New Yawk Citteh:
3-Way Street from ronconcocacola on Vimeo.
Keep it together people...
Hat tip to K-Lo for the video
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Hello all
I've been busy with gardening and getting the grounds ready for a summer that may or may not arrive. The weather here in the Nothern Midwest has been, uh, iffy, as of late. The winter wouldn't leave and the spring wouldn't show up but in fits and spurts. The fact that my radishes haven't shown up by now is proof enough to me that the weather is off. If you can't grow radishes, then you are not either able to grow anything or that the Fates are against you.
The radishes are starting to grow great greens, but no roots. I'm not sure if I've depleted the nutrients in the raised bed, but the broccoli rabe are doing okay now (the sun is a bit more reliable) and the spinach is starting to show also, I'm wondering about the quality of the radish seeds. I am going on about radishes simply because they are the simplest things in the world to grow: when the snow is away from your box, drop seeds in. They'll take frost, freezes, low quality soil, just about anything. That's why I'm curious why they haven't taken off.
I may need to look into the quality of the soil, but, again, radishes are ridiculously hearty and I've never had problems in the past. They look good, but there is no root. Radish greens are acutally pretty tasty, but they have a mouth feel that is fairly off-putting; there is a lot of small hooks on the back of the leaves that make them feel weird when you're chewing. Chop them up and mix them with milder greens (they have a the peppery taste of the radish) and they can add a bit of punch to a salad or fried greens.
Regardless, the sunflowers are up, tomatoes have been planted and are doing well and the peas and lettuce are starting to show up also, so the garden is doing well. There are berries on the blueberry bushes and the new apple trees seem to have buds. I'll take what I can get with the crazy weather we've been having...
Mrs. Yam has a new job Downtown that a perk of subsidised bus fare, so the transportation costs have improved: instead of driving 25 miles one way to work the $50 a month bus tab is quite a bit cheaper the $40 week in gas to Woodbury. Mrs is a city girl and the avoidence of deepest, darkest suburban life is a great plus in her world.
I'm still riding to work, but I'm not riding as much otherwise becuase of getting the gardens ready (I've acutally increased my cylinder index by purchasing a tiller) and adding rain barrels to the downspouts of the house to catch run-off. I am planning to build a couple of raised bed gardens in the driveway to catch rain and the all day sun, but the Mrs wants me push that off to next year. Instead, I've added a couple of oak half barrels and we've moved some sun-loving plants into them. We'll see how this goes.
I've sold the Rivendell Bleriot and Fafnir is loving it, so I'm happy. I'm looking to get a Pugsly from Surly as the next two-wheeled vehicle. If I get it this summer, there are a couple of ATV trails in Northern Minnesota that I'll attempt to ride. This seems that this would be a good test of my endurance (of which I have none) and the weirdness of surface that fat tired bikes are good for.
VelociPete has put up a vote for when to meet for beers (my vote:Now!) and the winning votes as of now are for June 9. I'll assume that is the date and we'll see you then. If you're not from here, lemme know and I'll hoist a pint for you in your absence, just as long as there are not enough of you to make me re-enact the fateful loss and recovery of the DumVee last summer...
Joboo, I may have some spare time and if I score a fatbike, I'm coming up yer way -- we may need to talk about a ride around yer part of the world.
Ride yer bike and dig up yer grass. We'll talk later.
The radishes are starting to grow great greens, but no roots. I'm not sure if I've depleted the nutrients in the raised bed, but the broccoli rabe are doing okay now (the sun is a bit more reliable) and the spinach is starting to show also, I'm wondering about the quality of the radish seeds. I am going on about radishes simply because they are the simplest things in the world to grow: when the snow is away from your box, drop seeds in. They'll take frost, freezes, low quality soil, just about anything. That's why I'm curious why they haven't taken off.
I may need to look into the quality of the soil, but, again, radishes are ridiculously hearty and I've never had problems in the past. They look good, but there is no root. Radish greens are acutally pretty tasty, but they have a mouth feel that is fairly off-putting; there is a lot of small hooks on the back of the leaves that make them feel weird when you're chewing. Chop them up and mix them with milder greens (they have a the peppery taste of the radish) and they can add a bit of punch to a salad or fried greens.
