this week’s local deliveries.

This week’s bouquet includes a pink honeysuckle, bleeding heart, hosta leaf, bridal veil, wild aster, an iris, dame’s rocket, and tall coral bells. She also included a yet-to-bloom peony that is sitting next to my bed in a neat bottle. I’ll take a photograph of that when it blooms- something I’ll notice immediately when I wake for the day.

In this week’s bag:

• baby turnips
• rhubarb
• bok choy
• head lettuce
• golden delicious apples
• keuka gold potatoes
• spinach

The rain has surely changed my plans for this holiday weekend- I was originally going to be up and on the road at three thirty tomorrow morning to hike THREE peaks (and the biggest one at that) in the Adirondacks and although I don’t mind hiking in the rain, I’d love to have views for this particular hike. So, Paula and I have decided to hike/walk almost 18 miles of the Taconic Crest Trail after our normal Saturday routines (waking up, reading, eating breakfast, visiting the Farmer’s Market).

Speaking of Farmer’s Market, last week I was going to buy some bok choy and am so thankful I didn’t because we got a whole big bunch in this week’s delivery! I would have been bok choy-ed out. I think I’m going to whip up a simple potato curry meal this evening that will incorporate the bok choy and spinach. I’d also love to make a simple dessert using the rhubarb, but we’ll see how much I want to be in the kitchen after this gloomy Friday.

Sunday I have my first BBQ to attend as a vegan to celebrate a close friend’s birthday- I may pack a few snacks in my backpack just in case. Gotta stay prepared! Sunday night the beau and I are going to drive up to Burlington- one of my most favorite places to visit! I know three people running in the Vermont City Marathon this year (yes, the race I attempted last year), including my partner in crime, Lindsey! I am beyond happy to see her and can’t wait to be on the side line, cheering her on. We are going to search out vegan restaurants and do some window shopping; nothing better than a relaxing, mini vacation away from Troy.

Stay dry my friends and remember to take a moment of silence internally to thank all of those men and women who died in active duty.

Esther and Whiteface.

Dear Beau: this morning’s little walk down memory lane almost made me late for work but gave me the pep in my step when I did depart. Thanks for sharing. Dear New Eyeglasses: I love you so… until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon when my nose finally realizes that you’re up there, and then I can’t stand the feeling of the “pressure”. It’s like having an itch on the bottom of your foot but hiking boots laced up. Dear Kitty Kitty Cocoa Puff: I’m thankful that you are no longer barfing. Let’s make an agreement, aim for the floor and not the brand new white bedspread- okay?

“Mountain Monday” consisted of two new peaks, numbers twenty and twenty-one for me on my quest to hike all 46 high peaks of New York. Paula had previously hiked these two but didn’t mind repeating them so that I could “catch-up” to her number (22) and we decided to take a different trail in so that she’d get some new views. But no views were seen due to the weather; very muggy and cloudy skies.

Within our first mile, it began to ran; enough so that we had to pull out our raincoats. I was happy that Paula didn’t suggest turning around- I don’t mind being out in the rain and had never really hiked in those conditions. If I ever want to hike the Long Trail in Vermont, I better get some experience because that’s a wet trail! Before I knew it, we were at the peak of Marble Mountain and I shed the raincoat.

We first thought about hiking to Whiteface but quickly changed our minds in hopes of having better views later on in the afternoon. So at the cairn, we took a right and headed up and over Lookout Mountain to reach the summit of Esther Mountain. No views but no rain. We turned around to head back out to Whiteface.

 

The trail evens out quite a bit before heading back upward, but it was wet! Even without gaiters, we went through the mud, hopped rocks and avoided making the trail wider. Insert pats on our backs. At one point I looked forward and saw the rock wall of the road above us…and thought I had to climb it. Insert mini panic moment. Paula quickly reassured me we’d be going AROUND the rock wall and not up it. So around we went and made the last trek to the summit.

No views at the Whiteface summit either; we could barely see twenty feet in front of us. We decided to go into the research center’s observatory, sit down to eat a quick snack, then head down to the road to walk the short distance back to where the trail picks up. No more rain and actually a little sunshine as we were walking our last two miles out; a very successful day in the Adirondacks if I do say so myself.

spring roll salad.

This recipe is super easy and fresh- only taking about fifteen minutes to whip up. All of my measurements are estimates and feel free to add your favorite spring roll ingredients.

Spring Roll Salad adapted from Joy the Baker

• 1 package rice noodles
• scallions
• fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado
• 1 cup savoy cabbage (next time I’d actually use red)
• 1/2 mango
• 1 cup shaved carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
• 1/4 cup extra firm tofu, diced into small pieces
• 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• dash of apple cider vinegar
• dash of rice vinegar
• juice of 1 lime
• 2-3 tbsp of tamari
• garlic powder
• crushed red pepper to taste

Boil a big pot of water for the noodles. As that’s coming to a boil, chop, dice and slice all of your fresh ingredients and tofu- combine in a bowl like above. Whisk together the PB, honey, ACV, rice vinegar, tamari, lime juice and spices to taste. The noodles only take about ten minutes to cook- drain and rinse under cold water to chill. Simply mix the noodles in with all the veggies and lightly toss in the peanut sauce. This serves four big bowlfuls… for two very hungry people or four not-as-hungry people. Enjoy!

