mobile12/12/09 12:52 - 19ºF - ID#50542
Sea Urchin
I was going through and organizing my phones picture files and looked at a bunch I had forgotten about. A bunch were from late summer. I know I still have some picture back posting that I want to do.
I share this picture only because it was truly a first time experience for me and my dinner date. I want to immortalize my only picture of it here. My quick conclusion is that I know I will not be ordering the following again.
So... sea urchin?
Have you ever had "uni"?
or when in Maine, "whore's eggs"?
What do you think of it- like it?
Uni are the two bottom pieces (from my phone, vague pic and colors are off):
above taken from:
I'm open to trying almost any sort of food if it is in front me. I ordered this out of curiosity and really didn't know what to expect.
The texture of this was bizarre. I don't even remember how it tasted.
First, it has an outer appearance of the texture of a tongue.
Second, once placed in mouth, you would think that chewing on it would make it smaller.
No. Mastication only made it grow. An intact custard-like swelling. And that right there is what turned me off.
Sadly, I am not part of the population that finds this to be a rare and exquisite treat. However, I do look back on the experience fondly.
google snagged images of sea urchin/uni
I share this picture only because it was truly a first time experience for me and my dinner date. I want to immortalize my only picture of it here. My quick conclusion is that I know I will not be ordering the following again.
So... sea urchin?
Have you ever had "uni"?
or when in Maine, "whore's eggs"?
What do you think of it- like it?
Uni are the two bottom pieces (from my phone, vague pic and colors are off):
.Uni (oo-nee) is the Japanese name for the edible part of the Sea Urchin. While colloquially referred to as the roe (eggs), uni is actually the animal's gonads (which produce the milt or roe). Uni ranges in color from rich gold to light yellow, and has a creamy consistency that some love and is off-putting to others. It is nevertheless one sushi item that is in incredible demand around the world, which is reflected in its price. Sea Urchins are a rare treat for those who acquire a taste
above taken from:
I'm open to trying almost any sort of food if it is in front me. I ordered this out of curiosity and really didn't know what to expect.
The texture of this was bizarre. I don't even remember how it tasted.
First, it has an outer appearance of the texture of a tongue.
Second, once placed in mouth, you would think that chewing on it would make it smaller.
No. Mastication only made it grow. An intact custard-like swelling. And that right there is what turned me off.
Sadly, I am not part of the population that finds this to be a rare and exquisite treat. However, I do look back on the experience fondly.
google snagged images of sea urchin/uni
Permalink: Sea_Urchin.html
Words: 354
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/10/09 10:27 - 15ºF - ID#50537
Soy Milk or Devils Juice for Tiny
I just got home from making a run to Tops.
It was empty because most everyone were smart enough to stay home rather than venture out into the bitter night. Obviously I am not in that group tonight. Woah, can't believe how it is still so windy out!
Anyway, checking out the milk section, after (e:tinypliny,50517), I see that Silk brand has an "unsweetened" soy milk. I forgot about this as for quite awhile it wasn't available at every store. I also don't drink milk or soy milk regularly to know which stores (Tops, Wegmans, Co-op) have what consistently.
A closer look at the ingredients informs me that evaporated cane sugar is NOT in this formulation, unlike the others. However, carrageenan is.
Silk website link to their unsweetened soy milk.
Nutritional information:
and a picture. This is a stock picture and not something I took while at the store. My thumb knuckles are not hairy.
It was empty because most everyone were smart enough to stay home rather than venture out into the bitter night. Obviously I am not in that group tonight. Woah, can't believe how it is still so windy out!
Anyway, checking out the milk section, after (e:tinypliny,50517), I see that Silk brand has an "unsweetened" soy milk. I forgot about this as for quite awhile it wasn't available at every store. I also don't drink milk or soy milk regularly to know which stores (Tops, Wegmans, Co-op) have what consistently.
A closer look at the ingredients informs me that evaporated cane sugar is NOT in this formulation, unlike the others. However, carrageenan is.
Silk website link to their unsweetened soy milk.
Nutritional information:
and a picture. This is a stock picture and not something I took while at the store. My thumb knuckles are not hairy.
Permalink: Soy_Milk_or_Devils_Juice_for_Tiny.html
Words: 172
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/10/09 01:41 - 28ºF - ID#50529
Non White Out
The sun is nice and somewhere I can hear wind chimes, lulling me into delusions from warmer memories.
Then stepping out into the windy 30 degrees snapped me back to reality.
