365 Pictures--More from this week

In order to help me keep up with taking pictures, I'm posting them regularly.... Here are a few more for you! (they are totz out of order, as you can tell)

January 27 -- I thought I'd share some color with you all. My computer has a "skin" on it, and I'm always getting compliments, and the item with the bird is my new pencil pouch bought at this etsy shop. I just love having colorful and original things, and I get so many compliments on these two!

January 28 -- The taco salad I made for lunch with the leftovers from taco Thursday! It was delicious. It got: TVP, black beans, lettuce, cucumber, red, green, and orange bell pepper, cilantro, and some cheese piled on the plate and is surrounded by chips. I don't typically like eating leftovers, but I'm trying to be better about that!

January 28 again...notice the 2nd Auffenberg logo? Yeah....I had to take my car back to the shop Friday because the check engine light came back on Thursday. I was sure peeved, but luckily they didn't charge me and told me to simply run some good (high octane, high performance) gas through my car.....so, that's what I'm doing! :)

January 29--Such a beautiful day in Southern Illinois. So beautiful, in fact, that I packed up with my friend Janelle, and we drove out to Starview Vineyards for a little while. I really like the way the sun is peeking through those trees in this picture (which I took with my cell phone--boy oh boy was I mad at myself for having forgotten to grab my good Digital SLR when I left).

January 26 -- I'm sharing this picture because it was such an important part of my day Wednesday....if not important, it certainly occupied a good deal of my day!
Auffenberg is the Saturn Certified Service center in town, and my "check engine" light came on, so I took it in for $1000 worth of repairs. Luckily, my 2005 Ion II has an extended warranty (yay Dr.B and me for thinking to invest in that), and we saved $500. What was wrong? Um....it needed a tune-up (spark plugs, fuel filter, and the like), and the added costs are the replacement of my ignition switch (which apparently had a short in it) and some other maintenance stuff that I opted to get done (coolant flush, brake fluids, etc.).
I am a firm believer in taking good care of my car, and I encourage you to do the same!

Friend Friday: David Ranalli

David Ranalli

A totz cool dude!

David is a former SIU student--he was in my Persuasion class in the Spring of 2010. He is not only brilliant, engaging, and a fun person to communicate with. He is also totally a magician! It's true--I couldn't make something this good up! Check out his magic website. On the last day of Persuasion, he asked me if I wanted him to do one more magic trick before he left. I said yes (of course!), and he did a card trick. I still have the card....it's marked for life, and I can't imagine letting go of it!! I love telling people about his magical ability. It is both the first thing he told me about himself while in that class and the last thing he reminded me of.

Magic aside, he's a really great person to have around. He is generally friendly and happy. He asks questions and engages in critical thought. He gives great hugs, and I love just chatting with him. He's the kind of person that when I see him, he's welcoming of a hello and a hug!

Meet this guy! He's FAB!

Recipe Thursday Share: Salad

Since I made it for dinner lastnight, I figure why not share this simple salad recipe that I simply love! It's modified from a Vegetarian Times recipe that I saw in the magazine once, but I neither have a copy of the recipe nor do I even remotely follow it, so it's now MINE, muahahahaha. (ok, scary laugh now complete).
:)

Simple Salad:
romaine lettuce (torn into bite-size pieces)
celery (chopped)
carrots (sliced into thin rounds)
bell peppers (variety of colors; chopped)
other favorite salad veggies
fresh cilantro (or parsley)

Dressing:
equal parts lemon juice and evoo (maybe start with a 1/4 cup of each, depending on the size of your salad)
minced garlic (about a teaspoon, again, depending on the size of your salad)

Topping:
seitan strips (I prefer westsoy brand, but any will do!)
soy sauce



Notice I do not have suggested measurements here. It's a salad; wing it, make it look pretty, serve up as much or as little of something as you like!

Directions:
Put all ingredients into a large salad bowl (or individual salad bowls if you want to make them look prettier for serving), starting with lettuce, then veggies, then dressing, then cilantro. While you're prepping your veggies for the salad, warm the seitan in a skillet with enough oil to coat the pan and enough soy sauce to coat the seitan. When the seitan is sufficiently warmed (and all the soy sauce is cooked down), let cool for about one minute and then put some on top of your salad.
Enjoy!

