National Hemp Day

It is April 20 (4/20). In honor of the this date I propose we make this National Hemp Day to raise awareness of this valuable cash crop which is illegal to grow in the United States. It is illegal to grow hemp because law enforcement has a hard time distinguishing this plant from its intoxicating cousin. Hemp products are not illegal, hemp food and textiles are available everywhere.

I become aware of hemp products while researching my problems with eczema. In previous years my eczema would flair up in the spring, and I would take olive oil to help ease the itching, but I still had problems. I heard that Hemp Seed Oil was a natural cure for this itchy rash problem. It worked better than I thought it would. This is the first spring in ten years I've not had any problems (knock on wood) . I know it may be psychosomatic, whatever works. The oil is kind of expensive, $20 for 24 ounces, but I found a place online that sells organic hemp seed oil for half the price of the Natural Food stores. I also love the nutty flavor. I use the oil on my vegetables and to make popcorn. It stores well in the refrigerator and does not become thick. If used in cooking, use only low temperatures.

I also use a milk like product and a protein supplement made from hemp seeds. The milk is quite good on cereal. The protein powder I use when I make chocolate/banana/strawberry smoothies protein shakes. It doesn't dissolve and adds a nutty flavor to the drink. They also make a nut butter from the seeds which I haven't tried yet. Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritionally complete foods available.

Hemp can also be used to make textiles for clothing. It is a superior fiber to cotton, stronger and longer lasting. During WWII farmers were allowed to grow hemp to make rope for the military because of its superior strength.

It is natural bug resistant crop so pesticides are not needed, and grows well in different types of climate.

It is unfortunate the farming of this important crop is not allowed in this country, fortunately other countries don't have such shortsighted laws. I can't believe it is illegal to grow certain plants in the U.S and we have to waste the benefits of this plant for farmers and consumers.

The Tiger in the Tank

Your workouts are not complete until you refuel, with carbs and protein, to repair and recover from your workout.

I learned that lesson well this weekend, after my 15K in Dothan, and didn’t have anything to eat until almost 4 hours after the race. Although I didn’t feel sore after the race, the next morning I woke up with sore muscles which had never been sore before. I have sore ankles for the first time after a road race. I've had sore ankles from trail runs before, but not from running on the road.

I usually carry at least a banana and a Clif bar with me, even to races, just in case they don’t have post-race food, or the other runners finish it before I get a chance to partake. This time I didn’t, because I figured a well-organized race such as the Hog Wild should have plenty, but they only had food I didn’t eat. That’s no excuse, I could have taken off for a grocery store and grabbed some food, but I wanted to socialize with my running buddies, some of which I hadn’t seen in a year, as well as my running friends from Montgomery.

Every workout routine should have the post-workout refuel within the first hour after the workout is completed. Even if you feel good, you may not feel the damage you’ve done by skipping a post-workout meal until the next morning.

Lesson learned.

Going Hog Wild

Great news. I set a PR (Personal Record) yesterday at the Hog Wild 15K, my fastest 15K ever. As good as that sounds, it really wasn't that great, this was my first 15K.

My time was 1:13:47, which is about a 7:54 pace, probably a few seconds less because the course measurement was a tenth of a mile too long, 9.42 miles. The pace was right on track for my future goal to finish a half marathon at an 8:00 min pace or less. Hopefully, I will accomplish that this year. I can finish ten miles at that pace, but after that, I fade.

I have nothing but good things to say about the new course for the Hog Wild, which was extended this year from a 5 mile length. The new course is less hilly than the old and took us through heart of Dothan. The start / finish line were set up on front of the civic center. Although I heard people complain about hills, there were no big hills like old course out by Westgate Park.

However, the facilities out at Westgate Park were MUCH better than the place they used yesterday. Next year, I hope they consider using the Civic Center. The Depot Off Main was totally inadequate for the crowd this race attracted. Bathrooms were limited and many men (me included) started going out behind the building rather than wait in line. The size of the building couldn't accommodate the number of people who showed up, and we waiting in this building for warmth, packed in like sardines. The beer and food were mostly gone before much of the 15K runners had finished because the 5K runners got to it first. The noise inside this place was more than I could bare. I had a good run, but didn't have a good post-race experience.

Another thing I hope they change; at least have something to accommodate those who don't eat meat or pork products. Did they have bananas or any fruit? NO. Gatorade, or Powerade? NO. They had Pork Beans and Rice, Pepperoni and Sausage pizza (no plain cheese pizza?!?), pork rinds, packaged cookies, and soda-pop. That was the after-race refreshments (GAG!). All the things I avoid, well except for the soda, but not when I'm dehydrated.