But after looking at the blustery pic in (e:james,50526) and reading mr:mike's comment, "my street looks like rebel base" in (e:theecarey,50519), and (e:dcoffee)'s chatter comment, "I can't see across the street" (talking about snow, right?..)
I look again out my window...
Ok, really?
really?
a handful of flakes came the other day, for just a few minutes, which melted upon contact has been it so far. (e:theecarey,50495).
I'm not eager for snow, I just feel so out of the loop. heh
even the never super accurate weather report said this area would get some.. hmm
so, until then, The Daily No Snow? Not as colorful as (e:leetees) The Daily Chuck. Just green, and maybe, eventually, white.
Anyway..
plastic on the window in question did pop on the window overnight, likely from the AC not being covered well enough.
Kayla staking her sunny territory even as the plastic bulges towards her face.
Then stepping out into the windy 30 degrees snapped me back to reality.
But after looking at the blustery pic in (e:james,50526) and reading mr:mike's comment, "my street looks like rebel base" in (e:theecarey,50519), and (e:dcoffee)'s chatter comment, "I can't see across the street" (talking about snow, right?..)
I look again out my window...
Ok, really?
really?
a handful of flakes came the other day, for just a few minutes, which melted upon contact has been it so far. (e:theecarey,50495).
I'm not eager for snow, I just feel so out of the loop. heh
even the never super accurate weather report said this area would get some.. hmm
so, until then, The Daily No Snow? Not as colorful as (e:leetees) The Daily Chuck. Just green, and maybe, eventually, white.
Anyway..
plastic on the window in question did pop on the window overnight, likely from the AC not being covered well enough.
Kayla staking her sunny territory even as the plastic bulges towards her face.
Permalink: Non_White_Out.html
Words: 191
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/09/09 11:15 - 35ºF - ID#50519
where is a tauntaun when you need one?
that is what THE FUCKING WEATHER.com asks after relaying the cold & windy temperature. That is a multi-daily site for me as it is not only very useful but it also cracks me up.
speaking of tauntauns*, ThinkGeek has an adult sized tauntaun sleeping bag** that I have been eying for a couple of months.
pretty snazzy with its internal intestines
(ok, printed internal intestines)
How weird to wake up this morning to thunder and lightening and I continued to hear thunder on and off all day. 50ish down to somewhere in the 20s. Some rain in there as well. For some areas, hail, and then snow earlier in the evening. Nothing but wind so far here. If I recall the news correctly, around 2am a little snow should drop on my area. We'll see.
Either way it will be cooooold.
I finally put plastic up on my windows. How long have I been talking about it? I sure didn't make it pretty, but at least it is up where it it most important.
Especially as I hear the air pushing against the plastic with tonight's wind.
I must not have secured the plastic around the air conditioner, because there is a lot of air pushing the plastic; more than I would expect even with the wind. I mean, my windows aren't that drafty. I wouldn't be surprised to find a tear come morning.
Gah, it sounds pretty wicked out there.
I wonder what I will wake up to?
I wanted to go out, get out and do something, anything, but with no real plans and questionable weather, I thought a night of reading under a pile of blankets sounded better. Reading is so easy to default to. I always have social options but I find myself seeking a good story or interesting subject to absorb myself with instead. The draw is often strong enough to trump most anything. But certainly not everything.
On that note, my fingers, toes and nose are numb with cold. Time to warm up.
Sweet dreams, stay warm & don't blow away.
speaking of tauntauns*, ThinkGeek has an adult sized tauntaun sleeping bag** that I have been eying for a couple of months.
pretty snazzy with its internal intestines
(ok, printed internal intestines)
How weird to wake up this morning to thunder and lightening and I continued to hear thunder on and off all day. 50ish down to somewhere in the 20s. Some rain in there as well. For some areas, hail, and then snow earlier in the evening. Nothing but wind so far here. If I recall the news correctly, around 2am a little snow should drop on my area. We'll see.
Either way it will be cooooold.
I finally put plastic up on my windows. How long have I been talking about it? I sure didn't make it pretty, but at least it is up where it it most important.
Especially as I hear the air pushing against the plastic with tonight's wind.
I must not have secured the plastic around the air conditioner, because there is a lot of air pushing the plastic; more than I would expect even with the wind. I mean, my windows aren't that drafty. I wouldn't be surprised to find a tear come morning.
Gah, it sounds pretty wicked out there.
I wonder what I will wake up to?
I wanted to go out, get out and do something, anything, but with no real plans and questionable weather, I thought a night of reading under a pile of blankets sounded better. Reading is so easy to default to. I always have social options but I find myself seeking a good story or interesting subject to absorb myself with instead. The draw is often strong enough to trump most anything. But certainly not everything.