My friend Molly came over yesterday, and I made this salad. Here's a picture of what we ate!

Two Today

January 24--Arm Warmers!

January 25--my view for the next few days!

Glass Straws....Yes, Please!

What a fun and sustainable idea...glass straws for your drinking glasses.

You can find them here:
http://glassdharma.com/sets.html

And, if you like a little suspense, you might be able to win some for free!
Check out the hungry vegan (a new blogger I'm following)!
http://hungryvegan.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-state-of-sipping-bliss-glass-dharma.html

Happy Tuesday, gals and pals!

January 23rd Picture & a Recipe

I love, love, love chili. Chili for me (like some others I know) is both my go-to quick dish and the dish I always have ingredients on hand to make, especially when it gets cold. So, the past two weeks have been wicked cold--like, whoa! And, I've made two pots of chili. I love to share, so my neighbor helped me eat some this week, and last week one of my other friends helped me eat it all up!

Here's a pic of the last of this week's chili.

So, you might be wondering what's in this vegan chili? Well, it varies almost every time I make it, but I'll share what I can.

Ingredients:
1 t minced garlic
1 cup TVP
1 8oz can tomato sauce
1 12 oz can petite diced tomatoes (I just happen to like the smaller cuts of tomatoes, but you can use larger versions)
1 12oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1/2 red bell pepper (no seeds; chopped into small pieces)
1/2 green bell pepper (no seeds; chopped into small pieces)
chili powder
cayenne pepper powder
canola oil
2-3 cups water

How to make it....this gets confusing!

• over medium heat, warm about 2 T oil in a large pot; add garlic and let it cook down a bit; add peppers and let them cook down a bit; add tvp and 1/2 cup water (or a bit more if it isn't quite rehydrated)....let these items saute a bit together.
• add chili powder and cayenne pepper powder (both to taste; I prefer about 2 T chili powder and about 1/2 t cayenne); let this cook for a few minutes.
• add tomato sauce and (rinsing out the can) a can of water; add tomatoes; add beans (you can also add pinto beans and/or black beans); add another cup of water (as needed)
• bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let cook for an hour or two on low/medium heat 
• serve with Fritos (to make it a "Frito Pie") or crackers and cheese (if vegetarian)

This keeps really well in the fridge for several days if you have leftovers, or it might feed 4+ people depending on hunger!!

Football

I just want to fess up today, loud and clear.

"ahem....I love football season, even when most of my teams are already out of the playoffs."

Who are my teams, you might wonder? Well, always America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys. They are my home team, and no matter how much I may or may not dislike Jerry Jones, they're my 'boys! Also, the Kansas City Chiefs....mostly because of Dr.Blueberry, but then, well, because I love football so much generally, it's easy for me to be a Chiefs fan (even though they hold the record for most losses in the first round of the playoffs). And, finally the Pittsburgh Steelers. Why? Why not? No, seriously...when Dr.B and I first moved to Pittsburgh for his first year of the PhD, we were told to be fans or to have our house egged. We liked our house. So, we decided to be fans. Ok, for realsies---they are a rockin' team, and Pittsburgh fans are fans to the core, and that made being a Stillers fan fun.


Who's your team?!

Friend Friday: Cindy Gordon

Cindy is, to say the least, one of my favorite people on the planet--yes, the planet! So, the hard part of this post will be deciding exactly what to share....there's just.so.much (let me just try to break it down a little, though)!

• She's a former undergraduate student of mine, from when I taught Performance of Literature (and of Dr.Blueberry's when he taught the Rhetoric and Argument class) at the University of North Texas (UNT).
• She's now the Director of the Basic Course at the same university, after having completed her MA at UNT (it kinda makes a mama proud, which is just so very vain of me!!).
• She has a blast of a sense of humor, loves to go out with friends, and travel.
• She loves critters, proven by her house full of animals!
• She's always welcoming of guests, and I've definitely spent a night or two at her (and her hubby's) house when I've been in the DFW area visiting family and friends.
• Her love of the vino puts mine to shame, but I always know she'll have a drink (of some variety) with me, should the occasion arise!
• My guess is that she's never met a stranger who didn't immediately become a friend!
• She has great taste in bags, purses, clothes, shoes....ugh, you name it, this gal's got style!
• She's a runner, a trait in several of my friends that I sorta envy (I'm just not a runner).
• She has the kind of smile that totally lights up a room.