Regardless, the sunflowers are up, tomatoes have been planted and are doing well and the peas and lettuce are starting to show up also, so the garden is doing well. There are berries on the blueberry bushes and the new apple trees seem to have buds. I'll take what I can get with the crazy weather we've been having...
Mrs. Yam has a new job Downtown that a perk of subsidised bus fare, so the transportation costs have improved: instead of driving 25 miles one way to work the $50 a month bus tab is quite a bit cheaper the $40 week in gas to Woodbury. Mrs is a city girl and the avoidence of deepest, darkest suburban life is a great plus in her world.
I'm still riding to work, but I'm not riding as much otherwise becuase of getting the gardens ready (I've acutally increased my cylinder index by purchasing a tiller) and adding rain barrels to the downspouts of the house to catch run-off. I am planning to build a couple of raised bed gardens in the driveway to catch rain and the all day sun, but the Mrs wants me push that off to next year. Instead, I've added a couple of oak half barrels and we've moved some sun-loving plants into them. We'll see how this goes.
I've sold the Rivendell Bleriot and Fafnir is loving it, so I'm happy. I'm looking to get a Pugsly from Surly as the next two-wheeled vehicle. If I get it this summer, there are a couple of ATV trails in Northern Minnesota that I'll attempt to ride. This seems that this would be a good test of my endurance (of which I have none) and the weirdness of surface that fat tired bikes are good for.
VelociPete has put up a vote for when to meet for beers (my vote:Now!) and the winning votes as of now are for June 9. I'll assume that is the date and we'll see you then. If you're not from here, lemme know and I'll hoist a pint for you in your absence, just as long as there are not enough of you to make me re-enact the fateful loss and recovery of the DumVee last summer...
Joboo, I may have some spare time and if I score a fatbike, I'm coming up yer way -- we may need to talk about a ride around yer part of the world.
Ride yer bike and dig up yer grass. We'll talk later.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
A fat boy wanders into the woods and gets hungry
I've finally updated the food blog. Stop by if you want a pesto recipe using weeds...
Friday, May 13, 2011
Biking and Gardening in Minnesota
Your humble narrator apologizes for the lack of updates. Last Tuesday was nearly 90 degrees. The Monday the week before, it was snowing as I rode in to work. Currently it's 50 and raining. I'm trying to start my garden and I'm not really successful.
Anyone have any answers why it's so hard? I really can't imagine any...
I live here and I love it, but I'm not always sure why. Perhaps we're the hippest state in the Union:
A: I have that shirt -- had it for years
B: plus the Minnesota Opera -- the bestest little Opera house in the world
C: 13+ years me and Mrs have been shopping. Their first album was still their best one
D: nice selection, but no 'Mats, no dice. Best band that ever lived.
I: old news, don't care. Didn't care when PDX ruled, won't care when they win next year. I'm still riding my damn bike. So should you. Why are you waiting for $6 gas?
J: nope. So was Fargo. Much better movie. Neither describes us accurately. Come and find out for yourself.
In short, I'm too old for the Hipster Dufii redux in my hometown and I'm not sorry. I'm just sitting on my front porch yellin' "Git offa my yard"
If'n yer in town, stop on by and we'll have a cold one and shoo the youngun's offa the grass...
Anyone have any answers why it's so hard? I really can't imagine any...
I live here and I love it, but I'm not always sure why. Perhaps we're the hippest state in the Union:
A: I have that shirt -- had it for years
B: plus the Minnesota Opera -- the bestest little Opera house in the world
C: 13+ years me and Mrs have been shopping. Their first album was still their best one
D: nice selection, but no 'Mats, no dice. Best band that ever lived.
I: old news, don't care. Didn't care when PDX ruled, won't care when they win next year. I'm still riding my damn bike. So should you. Why are you waiting for $6 gas?
J: nope. So was Fargo. Much better movie. Neither describes us accurately. Come and find out for yourself.
In short, I'm too old for the Hipster Dufii redux in my hometown and I'm not sorry. I'm just sitting on my front porch yellin' "Git offa my yard"
If'n yer in town, stop on by and we'll have a cold one and shoo the youngun's offa the grass...
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sold
Fafnir on Minneapolis Bike Love has claimed me ol' beauty of a bike. A good person who will love her and ride her, I'm happy to see her go to a good home.
