My Little Tomato Plant

I had a tomato plant on my fire escape but I had to get rid of it because NYC law prohibits any thing to be on a fire escape - but here are three little guys that I saved before getting rid of the plant. By by my lovely little plant.

Fall is a comin'

So it really wasn't much of a summer - it came in drips and drabs. Now I am one that loves the summer, the warmth, the mellow attitude, flip flops and all that goes with it, but I have to say I am ready for fall. Fall seems to be a time for reinvention and I would say right about now is a good time for me to reinvent my self. How would you reinvent yourself if you could?

Hugo and More Hugo

I haven't written in a while because I have been busy moving back into my old apartment that caught fire this past Christmas. I am back home now and as happy as ever. This past sunday was a bright lazy one and it afforded me and Hugo some snuggle time and a few photo ops which I have posted for your viewing pleasure enjoy.

Dog Toys

My dog Hugo loves his Cheekey Squeaky toys. Seems every other dog in the city and beyond does too, because they have been out of stock since last year. I was able to get one that is back for a limited time which I am happy about, and I think Hugo will be happy about too. Mr. Orange Rat will be arriving soon to hang out with Mr. Green Monster and Mr. Pink. Hopefully one day Mr. Big Red Rooster will be on sale for a limited time - until then we can only dream.............

Food Food and More Food

I love food. I love to read about it - and try to abstain from it at the same time. Food, as much as I love it, does not agree with my thighs. That is why I try to eat as healthy as possible. My new favorite dish is garlic string beans with marinated portobello mushrooms. Actually the portobello mushrooms are a new addition to the beans. It is a light dish that doesn't require a lot of ingredients or time.

Garlic String Beans

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups beans - cut into inch long beans
2 cloves of garlic chopped (more garlic can be added if you are a fan of it like me)
1 cup of water
2 teaspoons vegetable broth
1 steam of rosemary
some pepper
2 pinches of salt
a squeeze of 1/4 lemon

in a pan take oil - beans - garlic and rosemary and saute beans and garlic for about 3 minutes
once they are sauted take remaining ingredients and cook until water is gone

For the Portabello Mushroom

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of brown mustard

whip all ingredients together and marinate portobello mushroom for about 20 minutes
after it is marinated slice and cook until soft

add to stringbeans and viola - a simple tasty low fat meal

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER LIKE FRESH TOMATOES FROM THE FARMER'S MARKET

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

This past Friday my sister and I went up to the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in Willow, NY (right near Woodstock). If you are not familiar with the Farm it is a safe haven for rescued animals that were to be used for slaughter. They have a variety of goats, cows, pigs, hens, ducks, turkeys and the like. This farm and the people that work and run it are amazing!!! Having gone up in the past on a Saturday, my sister and I were not aware that the farm is only open to the public on the weekend. Well being the wonderful people that they are, we were invited to come and socialize with the goats and hang out as the staff went about doing their farm chores. Petting goats is great but my sister and I felt that we needed to help out and when asked we were told that they could use some extra hands cleaning out the barn. Working along side Julie and Amber the barn was cleaned in no time and I never saw such a happy group of goats! It really made us feel good knowing that we did something positive for the animals.

Make sure you check out the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary website - make a donation, take a trip one weekend - and remember - don't harm animals they have feelings and wouldn't harm you.

www.woodstockfas.org