Hey Dumb Ass, It called HOG WILD for a reason. It is to celebrate one of the south's staple food products. It's not The Hummus Hoedown, Broccolli Burnout, or Squash Sprint.

I know, I know. But you'd think they'd have bananas and Gatorade at least. This is what or bodies need after running 9.3 miles. Is it just me, or does this make sense to anyone else?

We also had some distressing moments in this race. One of the runners from Montgomery experienced dehydration and had to be rushed to the ER. This women usually runs about the same pace as me, and then passes me at the end. This time she took off and stayed ahead of me until the last mile. I come up on her in the last mile, she was limping and wheezing, I asked asked her if she was OK, all she said she went out to fast. She never made it to the finish line. Not long after I passed her, she was rushed off by EMTs because she was having seizures. I checked on her later, she was doing much better and released from the ER later that evening.

Runners! Remember to drink plenty of water and pace yourself. Even on cold damp days, runners can become dehydrated and overdo it.

Love the new course, didn't like the new location's facilities and refreshments. I hope they improve these things, this was always a race I've enjoyed.

Porno Wine

This classic work of art (1895 bicycle advertisement) is now considered "pornography" in Alabama, and the wine that uses this label is now banned.

Un-freaking-believable!

P.S. Sales of the wine haved boomed. What could be better than free advertising courtesy of Alabama law makers who have nothing better to do than to judge whether artwork is pornography

Yellow Squash Mystery

Every Sunday I go grocery shopping. I get the same things almost every time. I go through the produce department and get the same fruits and vegetables every week. The last two visits I distinctly remember selecting five or six yellow squash, putting them in a bag and placing them in my cart.

I finish shopping, get home and put away my groceries, and no yellow squash. This has happened two weeks in a row. Last week I thought it might of fell out of the bag, so I look in the car, nothing, so I figured they were left behind at the store. Then the same thing happened yesterday. WTF?

I pay for my groceries with a debit card and I keep the receipts. I check both receipts from yesterday and last week, no yellow squash listed. What is happening to my squash between the time I pick it out and the check-out?

Another odd thing I note; the items listed on the two receipt are almost identical, even the order of the items on the receipt.

I think I need to resolve to add a little variety and spontaneity to my life. HHMM, lets see let me put that on my calendar for a week from Wednesday. I'll try something new every Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

There, how's that for being impulsive.

Wait, maybe I better reschedule that for some other time, it's already starting to stress me out.

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Synchronicity

Today (Sunday) is one of those days where I seem to be in synch with the universe.

What makes a Perfect Day for a Freaky Running Dork?

4:00 AM; I'm out of bed. I can't sleep thinking the weather is SOOOOO nice for a long run before the sun comes up. The weather is in the Mid 40's with nice light breeze. Make myself a large cup of coffee, CLIF Bar for breakfast.

I check my email, browse the news and some blogs, make some "regular" breaks for nature. By 4:45 I'm out the door for to start my warm-up routine. As soon as I walk out, a shooting star streaks across my view of the sky. Thank you, universe, for letting me know how great today is going to be. By 5:00 I start my run. No one is out, no cars on the road except the guy delivering the morning paper, whom I pass over and over again.

After 8 miles, my long run is complete and I'm starving, so I cool down by running (literally) over to Starbuck's for one of their new Vivanno Chocolate Banana smoothies, with an espresso shot, and a tall Pike Road coffee. The light of the new day is just beginning to make its mark. The run felt great, and nagging pains never seem to appear when I run in cool, dry weather. The euphoria is wonderful.

I walk home crossing usually busy roads that are strangely vacant of any traffic, save an occasional trucker who, like myself, probably didn't get enough sleep.

The time is approaching 7:00 AM, the sun has finally lightened the world, it is a breezy cool 48 degrees. Even though I'm in shorts and a long sleeved running shirt, that's still a little damp around the neck, I see people dressed like they were in the Arctic; cap, gloves and heavy coat. It feels so comfortable to me, yet these people act like it's frigid. I'm glad I did not grow up in the south.

I surf the intertubes some more, flip channels on the mind control machine. Then I see the Breaking News headline about something I had already predicted would happen. Colin Powell, one of the few Republicans I respect, endorses Barack Obama for President. I can't wipe this huge grin off my face.