Monday, April 25, 2011
For Sale
Bikes come and go and to get too attached to an object is to lose a bit of one's self. Or so I'm telling myself. I am putting the Bleriot up for sale to a good home.
It's 58cm with 650B wheels, so it's good for those with shorter legs. I'm 5'9" - 5'10" with said short legs and it fits like a dream. Deore LX derailleurs, Sugino crank, Tektro brakes. Nitto Noodle handlebars (48 cm) with shellaced cloth tape. She's a beauty, that's for sure, but there are places where the paint has been chipped. Overall a fine bike in great condition. No rack, pedals or saddle with this. Comment with contact info if you're interested.
Why? I've got bikes that do the jobs this did and I just need to make space. I'm bound and determined to get me a Pugsly but the Mrs says I gotta make room for it before I do. The Long Haul Trucker has become my go to bike and I just don't ride this any more. It was my first nice bike and I have happy memories with it (Grand Rapids ride especially), but after all, it's just a thing. She's a good bike and I'm sure she'll make someone very happy.
It's 58cm with 650B wheels, so it's good for those with shorter legs. I'm 5'9" - 5'10" with said short legs and it fits like a dream. Deore LX derailleurs, Sugino crank, Tektro brakes. Nitto Noodle handlebars (48 cm) with shellaced cloth tape. She's a beauty, that's for sure, but there are places where the paint has been chipped. Overall a fine bike in great condition. No rack, pedals or saddle with this. Comment with contact info if you're interested.
Why? I've got bikes that do the jobs this did and I just need to make space. I'm bound and determined to get me a Pugsly but the Mrs says I gotta make room for it before I do. The Long Haul Trucker has become my go to bike and I just don't ride this any more. It was my first nice bike and I have happy memories with it (Grand Rapids ride especially), but after all, it's just a thing. She's a good bike and I'm sure she'll make someone very happy.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Aaaah...
First ride on plain ol' rubber since November. I almost forgot what it was like without the sizzlin' bacon studdy wheels...
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Let's have a little sing-a-long, shall we
There's so much strife in the world right now, so we need to sing together. How's 'bout a little Kumbaya...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Baking
Also posted on Recipes and Ruminations
I'm baking.
Yup, you heard me right, I'm baking. I feel as if I'd just taken off the training wheels, or, better yet, found myself wobbling upright on my own two legs. I wish I could explain the feeling of accomplishment I feel right now. 30+ years of "there's no way I can learn to do this" is washed away in one weekend of "shut up and try."
I stumbled across a web site called The Fresh Loaf and followed the first lesson. I don't know why this was such a challenge for me, but I decided to make a loaf of bread. Perhaps the simplicity of the instructions, the fact that I wanted more than anything to bake, the fact that I needed to feel a victory, I can't say, but I mixed flour, salt, and yeast with water, and worked the dough by hand.
Confession time: I hate the feeling of dough clinging to my hands, clumps between my fingers, that sensation of stickiness drives me nuts. This may have something to do with my fear of baking.
I managed to get past the feeling of the wet dough (with the help of lots of flour) and created a smooth, satiny final product -- that didn't stick to my hands, much to my relief. It raised, I punched it down and shaped it, it raised again and I put it in an oven. It baked and I had bread.
That's it. "Golly, that's all there is to this?" I felt sort of stupid. Huh, that wasn't hard at all. So, I pulled out my bread baking books (I have a couple) and took a look at the first recipes.
I made the first recipe from Jim Lahey's My Bread, an artisan loaf that is simply made by mixing flour, yeast, salt, and water and letting it set for a 18 hours. You then roughly shape the loaf and let it ferment a second time and drop it in a hot Dutch Oven or casserole dish and cook it at high heat for 30 minutes and then with the lid off until the loaf browns.
This loaf is amazing. The smell, the crumb, the taste, the texture and the crust are just something to behold. I was convinced to purchase this cookbook by a focaccia recipe in the local paper. I managed to make one (actually two; with first, the non-stick pan's "non-stick" coating flaked into the bread, ruining it) and I was impressed with the ease of it. He gave me the confidence to try a "real" bread and you can see the result.