And, well, she's just the all around cream of the crop, and I'm oh so glad to call her a friend!

:)
Love to Cindy!

Recipe Thursday: Mushroom Risotto

A different approach this week....something I want to try.

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/mushroom_risotto/


Clearly not my recipe. :) But....imagine it with a glass of a rich red wine....oh, yum!

Cheers!

Pictures this week...

January 16--Laundry Day. I kinda despise folding laundry, lol!

January 17, Getting Ready for School--lunch packed (pb&j, baby carrots and celery, crackers and cheese, and an apple), with some grape juice for breakfast in the morning.

January 18--Pizza date (from Whiffle Boys pizza) with my upstairs neighbor and his lady friend. so.much.fun!

January 20 -- My friend Molly dusting all the snow off her car as we were leaving school. (yes, she gave me permission to post her picture)! We musta dusted a full inch or two in spots off our cars....

January 19--Day three of school, and this is what my office floor looks like already! Oh semester, how you rule my office floor!

 Oops, looks like I forgot to take a picture on January 21st!

January 22 -- One Saturday each month, I volunteer to escort women from their cars to the building at the Hope Clinic for Women (an abortion clinic) in Granite City, IL (about 2.5 hours drive from my home). This cold morning occurred on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, and the protesters were out in full force. The image above is of some of the protesters engaging in a "Jericho Walk," where they walk around the building seven times....

Late Night Ramblings in an Early Morning Post

Sometimes when I'm laying in bed at night I can't sleep. Now, this is a new phenomenon for me---pretty much my whole life, as soon as my head has hit the pillow, I've passed out. So, since this is new for me, I've been considering things to do to help myself fall asleep, such as counting sheep. It hasn't yet seemed to work though. Here's what happens instead.

I start by counting sheep: "one one-thousand. two one-thousand. three one-thousand. Oh, crap! I need to buy a three-pack of folders for __________ project! ....ok, back on track. three one-thousand. four three one-thousand. five three one-thousand. Sheesh, I only have five more days until __________ is due! six one-thousand. ..."

You can probably see how this is working so far. I think tonight, I'd like to try something else.

Got any ideas?

Do you Regretsy?

Over the holiday break, Dr.Blueberry and I were kicking around the house, when he casually asked me if I'd heard of Regretsy. I casually said "no" as I headed to take a shower, mostly ignoring his internet find as some ridiculous website (I mean, seriously....the dood reads sports blogs like there's no tomorrow. What about this site was going to interest me!?).

When I got out of the shower, he insisted that I sit down and look over his shoulder, and well....I'm so glad I did! Regretsy is super-fab. We wasted at least an hour looking at post after post after post on this blog. And, now, well...if you're one of my limited readers, you also enjoy this!!

Seriously, check out the Regretsy blog. Even if you only read to the beginning of the year (see Top Five Etsy Purchases of 2010), you will laugh, you will cry, and well, you might pee your pants!

Be well and prosper!

C


(Did I link the site enough? If that's not a clue that you need to click at least one of the links, I don't know what is!)

One Pot Pasta

Oops....I failed to take a picture on Thursday (another miss!). BUT....I am sharing a second recipe this week (with a picture that's already been posted), so maybe that will make up for it!

Dr.Blueberry and I get bored with food a lot---we eat the same comfortable things over and over, and most of the time I'm (we're?) okay with that! But, occasionally, we just throw some stuff in a pot and make it because a) we're hungry, b) we have no other ideas for cookery, and/or c) we have a bunch of veggies that need to get cooked up. Here's how it works...