By 9:00 AM hunger pangs set in. I fix myself an English Muffin Egg sandwich. My version uses turkey instead of ham on a whole wheat muffin (occasionally I use whole wheat pita bread). I have a light beer spiked with half a shot of whiskey. I insert a DVD into player and watch my latest Netflix disc, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Mediocre romantic comedy set in Oahu. I like romantic comedies and movies filmed in location I've been. I liked the subplot of the lead guy writing a musical puppet version of "Dracula".

Okay, now I have a full stomach and a beer in me, watching a movie. I'm feeling very drowsy. It's nap time; time is 11:00 AM.

My afternoon naps are not usually very long, 20-30 minutes is enough to refresh me, but I think the long run, full stomach, beer, and euphoria effected me like a sleeping pill. I slept THREE hours. That's unheard for me.

I get up, do a quick check on e-mail and news, and head over to the bookstore for some more coffee and to browse books and read the latest running magazines. Then it's back to the house, start thinking about what to make for dinner, walk over to the store to buy some fresh vegetables.

Dinner consists of a Turkey sandwich, with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Spicy mustard, a few drops of red wine vinegar, and swiss cheese on fresh rye bread. I also have side of leftover black beans and rice which I freshen up with fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic and hot sauce. I steam some broccoli and yellow squash for a second side. Smithwick's Ale is my beverage of choice (Boddington's Pub Ale would have done nicely, also).

The euphoria just won't quit. The universe speaks to me again with a sunset which is a bright, beautiful, brilliant orange/blue masterpiece.

I'm going to end today by writing this post, take a hot bath, and read until I get drowsy again.

Perfect Day

***Crossposted in the usual place

Eat Your Meat........

How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat!

My whole life has been a fight against parents and "friends" trying to force me to eat meat. Yes, I eat meat, but in very small amounts, only a couple of days a week. Even then, it is usually poultry or fish, I cannot stomach the taste of red meat, and the smell of red meat cooking, especially grilling or barbecue, make me nauseous. On Thanksgiving, I have some traditional turkey with my dinner, turkey is one of my favorite meats.

I have tried to go vegetarian, but it is hard for someone has active as I am to get all their nutrition from vegetables, alone. I become severely anemic when I don't eat meat. It is a genetic defect, I blame my mother, who also struggled with anemia.

The place I work announced yesterday that they are replacing the traditional Thanksgiving Luncheon in favor of barbecue. Here in Alabama, as in much of the south, that means pork. I asked, and that is the only thing they will be serving, along with other barbecue sides, like PORK and beans, macaroni and cheese, and other high-fat unhealthy foods. PORK. It even sounds vulgar.

I grew up with a Jewish mother, so pork has always had a bad reputation with me. Then, after I went to go live with a evil Catholic step-mother, I practically had very fatty pork products shoved down my throat, daily. It's no wonder I was sick (asthmatic) all the time.

I have not eaten any pork in more than seven years. I don't plan on changing that, because I'm much healthier now than seven years ago.

So, I respond to the message about our luncheon .......

/* SARCASM on */

BBQ for a Thanksgiving Luncheon. Sounds crazy, no?

But here, in our little village of corporate slaves, you might say every one of us is a humble servant just wanting some turkey on Thanksgiving and trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple life without getting in trouble. It isn't easy. You may ask 'Why do we always eat turkey if there is BBQ?' Well, We eat turkey because its better than BBQ on Thanksgiving.

We need to keep our balance. How do we do that? That I can tell you in one word: TRADITION!

/* SARCASM off */

Not to mention it's much more healthy than BBQ, which in the south is usually PORK --There are good reasons why many cultures avoid pork.

For every additional 1.7 ounces of red meat consumed per day, the risk for cancer rises by 15%.

The recommendation concerning the consumption of processed meats is even more stringent. Processed meats, such as bacon, ham, sausage, and lunch meat, should be avoided entirely; There isn't a level at which the consumption of these products can be reliably considered completely safe. For every 1.7 ounces of processed meat consumed per day, the risk for colorectal cancer rises by 21%.

Read More......

There are good reasons why many cultures avoid pork. It cannot become clean enough to eat.

I will be skipping the luncheon this year - They can go PORK themselves.

I moved the Music Player to the side bar.

Song of the Day - "Patience" - Guns & Roses

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Watermelon Jubilee

I love watermelon.

This weekend is the Watermelon Jubilee in Greenville, Alabama.

ALL THE FREE SLICES OF WATERMELON YOU CAN EAT!!!!!!!!!!!

Three dollars is almost free, but that is with or without the wonderful summertime treat, hopefully served ice cold (fully charged would work, also).

