
326/2011: Tuesday, 11/22/2011
I thought this was just weird enough to qualify as a 365 pic. I might have to start a "weird sightings in supermarkets set, which, besides this would include this, and probably this too.
The other Barbie picture in my flickr stream was taken at the Schirn museum in Frankfurt. It is my most viewed picture by far--over 11 000 people have looked at it!
I thought this was just weird enough to qualify as a 365 pic. I might have to start a "weird sightings in supermarkets set, which, besides this would include this, and probably this too.
The other Barbie picture in my flickr stream was taken at the Schirn museum in Frankfurt. It is my most viewed picture by far--over 11 000 people have looked at it!
My "PETA-approved" bagel from Bagel&Deli
325/365: Monday, 11/21/2011
This was my delicious and suppossedly "PETA-approved' bagel from Oxford's famous "Bagel & Deli". I really liked it! And as a treat I got one of their retro sodas -I think its flavor was dark cherry--it was also very good. A tasty lunch before we headed back home to Michigan.
This was my delicious and suppossedly "PETA-approved' bagel from Oxford's famous "Bagel & Deli". I really liked it! And as a treat I got one of their retro sodas -I think its flavor was dark cherry--it was also very good. A tasty lunch before we headed back home to Michigan.
324/365: Sunday, 11/20/2011
Yep Bill was back on Sunday so he could drive me and Georgie back to Michigan for the first time in a bit over 3 months. George was happy to see him.
323/365:Saturday, 11/19/2011
The non-vegan version of this pie has been in my meal repetoire for a while. the only difference between that one and this one is that the vegan version is not microwaveable. So it takes longer, but I think it might even taste better than the other kind.
Monday, November 28, 2011
The absent presence of William Holmes McGuffey
322/365 Friday, November 18, 2011
I stand right next to this window about 3 times a week waiting for the elevator to take me back down to the first floor. (This is not Irvin where my office is). It just occurred to me that I should really start taking the stairs--at least down after the class. I don't like taking them up the stairs becuase I'm afraid I'll get all hot and sweaty right before I teach. The view is also interesting when one looks directly down, because there is a statue of the building's name sake: William Holmes McGuffey.
I stand right next to this window about 3 times a week waiting for the elevator to take me back down to the first floor. (This is not Irvin where my office is). It just occurred to me that I should really start taking the stairs--at least down after the class. I don't like taking them up the stairs becuase I'm afraid I'll get all hot and sweaty right before I teach. The view is also interesting when one looks directly down, because there is a statue of the building's name sake: William Holmes McGuffey.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
321/365 Thursday, 11/17/2011
The vegan experiment continues. Bill and I watched the pro-plant-based diet documentary "Forks over Knives" the other night and I've been reading many posts of this blog: http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/ on nutrition and the benefits of a low-fat plant-based diet. That being said, there is a part of me that still thinks - I am mainly doing this for ethical reasons and so the occasional vegan junk-food item is ok--I guess I am cutting myself some slack as I continue on this interesting food/nourishment path. One thing I have noticed is how some folks seem to go to great lengths to find pro-meat-eating arguments--i.e. they say things like humans are meant to eat meat, vegans are often gaunt, weak & unhealthy, or they talk themselves into feeling somehow deprived if they don't consume animal products. I remember thinking I craved meat, but I now think I was talking myself into craving it...so far I have not experienced any strong meat, dairy or egg cravings. Part of this is psychological too--I've probably talked myself out of wanting to eat these foods, because of what they are. (=products derived from animals, whose sole reason for existing is to serve as a food source for humans).
Nevertheless I am definitely going to try and reduce the fats I eat and also try and eat more whole grains and less refined ones...bring on the whole wheat pasta and even more of that weird quinoa. I am also interested in experimenting more with oatmeal--especially in "savory oatmeal" as shown here:
http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2011/01/cheezy-oatmeal.html
Friday, November 25, 2011
320/365 Wednesday, 11/16/2011
I posted a picture of my little fake ladybird a while back and on this day I noticed a real one walking across my table. After I took this picture I put it on a piece of paper and let if fly away off of my balcony.
319/365: Tuesday, 11/15/2011
My colleague and I treated ourselves to tis wonderful Indian feast. I assume it was not vegan--but vegetarian. I will ask them what they cook things in. I also inadvertently ordered a mango lasse with rum, which was of course not vegan, but delicious nevertheless. We were quite full after only a fraction of this meal, which meant I had leftovers for both breakfast and lunch the next day. Which even made it quite economical in the end too!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
318/365: Monday, 11/14/2011
So today at home in Albion I have been reading up on the so-called "Esselstyn" diet-- he's the doctor who appears prominently in the "Forks over Knives" documentary about how much healthier a plant-based diet is-for everyone... Dr. Esselstyn and his wife and (adult) kids adhere to a completely plant-based and also low fat diet (i.e. lots of veggies, but no avocados, no nuts, except for the occasional walnut and also no olive oil). As a person transitioning to vegan-ism mainly for ethical reasons it is kind of a lot to get my head around-- I dearly love my avocados. Dr. Esselstyn would also not approve of my vegan bagel (=not a whole grain?) and I'm sure he would disdain the Earth Balance margarine that I now use instead of butter. I will definitely experiment with olive-oil free sauteing of my green veggies and baking/roasting too. And I'll also look for more whole grains too.