Gather up some pasta style veggies. I like to use the following:

in order (of what's on the cutting board): parsley, black olives, baby bella mushrooms, broccoli florets, green & red bell pepper.
I also use garlic (about as much as I can scoop on the tip of the knife--oh, btw, I switched to the jar garlic last year when my fresh garlic kept going unused. This method seems to create less waste for me!) and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
What you can't see is garlic salt (rather than regular salt--it's just my preference) and black ground pepper.

What to do:

• cook pasta (I like penne) according to the package.
• drain the pasta and leave it in the colander while you cook the veggies (in the same pasta pot)
• warm a couple of tablespoons of EVOO to the pan, add the garlic and veggies in order of those that take longer to cook (from my picture: garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, black olives, mushrooms). When well cooked (or cooked to your liking), add the drained pasta, a bit more olive oil and the parsley. Mix well, put the lid on the pan, and turn off heat .
• Let sit for about 5 minutes with lid on (to help the pasta reheat), mix again, and eat up!

When you're done:
Clean the cutting board, knife, pasta pan, pasta spoon, and your dining dishes...seriously, easy clean-up!

<3

Learning tip:
When I first started making this simple dish, I always tossed the parsley in to cook down with the other veggies, but doing this lessens the flavorfulness of the parsley. So, as tempting as it may be to throw in, hold out! Trust me on this....trust me! :)

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures...

What a lazy and hectic week this has been. I spent several days trying to package some materials about my teaching to send to an awards committee--admittedly, this consumed far too much of my time, but in the end, I am always honored by the opportunity. I caught up with some friends, since I just got back into town, and I started writing, editing, etc. on some work that's been lingering over my head over the break---nothing completed, just working. Here're are a few pictures that I took this week!

Friend Friday

It brings me a great deal of bliss to be able to tell you about Brenda Prell today. Brenda is one of the first people I had the opportunity to meet when I moved to Carbondale, IL to start graduate school. She is the graduate secretary in our department, and she has become a valuable friend in the two and a half years I've known her. I've carved pumpkins at her house with her and her family, decorated the office for the holidays, helped one of her daughters move (a bed) across town, and just generally chatted her up---she's such a great talker and a wonderful listener!

Brenda has three daughters, a dog and a cat or two, and she has a welcoming heart. She is creative and crafty (shown by her ability to knit a scarf in, oh, 15 minutes....if I'm not an exaggerator, I don't know what I am!). She has a healthy and hearty laugh, and she has a beautiful sense of humor! I have been in the same office with her for the recent semester (and for the upcoming semester), and I love, love, love it! It's nice to see her (and the student assistants) when I first come in the door.

Brenda also sells Pampered Chef products, as a side job, and she's an AMAZING cook! She's even had a party where she made a vegetarian dish (the green, red, and white lasagna recipe I shared some time back). Seriously, Brenda is a great cook....my mouth is watering thinking about some of the things she's made that I've eaten.

And, on that note, I should probably have some breakfast!

If you have the chance, get to know this wonderful, wonderful lady....she's great people, and I love her lots and lots!!

Recipe Thursday-Scrambled Eggless Eggs

Eggs have been giving me a great deal of heartburn when I eat them lately---perhaps its because I like them over-easy and the yolks are all runny and delicious. And, because of this, I've been trying to eat less of them these days. So, I thought I'd share a tofu scramble recipe you. Now....this is modified from the How It All Vegan (pronounced like began, but with a V) because I'm a bit picky (ok, let's face it, I despise onions...in any form, color, flavor...gross!), so bear with me a bit.

Tofu Scramble
1-2 T minced garlic
1 t EVOO or Canola or Vegetable oil
1 pkg firm tofu, crumbled
1/4 t turmeric (take care to not get this on your clothes---it once was used as a clothing dye and will stain!)
dash cumin
1 T Braggs (if you don't have a bottle of Braggs around, try soy sauce, but you might want to modify the amount you include...soy sauce can be quite salty)
salt/pepper to taste


In a skillet, add the garlic and oil and saute on medium (some people like to add onion here as well--to taste). Add the tofu (and it can be crumbled or broken up in the skillet or in the pan, using the spatula), turmeric, cumin, and Braggs. Saute to a consistency you like---I prefer the scramble a bit more firm (and somewhat crunchy-ish) in consistency, and so I might recommend at least 5 minutes....maybe 10.