On that note, my fingers, toes and nose are numb with cold. Time to warm up.
Sweet dreams, stay warm & don't blow away.
- tauntaun
- tauntaun sleeping bag
Permalink: where_is_a_tauntaun_when_you_need_one_.html
Words: 368
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/08/09 07:10 - 33ºF - ID#50503
chilly & chili
brrrr!
It was/is a dud of a day. I went to bed just after 4am, tossed around with odd dreams, began my day eight hours later, leaving me with just a few hours of daylight on an already dark gray cloud filled day. Hopefully I won't be doing that again.
Overall, I did get a lot done today, but now I feel like I could really just go back to bed yet it is only just about 7pm. *yawn* There is so much more I need to do but my energy is drained at the moment. maybe I will perk up in a bit.
Tired and cold (despite coffee) is no fun. Now I just heard that come late tomorrow & into Thursday there is some rain-snow-wind storm expected? Oh and the high temps will be in the 20s, let me say that again.. TWENTIES on Thursday. Brrrrr!
Good thing I made chili to help me warm up! After making a squash lentil soup (e:theecarey,50427), I wanted to make a veggie laden soup-chili-stew. Something thick, healthy and hearty that would be awesome to grab a cup or bowl of anytime. Thanks to (e:heidi) who was awesome in posting a veggie chili recipe that I jumped on to make. (e:heidi,50428) Thanks!!!
Other than the V-8 vegetable juice (which I did buy for this), I had all of the ingredients ready to go (yay!).
Getting the veggies started:
I used two cups of texturized vegetable protein (TVP) I had on hand.
Not sure all where this can be found, but if interested in finding some, this was purchased about a year ago from the bulk section at the Lexington Coop. It stored very well in an air tight container.
I wanted to use wheat bulgar, which I have plenty of, but I have been wanting to use the TVP for some time now. How perfect I thought it would be for chili. Bulgar will go into my next creation- whatever it may be.
I used spices to taste (extra cumin and cayenne pepper), but otherwise (loosely) followed the recipe.
Yummy!
end result: colorful, flavorful and hearty.
added sharp cheddar cheese on top for a little bite. Very nice!
It was/is a dud of a day. I went to bed just after 4am, tossed around with odd dreams, began my day eight hours later, leaving me with just a few hours of daylight on an already dark gray cloud filled day. Hopefully I won't be doing that again.
Overall, I did get a lot done today, but now I feel like I could really just go back to bed yet it is only just about 7pm. *yawn* There is so much more I need to do but my energy is drained at the moment. maybe I will perk up in a bit.
Tired and cold (despite coffee) is no fun. Now I just heard that come late tomorrow & into Thursday there is some rain-snow-wind storm expected? Oh and the high temps will be in the 20s, let me say that again.. TWENTIES on Thursday. Brrrrr!
Good thing I made chili to help me warm up! After making a squash lentil soup (e:theecarey,50427), I wanted to make a veggie laden soup-chili-stew. Something thick, healthy and hearty that would be awesome to grab a cup or bowl of anytime. Thanks to (e:heidi) who was awesome in posting a veggie chili recipe that I jumped on to make. (e:heidi,50428) Thanks!!!
Other than the V-8 vegetable juice (which I did buy for this), I had all of the ingredients ready to go (yay!).
Getting the veggies started:
I used two cups of texturized vegetable protein (TVP) I had on hand.
Not sure all where this can be found, but if interested in finding some, this was purchased about a year ago from the bulk section at the Lexington Coop. It stored very well in an air tight container.
I wanted to use wheat bulgar, which I have plenty of, but I have been wanting to use the TVP for some time now. How perfect I thought it would be for chili. Bulgar will go into my next creation- whatever it may be.
I used spices to taste (extra cumin and cayenne pepper), but otherwise (loosely) followed the recipe.
Yummy!
end result: colorful, flavorful and hearty.
added sharp cheddar cheese on top for a little bite. Very nice!
Permalink: chilly_amp_chili.html
Words: 394
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/07/09 10:08 - 30ºF - ID#50495
snowflakes!
not ones that get anchored to the ground with stakes, but the kind that fall from the sky. (e:theecarey,50487)
For a few minutes at about 4pm a few white flakes floated down,
but they did not stick.
at all.
tried to capture them:
For a few minutes at about 4pm a few white flakes floated down,
but they did not stick.
at all.
tried to capture them:
Permalink: snowflakes_.html
Words: 50
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/06/09 11:58 - 31ºF - ID#50487
a snowflake!
not the kind that fall from the sky, but ones that get anchored to the ground with stakes.