But for now I will - at least occasionally indulge in avocados, nuts (=not just walnuts) and olive oil. What I will try and do is not over-indulge in them....we'll see how it goes!!
But for now I will - at least occasionally indulge in avocados, nuts (=not just walnuts) and olive oil. What I will try and do is not over-indulge in them....we'll see how it goes!!
My first pomegranate
317/365: Sunday, 11/13/2011
Was tasty but rather messy-little dark reds drop of juice got everywhere...
316/365 Saturday, 11/12/2011
I need to also make better friends with oats-another super-healthy vegan-plant-based stand-by...These are good but it is still just a little microwave pouch and not the kind you cook on the stove. One reason I still prefer instant is that the amount is just right. With a little maple syrup and some kind of fruit this is a good breakfast for me.
315/365 Friday, 11/11/2011
I spend a lot - perhaps too much time at my little desk in my apartment. Georgie much prefers lounging about with me on one of my IKEA chair, usually while watching a TV show. But on those nights when I don't make it over there, he tries to get some "me" (=him) time by sitting on my lap while I'm at my desk...
314/365 Thursday, 11/10/2011
Quinoa...this first attempt was not all that satisfying, but i will persevere since it is such a healthy food...
313/365 Wednesday, 11/09/2011
A late-fall view of my office window. We had had some rather blustery weather recently and I think that hastened the "de-nuding" of "my" tree. Still the weather in Oxford (south-western OH) is definitely warmer than it is in Southern Michigan.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
312/365 Tuesday, 11/08/2011
I think this was my first attempt at making a scrumptious meal with quinoa. It was so-so. I did not really care for the quinoa...even though I know it's terribly healthy. something about the texture. The pinto beans were tasty though, as was the rosemary onion foccaccio and of course my old stand by - tomatoes. Oh how I wish I could grow my own. Hmm maybe if I stay here next year I could try and grow some on my little wooden balcony. Of course that's still a big "if"...
Saturday, November 19, 2011
311/365 Monday, 11/07/2011
I think this was some rainbow chard I got for myself from the Kroger. I like chard and kale a lot. And i have always been fond of brussel sprouts. I need to experiment more with things like cauliflower and cabbage--which is not one of my initial favorites, but when cooked in a nice way sounds quite appealing to me now.
310/365: Sunday, 11/06/2011
Ok I have to say I was a bit afraid to try this stuff. but it is actually surprisingly yummy! I like it! So far so good for being a vegan. We're going to a non-vegan Thanksgiving, where it probably won't be a problem eating vegetarian, so that wlll be ok. The food is served buffet-style so one has more freedom to only eat what one wants. I hope I am not too tempted by the turkey.
309/365 Saturday, 11/05/2011
Yep another blue-post..and one that was actually taken before the Friday shot of my boots...I have to confess that quite a few of my pics recently were not taken exactly on the day I say they were--they're more an approximation but in the end no one will really care--and they always not too far off. Taking pictures is just less of a priority when I have tests to grade or classes to prepare...this is a shot of some Adrienne's and my "spoils" from our Sat. outing to IKEA, Kohl's and Target. I went a little crazy because I don't get to shop much and now I'm earning again and so is Bill. We had fun.
308/365 Friday, 11/04/2011
I have noticed that the female Miami students tend to wear very similar outfits: in the summer they were all wearing athletic shorts with a stripe on the side. Then came the jeans with sperry type shoes -- or black cotton pants - sort of a more presentable sweatpant and now a lot of them are wearing all kinds of lovely boots (or Ugg-type boots) stuck into skinny jeans. I have wanted a pair of boots since before coming here, but now that I'm trying be as vegan as I can be...I'm less inclined to want to buy leather. I found these comfy man-made-material boots (that I will probably not stick into my jeans) at Target. I will also try and assemble a skirt outfit or two. They are surprisingly comfortable for let's face it a rather cheaply made boot. And I think they look nice too.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
307/365: Thursday, 11/03/2011
Sorry for the blurry pic. This book has a lot of good info regarding how to get vitamins etc from what types of food. As far as I can tell the only really essential supplement for vegans is B12 and second to that many might need to supplement Vitamin D. (not just vegans, alot of us do not get enough of it because we're not outside enough...)
306/365: Wednesday, 11/02/2011
One of two vegan cook books I ordered from Amazon. I'm pretty sure Rebecca recommended it--thanks! I like it The recipes are pretty easy and there are so many of them!
Friday, November 11, 2011
305/365: Tuesday, 11/01/2011
I really enjoyed The Hunger Games--(as did a lot of other people I gather) and so I went ahead and even got a hard copy of the second installment of this YA trilogy.
304/365: Monday, 10/31/2011
Vegan dinner: garden burger on a slice of Pumpernickel with salad and (very) brussel sprouts. It was quite tasty.
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