Enjoy with potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and the like. Totz delish!

Tree Blogging

"When we live in the house we relate to the tree, however powerfully."

Trees are such an powerful part of my daily routine.
I hear the birds in the trees out my office window in the spring.
In the fall, large leaves from the tree sit comfortably at its trunk.
Today, a cool January month, I see the snow falling from the tree branches, flurry by flurry softly touching the ground.
I sit, walk, stand on a floor made from trees.
My desk....formerly a tree.
Trees is such a powerful....integral....part of my daily routine.

This tree...moves me.
It is the first thing I see in the morning,
and the last thing I see at night.
It patiently awaits my arrival and departure.
It is present when I am absent.
































This has been a blog for @Platea's Tree-Blogging project. Please check out the project here.

365 Pictures--A two-day update...

This week, I need to mix up the 365 picture project. One of my colleagues--a faculty and my department and someone I am honored to call a friend--is doing an art project that I will blog about (and participate in) later today (patience, my darlings). Thus, in the meantime, I'm posting two pictures here for this week...

The first picture was taken Monday the 10th at the Pittsburgh,PA airport. Note that this picture isn't unlike many that people take: I'm standing in the gate area, looking out the window at the plane that I'm scheduled to board. I suppose the difference, and perhaps the reason I decided on this picture (instead of one of the others I took that day) is the snow....I love, love, love the snow. I know: it's cold, it makes people cranky, it's just snow....but, I still love it.

And, to follow up after a day (really, an evening) of travel, I thought I'd post a picture of my (already messy) workspace at home. The comfort of writing from my desk, looking out the window, sitting in my comfortable chair....these are just some of the things I missed about being away for a short while., and I can easily add that I'm not only happy to be back in this space, but I'm grateful for the time away AND I'm looking forward to a stretch of productivity...

Happy days.

A Shout Out to Fatty Cookbook

I was perusing my followed blogs this evening when I came to Fatty Cookbook. The author of this blog is a friend of a friend, and she's got mad skill in the kitchen. This is especially true, I think, if you're a meat eater. I am not, as you know, but I still subscribe because she has really fantastic ideas in the kitchen. That said, I thought I'd share her latest post with ya....


Tangy Brussels Sprouts
(I've copied/pasted, but PLEASE check out her blog!)
Based on a recipe from Real Simple magazine.

1lb Brussels sprouts
2 tbps ginger (I peeled a chunk of it in to matchsticks and chopped)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2tbsp soy sauce
2tbsp brown sugar

Preheat oven to 325F. Stir together vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until dissolved. Cut sprouts in half or quarters. Toss all ingredients together until sprouts are coated. Lay out on a foil lined cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until tender.

Serve with spicy chicken and red bell peppers!



(Aside from the "serve with spicy chicken" bit, I'm thinking this little side dish could be a great addition to dinner this week!)

The Week in Pictures--January 3rd!

We spent the day Monday driving --the trek from Carbondale, IL to Pittsburgh, PA is one we've made many times, and sometimes we love it while others not so much. This time Dr.Vegan was sickly, so I drove the lengthy 11ish hours so that he could sleep a great deal. But, once we hit the Pittsburgh, PA hour, I made a decision: let's stop at Mad Mex for dinner..... I love, love, love the Mad Mex because they have lots of delicious vegan and vegetarian fare. But, I also love it because they have a fun menu. Check out this photo I took (with my cell phone) of one menu item (Wikileaky Enchilada).

So, I forgot to take a picture on Tuesday---what can I say, I slept until 10:30 Tuesday morning...forgive me. I thought I might be able to make up my mishap by sharing the picture at left--the Cathedral of Learning. Dr.V and I were walking from a lunch spot (Sushi Boat) on Wednesday around 1pm toward the library, when it occurred to me that I had forgotten to snap a picture Tuesday. So, I stopped in my tracks, pulled out my camera phone and snapped this beauty. Dr.V's office is in the Cathedral, on the 11th floor, so when we're in Pittsburgh, we spend a lot of time here, writing and working. It only makes sense that I would share this picture with you. Of course, it's sort of wintery around here (around 30 degrees today), and there's no green life on the trees, but the beauty of this stark building is not lost in the weather.