Oh, and don’t skimp on the mango! It really added a sweetness that was needed; maybe try a fresh papaya if you aren’t a huge fan of mangoes? And of course, the avocados were my favorite part. This recipe is definitely a keeper in our kitchen.

field goods.

In this week’s bag:

• arugula
• breakfast radishes
• field greens
• red delicious apples
• rapini
• braising mix

Gosh was I excited when I saw all those greens; just what the body craved! I had a few extra moments in between shifts last night so I whipped up a super simple, super quick meal for the beau and I: marinated and “grilled” portobello mushrooms with braising greens and farro.

First things first, get your mushrooms marinating. I used the dressing that I put on my salads throughout the week: a little squirt of sriracha, a little pour of balsamic vinegar, a little scoop of dijon mustard, a dash of EVOO and plenty of fresh black pepper. Whisk and pour over those puppies, I mean mushrooms.

Start the water for the farro- I prefer to use the quick 10 minute farro from Trader Joe’s- just pour it in, boil for 10-12 minutes and drain like you would pasta. Bam.

Saute the braising greens in a little EVOO, garlic and crushed red pepper. I used that whole bag above and it wilted down to two small servings; perfect for dinner.

I “grilled” our mushrooms on the George Foreman- only took like 5-6 minutes and the clean up was easy. While the mushrooms were cooking, I heated the leftover marinade on the stove at a low temperature to thicken it up a little- I later poured this over the mushrooms once on the plate.

Pile high and dig in! Can’t get any easier than that.

Today is a gorgeous day and I hit the Farmer’s Market early for all the freshest picks. I got a baguette from Mrs. London’s, sweet dill pickles from Puckers Gourmet, coconut tea from Wellington’s and thai chili mafaldine from Flour City Pasta. The plan for the rest of the day is to open the windows in the apartment, freshen things up and cook, cook, cook! On the menu:

• carrot soup with a tahini sauce and crunchy chick peas
• bomb diggity dip (for a graduation party tomorrow)
• peanut butter and pickle sandwich with maple syrup on toasted baguette
• an arugula pesto
• and a “spring roll” cold rice noodle salad with a peanut dressing

I’ll share plenty of photographs and recipes if they come out as keepers. Stay happy, healthy and active my friends!

CDPHP Workforce Challenge.

Every year when I run this race I find myself complaining about it’s size and yet, I still sign up the following year… because it is a great tradition with co-workers! This year there were more restrictions and detours, not allowing runners to access the Concourse and even the street from stairwells we had previously been able to use. And because of these restrictions, even though there were less runners, it was definitely more hectic at the start. The photograph below was where I was standing when the race started…

We had to wait for all the runners and walkers to go by, travel down the stairs to the street, walk to the start and then frantically dodge the walkers until we could comfortably run, which didn’t happen until about a mile and a half up the hill and in the park.

This year I struggled more than usual, from what I think was due to the bass at the start. I recently found out that if a bass is strong enough, it will change the rhythm of my heart. Because we were still up top, right in front of the music, this became an issue. It seemed as if my body was struggling to adjust my heart rate once we got going, either that or it was just a bad running day for me. I was thankful for my co-worker of whom I was running with; she kept me going to the finish. We shaved off a minute from last year and have plans for next year to help us avoid the large crowds.

I would just like to shout out two of the many volunteers who made this run happen, Kim and her husband who I quickly saw handing out water at the finish. We were thrilled to get our shirts in a size small (we always get there too late) and to have a banana to lift our spirits. Run we will- another year in the books.

currently.

Reading: I’m ten chapters into The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman and I’m hooked! Yesterday instead of working out on lunch, I decided to snuggle up on a comfy cushion and read for the hour. It was an easy decision to make because of the gloomy weather. So far its about a lightkeeper who lives on an island, alone with his wife and they just found a baby that washed up to shore… without give much away, I’m predicting that they keep it and later on the story will unfold… and I can’t wait to find out how! This was a spontaneous choice at the library and I’m happy that so far, so good.

Watching: I actually haven’t watched anything online via Hulu or Netflix in over two weeks that’s how busy I’ve been.

Loving: my Flower Scout CSA! The bouquet above is the one that I picked up last night from Colie and I chose this particular one because of the pale ranunculus; the color is so delicate. The lilacs smell ah-mazing and I love the mixture of textures. I’m also loving “Step” by Vampire Weekend, and can’t wait to hear the entire album; the beau bought it today. Hello new dance party music.

Wondering: has Jessica Garrity ever been confronted by the drunk in a wheelchair at a stop light? I would pay to see that reaction/response. WWJGD?

Looking forward to: the Corporate Challenge tonight! This is the biggest race that I participate in each year and the only reason why I put up with all those people (like 10,ooo people) is because it’s a little work tradition that I’ve got going on with a co-worker. We don’t aim to PR, we just like to get out there to run 3.5 miles with our community. This will be my first race since the Boston Marathon and I can’t wait to feel the energy of the crowd. Can’t slow this gal down.