I then followed the basic recipe from Ed Brown's The Tassajara Bread Book and this is the opposite of the "fire and forget" Jim Lahey recipe. You make a wet "sponge," let it sit, and then add oil, salt and more flour and then knead the dough, let it rise, then punch it down and let it rise again. You then split the dough into loaves, shape them and then let them rise once again in the bread pans. You finally bake it. This is the labor-intensive loaf that most people (especially me) fear. The true amount of time needed is considerably less than you would think, so the work is worth it and kneading the dough is fun.
I've much more to learn and a long way to go, but I'm having a blast and I've essentially conquered a fear or overcome a prejudice or basically improved myself in a non-destructive manner. Go, me! I had no idea that flour and/or yeast was an addictive substance...
I'm baking.
Yup, you heard me right, I'm baking. I feel as if I'd just taken off the training wheels, or, better yet, found myself wobbling upright on my own two legs. I wish I could explain the feeling of accomplishment I feel right now. 30+ years of "there's no way I can learn to do this" is washed away in one weekend of "shut up and try."
I stumbled across a web site called The Fresh Loaf and followed the first lesson. I don't know why this was such a challenge for me, but I decided to make a loaf of bread. Perhaps the simplicity of the instructions, the fact that I wanted more than anything to bake, the fact that I needed to feel a victory, I can't say, but I mixed flour, salt, and yeast with water, and worked the dough by hand.
Confession time: I hate the feeling of dough clinging to my hands, clumps between my fingers, that sensation of stickiness drives me nuts. This may have something to do with my fear of baking.
I managed to get past the feeling of the wet dough (with the help of lots of flour) and created a smooth, satiny final product -- that didn't stick to my hands, much to my relief. It raised, I punched it down and shaped it, it raised again and I put it in an oven. It baked and I had bread.
That's it. "Golly, that's all there is to this?" I felt sort of stupid. Huh, that wasn't hard at all. So, I pulled out my bread baking books (I have a couple) and took a look at the first recipes.
I made the first recipe from Jim Lahey's My Bread, an artisan loaf that is simply made by mixing flour, yeast, salt, and water and letting it set for a 18 hours. You then roughly shape the loaf and let it ferment a second time and drop it in a hot Dutch Oven or casserole dish and cook it at high heat for 30 minutes and then with the lid off until the loaf browns.
This loaf is amazing. The smell, the crumb, the taste, the texture and the crust are just something to behold. I was convinced to purchase this cookbook by a focaccia recipe in the local paper. I managed to make one (actually two; with first, the non-stick pan's "non-stick" coating flaked into the bread, ruining it) and I was impressed with the ease of it. He gave me the confidence to try a "real" bread and you can see the result.
I then followed the basic recipe from Ed Brown's The Tassajara Bread Book and this is the opposite of the "fire and forget" Jim Lahey recipe. You make a wet "sponge," let it sit, and then add oil, salt and more flour and then knead the dough, let it rise, then punch it down and let it rise again. You then split the dough into loaves, shape them and then let them rise once again in the bread pans. You finally bake it. This is the labor-intensive loaf that most people (especially me) fear. The true amount of time needed is considerably less than you would think, so the work is worth it and kneading the dough is fun.
I've much more to learn and a long way to go, but I'm having a blast and I've essentially conquered a fear or overcome a prejudice or basically improved myself in a non-destructive manner. Go, me! I had no idea that flour and/or yeast was an addictive substance...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
It's been a while
Been busy, so here's a sweet little song to tide you over
Yeah, I can't help it, I'm a sucker for cute pop songs and especially ones with a jangly guitar...
Yeah, I can't help it, I'm a sucker for cute pop songs and especially ones with a jangly guitar...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The streets are paved with AWESOME!
I've just stopped flinching on the last turn to my home on the ride from work. The fine folks at the Minneapolis Public Works recently milled off some of the streets and then paved them over with brand new tarmac.
OOHHHH that's gonna be nice.
There were a couple of bicyclist-crippling potholes in my path and I've finally stopped having to adjust my line and panic when I don't immediately see them. Thank you to all of the fine folks that made things happier for me!