For more information about this historic landmark on the University of Pittsburgh campus, google it or click here or here. And, please, if you're ever in the area, stop by to check out this building--the outside is beautiful, but so is the inside!

When in Pittsburgh, we ride the bus. Thursday, January 6th I took the bus from Dr.Vegan's place to the Cathedral of Learning. This is a shot from about the middle of the bus. This bus (the 93) is rarely full. It is a newer route that runs from Oakland (where the University of Pittsburgh is located) to the new Children's hospital (only a few short blocks walk from where Dr.V's apartment is). It is convenient, fast, and since it's lightly populated, more comfortable than the 54C bus which runs a similar (but longer and slower moving) route. I miss being able to take the bus. In Carbondale, I drive everywhere. When we lived in Pittsburgh together (perhaps I should drive by the old place and take a picture to share), we usually walked about 3-4 blocks to the nearest bus stop, then a block or two from the drop off to our respective offices. Though Pittsburgh weather can be chilly in the winter (doh!), riding the bus in the 'burgh was always reliable, semi-quick, and far better than having to fight traffic and pay for parking. And, one of the best parts is that the University provided a bus pass for employees and students--it was a great deal!

And, on this particular day, it was snowing, so riding the bus also means not having too think about the roads, which are always plowed and salted, but still snow covered!

Oh, since I skipped a day (Tuesday), I thought I'd share another picture of Pittsburgh. This picture was taken on January 6th also. I took it from the 11th floor (Dr.V's office window). I've been working in his office all week, co-opting a desk from one of the two folks with whom he shares an office. I adore being in the Cathedral. It's so beautiful, surreal, calming. The stairways are splendiferous. The elevators are slower than Santa's arrival.

And, the views....serene. Don't you agree? (see below)

 Friday, the 7th, was sort of a strange day---we drove everywhere... Mr.Blueberry (Dr.V's new nickname) forgot his bank card at the Ethopian restaurant lastnight, so we had to drive there to get it. We went to the North Hills areas to the L.L.Bean store so that Mr.Blue could get a new winter coat. He has one, but it's quite bulky and it just looks uncomfortable on him. I'm kinda a "pusher" when it comes to him buying clothes--he often would do without if it weren't for a little extra push I think. Then we went to Tazza d'oro for a cup of joe and to read/work/write a bit (picture at right is our view from within the coffee shop). It was quite packed and loud in there, so we decided to head to the house. Now, usually, I am not a work at home kind of gal....well, not at his home...but I was willing to do it today given our circumstances. Mr.Blue got a text to meet a friend at Sharp Edge for a frosty beverage, and we just couldn't turn it down, so off we went, rather than working. I'm beginning to think I can't work a lick when Mr.Blueberry and I are hanging out....seriously! We came home briefly after having a few beverages, stopping only to pick up some vegan buffalo seitan wings (OMG, sooooo delicious) from Spak Brothers. Mr.Blue then headed to the scotch/cigar bar to hang with some friends. And, what about me, you ask....well, I stayed in, and it was perfect! 

Saturday, January 8th....a fairly low key, boring day. How can I tell? Because I took a picture of the ceiling fan in Dr.Blueberry's apartment.


Enjoy! 

Sunday, the 9th, we watched football. Dr.Blue was disappointed. I was disappointed. Our friends who joined us at the restaurant/bar area were also disappointed (I think even the Pitt fans wanted the Chiefs to win today---something about a silly rivalry). That said, we didn't do much that allowed for picture taking today (I'm trying to avoid taking pictures in "bars" as it seems somewhat unprofessional for all involved). Instead, on this (my last) night in Pittsburgh until spring break (probably), I thought I'd share one picture of Dr.Blueberry's apartment (a.k.a. the tiny room). This view is from the the bed (almost literally, the foot of the bed would be at the bottom of this picture) to the desk, which for the record is the length of the room. To my left is his 6' kitchenette (including a dorm sized fridge, countertop stove, sink, and cabinetry), and to my right is about 3' between the bed and the wall/door to the outside. Seriously...this place is small! So, for those of you who've assumed I am exaggerating when I say his space is small---HA! the joke's on you!