I've been working on putting up a few decorations.
sometimes I decorate, but often I don't.
My duplex neighbor has some lights along his front porch, so I decided to go out and buy something similar. I think I like his better (he has colorful little tree shapes) but mine "twinkle" and with the clear lights and snowflake shape, if I really wanted to, I could extend the use of them outside of "christmas".
I just put them out and need to see what they look like from the road and neighbors perspective. Do the lights really twinkle or are they more likely to induce a seizure. That is tomorrows objective.
More pictures to come, my camera batteries died which was just as well since running around my front yard at 11:30 pm in my pink bathrobe and using a camera is likely a social faux pas of some sort. haha
I've been working on putting up a few decorations.
sometimes I decorate, but often I don't.
My duplex neighbor has some lights along his front porch, so I decided to go out and buy something similar. I think I like his better (he has colorful little tree shapes) but mine "twinkle" and with the clear lights and snowflake shape, if I really wanted to, I could extend the use of them outside of "christmas".
I just put them out and need to see what they look like from the road and neighbors perspective. Do the lights really twinkle or are they more likely to induce a seizure. That is tomorrows objective.
More pictures to come, my camera batteries died which was just as well since running around my front yard at 11:30 pm in my pink bathrobe and using a camera is likely a social faux pas of some sort. haha
Permalink: a_snowflake_.html
Words: 170
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/06/09 01:31 - ID#50478
extended fall
from Friday 12-4-09 (follow up to prior post, (e:theecarey,50461))
I've continued to enjoy the extended fall weather and daily sunshine. I like being outdoors any time of year, so this is a given. The following are pictures taken with my ancient cellphone, so images are vague.
wandering along the beach
The sun to my back, I am heading off into the woods along the lake.
Kicking my way through leaves on a trail in the woods. Soon enough it will be snow.
Bundled up in several layers, scarf, hat, hood and gloves, as long as I keep moving, 36 degrees feels toasty. Capturing a picture of myself on the trail ahead of me:
everything smelled so good. mmmmm.
On the trail, off the trail and along the black top walkways, these chestnut casings are everywhere. There is a gratifying crunch and pop sensation when walking over these.
One lonely little red berry-esque vegetation. I appreciate random color and texture composition. A clear picture was not possible using the phone. Idea is there, though.
Looking back at the trail behind me. The sun will set in that direction.
A teeny tiny narrow trail between thick bushes to the left and cliff down to the lake on the right.
I decided to sit my ass down and dangle my feet over. It was peaceful until my over active imagination took on the thought of some crazy woodman coming up behind me and shoving me off the ledge. Then I kept "hearing things".. (was that you, (e:tinypliny)??hmmm?? haha) so I got up and continued to wander around.
Getting out of the woods before dark, A little while later on the return trip
Pretty much back to where I started, instead of the beach, I point my phone/camera to the sky
I've continued to enjoy the extended fall weather and daily sunshine. I like being outdoors any time of year, so this is a given. The following are pictures taken with my ancient cellphone, so images are vague.
wandering along the beach
The sun to my back, I am heading off into the woods along the lake.
Kicking my way through leaves on a trail in the woods. Soon enough it will be snow.
Bundled up in several layers, scarf, hat, hood and gloves, as long as I keep moving, 36 degrees feels toasty. Capturing a picture of myself on the trail ahead of me:
everything smelled so good. mmmmm.
On the trail, off the trail and along the black top walkways, these chestnut casings are everywhere. There is a gratifying crunch and pop sensation when walking over these.
One lonely little red berry-esque vegetation. I appreciate random color and texture composition. A clear picture was not possible using the phone. Idea is there, though.
Looking back at the trail behind me. The sun will set in that direction.
A teeny tiny narrow trail between thick bushes to the left and cliff down to the lake on the right.
I decided to sit my ass down and dangle my feet over. It was peaceful until my over active imagination took on the thought of some crazy woodman coming up behind me and shoving me off the ledge. Then I kept "hearing things".. (was that you, (e:tinypliny)??hmmm?? haha) so I got up and continued to wander around.
Getting out of the woods before dark, A little while later on the return trip
Pretty much back to where I started, instead of the beach, I point my phone/camera to the sky
Permalink: extended_fall.html
Words: 331
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/04/09 01:51 - 35ºF - ID#50461
no show snow take two
I was sitting at my desk enjoying the feeling of the intense warmth of the sun beaming through the window next to me wishing it would last.