If you really want to appreciate this beloved southern goody, which originated from southern Africa, read The Watermelon King by Daniel Wallace, best known for his 1998 novel Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions. This novel contains all the negative nuances known in the small towns of Alabama (or any backwoods place), racism, narrow-mindedness, and a bizarre, shocking revelation which won't surprise the "country folk" who grew up in this kind of outrageous environment. Heartbreaking, Provocative, and Inventive.

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A Tag to End All Tags

A while back, supergirlest from "my thinking spot" tagged me with an eight random facts tag. I'm supposed post eight random facts about myself, but I already use this blog for that, so I have had a block on what to include in this post.

Angry Ballerina and Mary posted their "tag" posts this past week, which reminded me that I had this tag to fulfill.


These facts have probably already appeared in the blog at some time or another.

1. I drive a gray 2001 Honda Accord. It is the best car I have ever owned. I bought it new and I've become emotionally attached to it, this car has been with been with me through some rough times in my life. I'm going to cry when I have to part with it.

2. I'm not a Liberal. Many people think because of my views that I'm Liberal or Democrat. Not even close. Personally, I have always leaned to the conservative side, but I have many viewpoints and opinions that most people would consider liberal. I'm a middle-of-the-roader who likes to consider both sides of an issues before possibly taking a side.

Don't confuse conservatism with the nationalists that are now in executive power. In my opinion, they are NOT conservatives, they are NOT patriots, they are traitors. (High-Five! I snuck a political statement into my introspection.)

I believe the best way to live is someone in middle ground of these two influences. I like tradition and routine, but I believe that progress is as necessary to life as evolution. I like to have my personal liberties, but believe that some sort of government authority is required to limit the power, influence, and greed of those who take advantage of others.

I consider myself Progressive Libertarian. I do not choose this way of thinking, it chooses me.

3. I rarely go out to eat. I have a busy lifestyle, spend much time at work, and pursuing my non-work activities (running, races, hiking, blogging), but I will not surrender to the temptation of quick, easy, unhealthy, assembly-line meals. Read Fast-Food Nation, and Dr. Weil (many books) and see the movie Supersize Me and you will understand why I feel like I do. When I do go out and eat, I've found a few superb local restaurants that suit my picky seasoned tastes.

4. My social life:

In the 80's it was getting drunk on the weekend, playing pool, darts, and pinochle, sometimes all at the same time.

In the 90's I was a soccer mom, both kids played soccer and I was involved in their soccer teams. I loved that.

In the 00's my life has been an emotional roller coaster ride. In the last two years, I've quit dating (dating, over 40, is depressing) and I now base my whole social life on running events. My life is stabilizing again, I hate where I live, but I love my job.

5. I'm a morning person. After a good night's sleep, I feel great and ready to start my day and get things done. I'm at my best then. If I have any tasks I need to do, I start them first thing in the morning and get them done. By the afternoon, when most people are just starting their tasks or starting to work, I'm beat, and need to start unwinding and relaxing. Do not give me something to do late in the day, it will not get done, or if I try to complete the task, I will likely mess it up (not on purpose).

When I can, I siesta. Then I don't get those late-day doldrums I hate and make me miserable and depressed.

6. I love playing Scrabble (while drinking Guinness). My vocabulary isn't that great; please don't rush me when it's my turn; I probably won't win; but I still like playing. I haven't been able to play very much since I've been single, I miss it.

7. Same as supergirlest's #7. The sun drains my energy. I have the best running results when it's cloudy or raining.

"I'm only happy when it rains" - Garbage

8. My favorite color has always been green. Even when I was a child, I loved all different shades and tints of green.

I will not tag anyone. If you want, go ahead and post random facts about yourself, we love reading them.

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PB&J

Do something positive today to help save the planet, go make yourself a Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich.

From What Do I Know: "The Peanut Butter and Jelly Campaign asks "Who knew it was so easy to change the world?" One peanut butter and jelly sandwich at a time."

OR, you can make one of my favorite post-run meals:

Toasted Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich

- Toast two slices of WHOLE wheat Bread (if it just says wheat, it isn't WHOLE wheat)
- Spread a thick layer of Peanut Butter on the hot toast, so it melts and becomes runny.
- Place banana slices on the Peanut Butter. (There's no wrong way)
- Assemble sandwich.
- Eat.


The melted peanut butter will drip, so it's a good idea to have a Dog around to cleanup the PB drips from your shirt, pants, hands, floor, and furniture. You could eat it over a plate or a napkin, but that wouldn't be as much fun for Dog or you.