Until next week!

Friend Friday

In keeping with new blog ideas, here's another one: Friend Friday. On each Friday of the year, I will use Facebook to choose a friend (alphabetically, so A-Z twice EEK) to blog about...

Today's winner is (and first entry goes to) Andrea Baldwin, and I'd like to add briefly that this is an AWESOME (with an A) way to start this blogging trend!
Andrea is a superbly cool lady. We met at the University of North Texas, where I completed my Master's degree, while she was an undergraduate student. She is an uber-talented and intelligent (and, need I say beautiful) young woman--she has performed on several formal stages, under many directors, and since performance is her major area of research, her experience is translated to the page also. As a matter of reference, Andrea also performed in my thesis performance ("You Know that Feeling?" ...) with colleagues Rachael, Zane, and Brent. It came as no surprise to me that Andrea also completed the graduate program at the University of North Texas, and I am happy to report that she is now a doctoral student at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (with ME!)! She's such a supportive colleague and ally to have the opportunity to work with and call a friend, and she is a southern woman to the brim....

I suggest that if you have the opportunity, you also will take the time to get to know this down-to-earth, always friendly, ever-welcoming gal.

Oh, and if you're wondering why there isn't a picture of us here...together...well, forgive me, but it seems as though I don't have one of us together. :( This blog entry is a good reason to change that error.

Peace, love, and friendship.

Recipe Thursday--Lemon Garlic Broccoli

Is it "Recipe Thursday" yet?! I've been saving this one to send....one of my friends recently sent me the recipe, and it's D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! I love all things broccoli, all things garlic, and all things lemon juice----I figure I should just tell you this now because you'll figure it out eventually when I start posting a bunch of recipes that have one, two, or all three of those ingredients in them! :) Anyways, I wish I could share her source for this simple and divine side dish--maybe she made up the recipe herself--but alas I do not know from whence it came.

Hope you enjoy it!

----------------------
Lemon Garlic Broccoli

Ingredients:
1 head of broccoli
3 T butter (vegan margarine works perfectly)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 T lemon juice
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Preparation:
Steam broccoli until tender but firm, about 5 to 7 minutes. Heat the butter in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat; add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the cooked broccoli, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste, cooking briefly to combine.


Serve this tasty dish with a tofu steak or "chick'n breast" and a side of lightly seasoned wild rice--let the lemon garlic broccoli be the highlight tonight!

365 Pictures

Well, it's the first Sunday of 2011, and my Sundays will for the year include pictures from my week. Since this week only includes 2 days (the 1st and 2nd), this one will be short....

I figured since the first is a day of beginnings, I should start with a good one. This picture has some interesting significance. It was taken as a self-portrait, which means Dr.Vegan's head is cut-off, lol. I took it in our kitchen, while we were cooking (Dr.V is making cornbread at this very moment but stopped for the photo opp!), and you can even see our kitchen rack over his shoulder and our washing machine over mine. This is also the last time I wore my favorite sweatshirt (from my FWST days). It has been pretty holy for awhile, and Dr.V made a statement that stuck on this day. He said, "You wouldn't let me keep a shirt that had that many holes." He is right....I would've tossed it; so, in fairness, I tossed this one. Either way, this is us on the first....preparing to enjoy some vegan cornbread, blackeyed peas, rice, and cabbage (a traditional southern new years dinner).

This picture was taken on the 2nd of January. It contains only our luggage and shoes. We're packing up to head to Pittsburgh, PA for a few days (Dr.V starts back to school on Thursday, and I don't start back until the 18th). I'm looking forward to the trip, seeing some of our friends, and enjoying the city and food. I'll take lots and lots of pictures in the coming week...promise (and, I'll try to post them next Sunday--in honor or my new blog posting idea--but I make no promises on the day, since I'm traveling again the following Monday...I know, I know....we travel a lot.).

Hope 2011 is treating you well so far.

Be happy.
Me