It's funny how used one gets to a small tic to avoid a larger unpleasantness, anticipating the bad street, the well-known pot hole, the traffic one expects when coming to a familiar street. It's nice lose one once in a while.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Sweet video
From my buddy Lee:
Of course, I have neither the sweet old ride, the hair nor the style. I don't care, I feel the same regardless...
[Edit] Nor the video either. Sorry for the bother.
[Edit the second] Fuck Vimeo. Praise Youtube. Video restored.
Of course, I have neither the sweet old ride, the hair nor the style. I don't care, I feel the same regardless...
[Edit] Nor the video either. Sorry for the bother.
[Edit the second] Fuck Vimeo. Praise Youtube. Video restored.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I'm happy to be here
I was returning from beers at Town Hall, I decided to take the bridge to Cedar. As I was descending, I missed a turn and ended up literally sideways -- on my knee and the bike on its side. This is a "bad" part of town by common knowledge, but when I ended up ass-over-teakettle, there were a several people in cars and a couple walking by that inquired as to my well being.
I just ended up stopping faster than my load, and I'm fine and I state as much to every one around. I am grateful to all the inquired about me and I will say that I escaped with just a scraped knee and increased appreciation for my fellow citizens here in the Minne-Apple.
Life is really pretty good here in Portlandia East...
I just ended up stopping faster than my load, and I'm fine and I state as much to every one around. I am grateful to all the inquired about me and I will say that I escaped with just a scraped knee and increased appreciation for my fellow citizens here in the Minne-Apple.
Life is really pretty good here in Portlandia East...
Sunday, August 08, 2010
And there was much rejoicing!
The prodigal Dummy returns!
I received a PM from someone on mplsbikelove.com with a phone number to call. Apparently, some homeowners found in their front yard. Whomever helped themselves to it, gave up trying to push it, I left it around 28th and the Parkway (about 48th St, for those not from the 'hood) and it was left at 16th and 50th. The neighbors wondered if one of the folks got a new bike and someone else had notified the police.
Anyway, the homeowners returned from the cabin and saw this strange bike in their yard. Mr noticed the stickers and general strangeness of the bike's appearance and called a local bike shop (Angry Catfish) asking if they knew anything about this bike. I think the PM I received was from someone at AC. They gave me the homeowner's phone number and I went and got it.
I'm utterly amazed at the bike community here. Jaw-dropping, sobbingly astounded at the speed at which some of this stuff happens. I'm truly grateful to all involved, and that includes you, dear readers. Your posts with the picture, the calls to action. I love you all. Thanks.
Beers to be delivered to parties involved in the rescue of my great green behemoth.
I received a PM from someone on mplsbikelove.com with a phone number to call. Apparently, some homeowners found in their front yard. Whomever helped themselves to it, gave up trying to push it, I left it around 28th and the Parkway (about 48th St, for those not from the 'hood) and it was left at 16th and 50th. The neighbors wondered if one of the folks got a new bike and someone else had notified the police.
Anyway, the homeowners returned from the cabin and saw this strange bike in their yard. Mr noticed the stickers and general strangeness of the bike's appearance and called a local bike shop (Angry Catfish) asking if they knew anything about this bike. I think the PM I received was from someone at AC. They gave me the homeowner's phone number and I went and got it.
I'm utterly amazed at the bike community here. Jaw-dropping, sobbingly astounded at the speed at which some of this stuff happens. I'm truly grateful to all involved, and that includes you, dear readers. Your posts with the picture, the calls to action. I love you all. Thanks.
Beers to be delivered to parties involved in the rescue of my great green behemoth.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
The Dumvee is missing!
After beers last night, I thought it would be better to take a cab home, so I locked up the Dummy and went home. This morning I went to retrieve it and it is missing. Last seen in the area around 34th and the Parkway. If you see it, please leave a message here.
My heart is breaking...
My heart is breaking...
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Rigtenzin asks...
...the yamster delivers.
Anyone up for a beer or more at the Falls on Friday? I'll be there as I'm Bachelor For A Day due to the loverly Mrs' departure to all points North. 4:30 or thereabouts. Hijinks may follow (or lead, I'm easy).
Anyone up for a beer or more at the Falls on Friday? I'll be there as I'm Bachelor For A Day due to the loverly Mrs' departure to all points North. 4:30 or thereabouts. Hijinks may follow (or lead, I'm easy).
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