- Thanks, What do I know for the PB&J link.

Soy What!

Over at My Thinking Spot, supergirlest is saying bye bye, soy...

Many of my friends are vegetarians and vegans. Has everyone heard about this "dark side of soy"? I left her this comment about my experience, when I started eating more soy in place of meat in my diet:

I too stepped on the soy bandwagon when I tried to become a vegetarian.

My mother's side of the family has always had problems with anemia, and I've always had low iron levels when I've had my blood tested.

In 2005, I went completely vegetarian, replacing much of the meat with soy based recipes. In Jan 2006 I had a physical, and my doctor told me my iron levels were too low (otherwise I was in great shape for someone my age). I tried to increase my iron thru my diet, but it wasn't working. By March I was back at the doctor because of severe RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), and I couldn't sleep because it, my legs just felt like I needed to stretch them. If I did fall asleep, the legs would wake me up with uncomfortable sensations and electric feeling twinges.

After seeing a neurologist, he confirmed the RLS, and he prescribed the widely advertised drug for it. It worked for me, but he also said that my iron and ferretin levels were way too low, almost nonexistent. I started taking iron supplements and in less than a week the RLS was gone without the RLS drug.

Then I find out that soy actually blocks the absorption of iron.

I'm also a runner, and in the south, during the summer, I produce tons of sweat. I am soaking wet after any run, if the temp is over 70. We lose a lot of iron in sweat, so that wasn't helping, but I wasn't about to give up running.

I changed my diet again, including foods that help the body absorb iron, but no red meat, only fish, and some poultry, and much less soy. I still enjoy edamame from time to time, it is my favorite bean. (I also make a tasty black bean chili, with blackstrap molasses, that is high in iron).

I also noticed that after I changed my diet, my running improved, and I didn't have so many problems with muscle pain and recovery after long runs.

Now last week, I learn that taking iron supplements has been identified as a cause for some types of cancer.......

DAMN IT! What now. We need the people like the oriental plant experts that knew what foods we should consume to keep us healthy. Now we just have fascist corporation creating foods in the lab that only taste good and sell well, but making us sick. The almighty dollar is only thing that matters here, making us ill and, providing the healthcare industry with long term revenues. I think it is a conspiracy.

Don't get me started on the bad things that sugar substitutes do to the body, and trans-fat is just plain poison, causes inflammation, it's all bad. These things make our foods taste better, feel better, but rages havoc on our health, so we go to the doctor to get drugs to make us feel better, and then other drugs to counter the side effects of the first drugs, and then its a downward spiral?

Where/When does it end? It ends when we stop buying all this convenience, and start living more "natural".

Thoughts?

Veggie Lover's ***UPDATED***

I wonder if they found a health-freak street person:

(CNN) -- Just hours before his execution by injection, a Tennessee death row prisoner who was convicted of killing a police officer ordered his final meal -- pizza for a homeless person.

Philip Workman, 53, requested a vegetarian pizza be delivered to a homeless person in Nashville, Workman's attorney confirmed.

The action of this man on the day he was to be murdered by the state of Tennessee, was thoughtful, with an evil edge. He gave up his last meal, to feed someone in need and who had more life in front of them than himself. I'm sure he made it a "Veggie Lover's" because he had some grudge against a carnivorous homeless person.

This makes think of one of my favorite bloggers: Evil Spock

UPDATE **** UPDATE **** UPDATE

The officials performing the murder were not ready to commit any acts of morality. To keep their tradition of hypocrisy, here is what happened:

Prison officials refused to honor his request, saying that they do not donate to charities.

That apparently upset a few people willing to pay for and deliver a lot of pies themselves.

Homeless shelters across Nashville were inundated with donated pizzas all Wednesday.

Donna Spangler heard about Workman's request and immediately called her friends. They all pitched in for the $1,200 bill to buy 150 pizzas, which they sent to the Rescue Mission.

"Philip Workman was trying to do a good deed and no one would help him," said the 55-year-old who recruited a co-worker to help her make the massive delivery Wednesday evening.

Want Some Candy?

Pam and Blueberry jumped on this story before I could.

Chocolate Jesus angers Catholics - Art work also dubbed "My Sweet Lord"

Thoughts when I read this story:

-- Would a vanilla Jesus be a little less controversial?

-- MMM, A tasty Eucharist this Sunday.

-- Do they have the George Harrison song playing in the background?

-- Any comments from New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin?

