BeingWheelwright

Vegan Sausages

2010-03-13T09:52:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things to make is seitan, or one of the its many variations. My evil plan is to make some no-fat added sausages, but I had to try out some other versions first. My favorite recipe turns out to be these, via Vegan Dad (from the PPK blog, but I couldn't find the recipe there).

I served these with mashed potatoes, sage gravy, and garlic collard greens. I found that the key to a perfect sausage-like texture is to steam them very slowly. The recipe calls for 40 minutes of steaming, but I did mine for an hour, and I made sure that the water was not ever at a rolling boil. I also turned them once to make sure the cooking was even. I was so excited to eat these, that I forgot that I was going brown them first.

Look for a no fat added version to come. (I'm thinking apple-sage flavored)

Notes: For the sage gravy, I left out the oil, an sauteed the veggies in broth. While I was attempting to make the roux, I keep adding broth, until I gave up and just added the rest of the ingredients. It was not as thick I would have liked it, so I added tablespoon of arrowroot powder dissolved in water to thicken the gravy up. This recipe is a keeper!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sloppy Lentils

2010-03-12T13:04:00.001-08:00

Ok, this is a dish I make all the time, and it's different everytime. This time I sauteed onions, garlic, celery and green pepper; added two cups of cooked lentils and a can of seasoned chili beans; and finally some BBQ sauce and Dijon mustard (1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons respectively). We ate this with brown rice, roasted potatoes and a spinach salad.

I always find that "from the pantry" improv recipes so satisfying!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Greek Feast

2010-03-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Th past weekend I cooked up a trio of Greek recipes that I have had my eyes on for awhile. This was a departure from the McDougall MWL diet we have been on, but it was still pretty low in fat. The only added fat in the entire meal was some tahini in the hummus, and I stuck to the recipe and used pasta in the black-eyed pea dish, which is verboten on MWL plan. Pics and links:

Rachael Ray's Greek Hummus

This came up in a search for "Greek hummus," and was very good. Next time I make it I will half the tahini and without the olives. I felt that the overall dish was too salty, and until I reach my ideal weight, I can do without the extra fat in the olives.

Note on food network commenters: many said Ms. Rachael added EVOO to the hummus on her show, but it is not in her recipe. It doesn't need the oil, but I suppose Ms. Rachael wouldn't be able to make a dish without saying EVOO at least once. For more on food network commenters, see this post on Healthy. Happy. Life.

Black-eyed Peas and Pasta

Greek Baked Lima Beans

These I found via JamirR's thread in the Food & Recipe forum on the McDougall discussion board. In both recipes I left out the all of the oil, but if you are skinny you can use some (the recipes call for a lot). I find it odd that two recipes in the NY Times series "Recipes For Health" would be dreanched in olive oil.

Recipe notes:

For the black-eyed pea recipe, I used orzo pasta, and too much water. It turned out to stew-like in consistancy, but still very good.

In the Lima bean recipe, I used agave nectur instead of honey, and only about half of what the recipe calls for.

- Posted using BlogPress and my cold little figers from my iPhone

Mexi Millet

2010-03-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks to for The Ordinary Vegetarian and happyveganface leading me to this tasty and simple recipe. Check out their versions!

My version used the whole jalapeño (because I like it hot) and a can of tomatoes instead of a big juicy raw one (because I can't ever seem to make a grocery list that correctly reflects the needs of the recipes I plan to make during the week). Nevertheless, it was a great meal, both as a salad (as pictured), and as a burrito filling (not pictured, because I was hungry).

-A note about the photo, taken with my iPhone. It's horrible, and I'm to lazy to do anything about it.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Saturday breakfast

2010-03-06T10:27:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite lazy weekend breakfast treats is the Apple Spice Oatmeal from Fatfree Vegan Kitchen. It's a nice change from the quick oats I eat every other day, and has a nice sweetness to it without too much added sugar (I always add 2 teaspoons of brown sugar per bowl). The recipe states that it serves two, but I always eat it all up myself!

In other news, I weighed in today, and since January 5th, I have lost 17 lbs! I am very pleased. Five pounds of that was probably holiday weight, but the rest is pounds off the normal weight I had been carrying for the last couple of years. I must say, it really helps to be cooking for someone, it's keeping me on track. My dad has lost 10 lbs so far, and he is now looking to to reach the weight he was at when he graduated from high school, not bad for a man in his 60s!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Red Posole

2010-03-05T21:46:00.001-08:00

Dinner:

This was my first attempt at posole, a traditional Mexican corn stew intended to be enjoyed on special occasions. When I lived New Mexico, it was often on resturant menus, but I never got to enjoy it because it usually contained pork.

This recipe is straight out of the McDougall newsletter, created by vegan chef Jesse Miner.

I loved the hominy, an ingrediant that will use again, but I sadly did not have any New Mexican chili powder (I used ancho instead), so the stew lacked some kick. I would definately make this again, but will spice it up some next time.

On another note, this is my first blog in a long time, hope to keep the food coming!