Makes 36 degree fall day bearable.
Naturally, one feline was already occupying the best sun spot. Move over furball.
A quick picture like that in (e:theecarey,50422)
Just snapping pictures of sunny days while I can. We'll have enough gray over the next few months that I might need to look back over these posts to remember what a sunny day looks like!
I'll head out for a walk shortly, hopefully the sun will still be shining.
A crappy phone pic or two will likely follow.
stay warm!
Makes 36 degree fall day bearable.
Naturally, one feline was already occupying the best sun spot. Move over furball.
A quick picture like that in (e:theecarey,50422)
Just snapping pictures of sunny days while I can. We'll have enough gray over the next few months that I might need to look back over these posts to remember what a sunny day looks like!
I'll head out for a walk shortly, hopefully the sun will still be shining.
A crappy phone pic or two will likely follow.
stay warm!
Permalink: no_show_snow_take_two.html
Words: 116
Location: Youngstown, NY
12/02/09 06:53 - 45ºF - ID#50440
(updated) driving me nuts- high anxiety
I had to venture out to Niagara Falls Blvd today. Oy.
I ordered a movie that needed to be picked up at Barnes & Noble (Mel Brooks, "High Anxiety", 1977). *
(sorta ironic**)
I made sure to head out early, as there is NO WAY I wanted to deal with late afternoon/early evening traffic. Seriously, I used to work in that general direction and I know that from now until the holidays are over, that area (well, pretty much everywhere), will be insane, traffic-wise. GAH!
OMG.
I managed to find other items to look at, ran a few more errands and was fearful to look at the clock after somehow losing track of time. Books and music does that to me every time.
5:15 pm. oh man...
and sure enough, the blvd was packed. Saw three smashed fender bender accidents within a quarter mile.
Jumped on the 290. Traffic was at a crawl.
Jumped OFF at Colvin, figuring that I would never make it the Grand Island bridge (and that would be likely just as bad or worse).
Twin City Highway was a traffic mess.
(saw such insane driving that I expected to be in an accident or see yet another one.)
Jumped off at some random nameless street and decided to make an adventure of navigating through unknown territory. This was actually quite fun.
Didn't know where I was going but I am sure I looked like I did, as I made my way home without further issue.
However, saw two more car crack ups along the way. WTF?
anyway.... glad to be home. :)
This scene makes me laugh SO HARD.
OK, here is the scene, just a few minutes long. Cracks me up to no end!
I ordered a movie that needed to be picked up at Barnes & Noble (Mel Brooks, "High Anxiety", 1977). *
(sorta ironic**)
I made sure to head out early, as there is NO WAY I wanted to deal with late afternoon/early evening traffic. Seriously, I used to work in that general direction and I know that from now until the holidays are over, that area (well, pretty much everywhere), will be insane, traffic-wise. GAH!
OMG.
I managed to find other items to look at, ran a few more errands and was fearful to look at the clock after somehow losing track of time. Books and music does that to me every time.
5:15 pm. oh man...
and sure enough, the blvd was packed. Saw three smashed fender bender accidents within a quarter mile.
Jumped on the 290. Traffic was at a crawl.
Jumped OFF at Colvin, figuring that I would never make it the Grand Island bridge (and that would be likely just as bad or worse).
Twin City Highway was a traffic mess.
(saw such insane driving that I expected to be in an accident or see yet another one.)
Jumped off at some random nameless street and decided to make an adventure of navigating through unknown territory. This was actually quite fun.
Didn't know where I was going but I am sure I looked like I did, as I made my way home without further issue.
However, saw two more car crack ups along the way. WTF?
anyway.... glad to be home. :)
- more on the movie, "High Anxiety"
This scene makes me laugh SO HARD.
OK, here is the scene, just a few minutes long. Cracks me up to no end!
- but really, I was peaceful. Annoyed to some degree, but you know how that goes..
Permalink: _updated_driving_me_nuts_high_anxiety.html
Words: 340
Location: Youngstown, NY
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Nephew's Art 
Spring Feelz 
Hello hello 
2023 
moz://a 
happy pride
The other thing he ordered us though was tuna cheek (hamachi, maybe?). It was delicious. He said it's often not on the menu, but if you ask for it they'll have it. (it's literally the cheek (equivalent) of a tuna. If I remember right, they bring out part of the head, and it's cooked, and you pull the meat of the bone. not as gross and disconcerting as you might think.)