-- "Who can take a sunrise, Sprinkle it with dew.... " ♫♫♪

The statue is nude, or "No loincloth" the article states. Can you hear the Christians complaining of "Chocolate Jesus porn"? Who gets his -, uh, nevermind, I can't even believe my mind is going there.

Once, I had this odd shaped Peanut M&M in the image of the Virgin Mary. I think I heard angels singing in the background. I ate the M&M. The angels went quiet.

Hey, I was hungry and I love Peanut M&M's.

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Acquired Taste

This weekend I ran the Auburn Classic Half Marathon. I finished. If you're ever interested in the races I run, and my results, they are posted on my other blog, which I now use as a race log.

Race organizers know that a race will get much more participation when beer offered at the end of a race. This race offered beer. Markers along the way reminded runners of the reward at the end. "8 Miles til Beer". That keeps some runners going.

They didn't have beer. They had low calorie, low carb faux beer, but they had no real beer. Michelob Ultra and Bud Light. What the FUCK are they thinking. I just ran thirteen miles, why the hell do I want this watered-down diet crap they erroneously call beer. That's the stuff high school kids use to get drunk, and even some of the immature college kids, but once you get a taste of the real classic brew, there is no going back to the kool-aid beers. There are decent mass-produced beers out there, there is no reason to go for the cheap Bud/Coors/Miller brands that are an insult to the beer industry. The last time I bought that swill was to fertilize my lawn. Age has produced a beer snob in me. I also spent some of my High School years in Germany, where they have laws about making beer. I cannot imagine what they think of the massively-consumed American beer posers.

Now, I can think of good uses for these American insults to beer at the end of a race; How about soaking your sweaty, hot feet. That would feel so good on my "dogs" after a long run.

These are beers: Newcastle (Draft), Carlsberg, Guinness, Various Microbrews to numerous to mentioned. Even Sam Adams produces good beer, and Warsteiner (German Budweiser) will do in a pinch. Some of my planned vacations are to do a beer tour of Belguim, hiking the Alps to taste the different local brews of Bavaria and Austria, and touring the cities of Prague and Vienna on foot, finding local food and beer that are unique.

I don't use beer to get drunk, like I did when I was a young dumb conservative. I've matured, learned a few things, became a bit wiser (or less wiser, some would say), and don't want to waste the last half of my life on inferior food, drink, or products.

Have I become a food snob?

Why are all the "American" versions of food so bland and tasteless. I don't go out to eat much, unless I really have to, and then I try to find locally owned restaurants. Why go out and get cheap food, when I can make something much better at home. Who knows what they put in the food to get people to crave the taste of junk food (salt?chemicals?fat?fat?fat?), but the people I know that live on restaurant are very unhealthy, overweight and usually obnoxious about their right to destroy themselves with cheap junk food. I don't live the way I do to live longer, but to live better. Ok, Time to go, I'm starting to get of f on a tangent, different rant for a different day.

Picture of niCk at the finish line. (Warning: it's not pretty)
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Little Green Apples

I love little Granny Smith apples. Not the big ones that the grocery stores have on display, those taste like crap. I mean the small ones, crisp and tart. They are hard to find sometimes, usually the farmer's markets have them. Has anyone else noticed that they have seem to have taken the flavor out of Granny Smith apples by making them huge. I'm pissed because when I went to the store today they didn't have the little ones, only the huge ones. So I got a couple of those, and they taste like crap. No wonder kids don't want to eat fruit. They grow produce to make them look big and beautiful, but there is no flavor.

This summer I did a 10k run in Clanton Alabama, which is a rural farming community. It is the peach Capital of Alabama, and every year they have a peach Festival. There was a drought this year and the peaches were very small. Everyone who placed in the run got a basket of peaches along with their award. The peaches were very small, and people were making fun of them, but they were the best peaches I ever had. I had to go back the next week and get some more.

Chili Weather

The weather has turned mighty cold, for Alabama that is. The official lows are in the 40's and its windy and the locals are pulling out the heavy winter clothes, caps and gloves. The talk at the office is the "artic" weather. I just laugh at them. I did have to turn my heater on for first time last night, and frost on my car window tells me it is at least in the 30's. So last night I decided to make my homemade black bean chili, and I'm eating it for the first time for lunch today. Homemade chili has to sit overnight before it is eaten, for the flavors to properly disperse. I'm a long way from being any type of chef, but I can cook chili. MMM MMM it is so good, I decided to blog about it.

Tonight I'm making this Dr Weil Banana Bread recipe for the office Thanksgiving Luncheon: Banana Bread