Thinking about: the new work I’ll be starting next week. Tomorrow is my last shift at the frozen yogurt shop so that I’d have more time to commit to… drum roll please… Troy Cloth and Paper! This is hopefully going to be what the beau and his business partner need to propel them forward and free up some of their time from work that I’d be so much more efficient doing. This is officially phase one of bringing me on full-time, slowly but surely.

Eating: This is horrible but I haven’t had any of my veggies from last week’s share… we’ve been eating out almost every meal. Yes, I did have two salads this week and yes, I did eat all of the apples but I did also have a lot of cookie butter and brown rice noodles. Which leads into the next topic…

Planning: a cooking spree this weekend! Those portabella mushrooms are screaming my name, as is a soup, cold farro salad and possibly a cold lentil salad. The Placid Baker recently had a cold lentil salad that was sweet with cranberries, red onions and parsley- so good that I’m going to try and recreate it. With all this eating out, I’m craving a simple home cooked meal. All of my meals have been healthy choices  except for the french fries at 1am- yes, those aren’t healthy but necessary with a crazy schedule sometimes.

to the crack and back.

How’s that for a catchy title, eh?

Monday was spent in the Catskills hiking with Paula, to celebrate her birthday, and boys and girls did we get lucky with the weather! It was the most perfect Spring day, filled with warm sunshine and blue skies- I swear I must of been a plant in a past life because I still feel like a little photosynthesis happens each sunny day. It gives me the pep in my step that I sometimes need when the mountains get tough. Real tough.

Back to the hike… we were first thinking about doing the Slide, Cornell and Witenberg loop however, our minds were made up that that wasn’t happening when we saw we’d be walking the last 2+ miles uphill on a road. No fun and nothing exciting. So then we decided that we’d hike in to each mountain, then simply turn around. Hiking three mountains but claiming five peaks (with the out and back). Off we went.

We took the Curtis-Omsbee Monument path to Slide Mountain because Paula had read that there were better views despite the slightly longer trail- totally worth it! The trees were just beginning to bud and in sections we could see for miles. The trail was easy on the body (not a lot of rocks) and we both enjoyed all of the sprouting flowers along the way. Before we knew it, we were at the peak! It looked like there had once been a fire tower up there with the giant concrete block we passed.

We barely took a break and headed over to Cornell Mountain… and that’s when Slide Mountain got serious. There were numerous sections that we had to climb down that made us pause and think, “okay, how am I going to do this?” Being someone who is afraid of heights, I was shaking like a leaf on the two wooden ladders and on this rock shown, I had to take a couple of breathers to prevent myself from breaking down into tears. Gotta do one thing a day that scares you, right?

Before we knew it, we were heading back upwards to Cornell, and pushed through to find two gentlemen enjoying the peak with their toes in the sun, trail mix and a cigar. The one older guy seemed super in shape and experienced, but I guess 35 years of hiking will do that to ya! It made me think, I want to be 60 and bragging about seeing the country on foot over the past 35 years! After a few minutes of catching up, we left them to enjoy and moved forward. I was full of energy thanks to a PB&J earlier on the trail but it didn’t prepare me for what we then stumbled upon: Cornell’s Crack.

No joke, a twenty foot crack in some pretty huge rocks, with no foot or hand holds to scramble down using. I’m not a rock climber nor do I want to become one. This crack scared the crap out of me. We both thought outloud that yes, we could hurl ourselves down and continue forward, but could we make it back up? No effing way!

After assessing a second option (but way more dangerous) and actually sitting down to see if we could do this, we both decided it wasn’t going to happen. That day at least. Yes we could have hurled ourselves over and done the loop, but mentally, it wasn’t in the books. Once I prepare myself for a specific trip, I tend to stick to it; that’s just the planner in me. So, back we went.

Not going to lie, heading back up Slide Mountain got brutal. By this hour, the sun was high, I was a little warm and tired, and now I had to climb up the steepest section of the day. I actually enjoyed the section that made up scramble, it not only challenged me mentally, but slowed our pace. We were greeted by a gentleman at the peak who snapped our photograph and onward we went. We took the shorter trail back and I must say, I didn’t prefer it. The trail was a little steeper than the one we took out and was very rocky- which makes your body ache a little more after a full day of hiking. It was a short trail however and before I knew it, we were back to the car.

Paula took me through Woodstock on the way home and I can’t wait to go back- it looks like a great little town. It was another successful day in the peaks to say the least! The two of us have much to look forward to:

• we are returning to the ADKs on the 20th to possibly hike Rocky Ridge
• we are hiking Memorial Weekend with a meet-up group to knock-out Gray, Skylight and Marcy!
• the first weekend in June we are volunteering to clean/maintain the trails in the ADKs- we have yet to plan what we’ll be hiking the following day
• and we have our first overnight trip planned during the July fourth holiday in New Hampshire: the 50 mile Sunapee Greenway trail!

…with of course the occasional “mountain Monday” thrown in. The high the mountains give me push me along through the week; and it only gets stronger the more I see and experience. Gosh, I’m in love with Mother Nature.