(thanks to comments from Valerie and Sarah for kick-starting my blog)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tapas! (mostly)

2009-09-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Due to an inspiration which I shall not mention here, I picked up a couple of Spanish Cookbooks at my local library, bent on veganizing some traditional Spanish recipes. Paging through Penelope Casas' book "¡Delicioso! The Regional Cooking of Spain," I came across two tapas recipes that were already vegan and that looked mighty tasty. That inspired George and I to put together a meal around these two recipes. We came up with this menu:

-Coriander-Scented Batter-Fried Eggplant (which we baked instead of frying)
-Spinach and Chickpeas, Sivilla Style
-Chili, Lime and Cilantro Grilled Tofu
-Pan Grilled Vegetables (zucchini, red peppers, onions, baby bellos and asparagus)
-Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Alioli
-Olives

The first two dishes were from "Delicioso," as was the alioli that George whipped up. The pan grilled veggies came from a recipe in Janet Mendel's "Food of La Mancha: Cooking from the heart of Spain." The tofu recipe was something I came up with on the spot, and is exactly what it sounds like, tofu marinated with fresh roasted chilis, lime juice and cilantro, then grilled on the forman grill.

Photographic evidence:

Chili, Lime and Cilantro Grilled Tofu

Coriander-Scented Batter-Fried Eggplant

Spinach and Chickpeas, Sivilla Style

Pan Grilled Vegetables

The Spread

Plated

The Spinach and Garbanzo Bean Tapas dish was by far our favorite. It was made with this paste that you made by frying bread and garlic together and then adding salt and vinegar. Definitely a keeper. I will work on a fat-free version and then post the results here in the futre.

Fat Free Vegan Recipe Source #1

2009-09-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

When I am searching for a recipe, and I want it to be fat free and vegan (which is most of the time that I am cooking for myself), one of the places that I turn to is the FatFree Vegan Kitchen recipe index. Most of the recipes that I have ever made from there are pretty good, and if I don't follow the recipe to the letter (which I usually don't do, for whatever reason), they provide a good basis for experimentation.

I asked George to pick a couple of recipes to make while he was here, and he ventured over to the MWLP recipe page at fatfreevegan.com (btw, the blog is my favorite vegan blog, best photography too!). These are the two that he picked out:

Orange Millet Pilaf

George made this one himself. It was pretty good, but wasn't the best centerpiece for a meal. We had it cold today for lunch, and we thought it work better as a cold side. We serve it that night with a cold boiled potato and spinach salad, which was really good.

Quinoa Vegetable Jumbalaya

This was pretty good, nice flavor. However, we both would have preferred a rice Jumbalaya, but even that didn't stop us from eating it for lunch for two days straight.

Stay tuned for a post about my other favorite online recipe index!

Snack Emergency!

2009-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you need a snack, and air popped popcorn doesn't sound like it will fit the bill? Well, you roast chickpeas of course!!!

See?

mmmmmmmm.... (that's a tiny bowl, not a collection of gigantic chickpeas).

They took an hour, but that allowed me to chill and drink some water, and by the time they were done, I was ready to snack!

Check out the recipe here. They take 50 minutes to roast, so you better get started!

Susan V's Creamy Zucchini and Basil Soup

2009-09-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

See? More yummy basil creations. Christopher joined George and I for dinner last night, and I whipped this up after spending the afternoon locked in my bedroom writing. This was also pretty easy to create, and very tasty! Get the recipe on the FatFree Vegan Kitchen Blog.

I adjusted the recipe by adding a little more basil and cashews (I think my zucchini's were bigger, I'm not bragging, they just were).

I served this up with a fresh veggie salad, using up some CSA veggies and my trusty bag of spinach.

YumYummy Basil Cream Pasta

2009-09-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

This was a quick and easy dinner I found at Vegan YumYum via Vegan Crunk. It was really easy and very good. My basil plant, that I picked up at my CSA last spring, has transformed itself into a bush, so I was happy to find a recipe that used up a bunch. More yummy basil creations to come.

I am a newbie to the whole raw cashew as vegan substitute for creaminess, and I am in love.
I served this with a side of steamed broccoli, and really, how could you go wrong with steamed broccoli?

Asian Millet Burgers

2009-09-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

Asian Millet Burger with spicy mustard, cucumber and dill salad, and carrot sticks

In a search for a new kind of veggie burger, and a way to use some of the excess millet I had, I came up with this recipe for Asian Millet Burgers. I was inspired by a recipe I found on RecipeZaar for a millet burger that had ginger in it, and remember I had some dried shitake mushrooms in pantry, so I decided to do these up Asian style.

Ingredients

1-2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 inch fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup millet
3 cups water
pinch of salt
1 package dried shitake mushrooms (reconstituted per instructions)
1 onion, chopped
1 cup shredded carrot
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Bragg Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 handful chopped parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon vegan egg replacer, plus two tablespoons cold water

Heat the oil in a sauce pan, and add the garlic and ginger. Saute until fragrant, and then add the millet. Heat the millet until it is coated in oil and is browned just a little. Add the water, bring to a boil, and cook for 30 minutes, or until the millet has absorbed the water and is nice and fluffy. Remove from heat.

In a skillet, cook the onion in a bit of water, until translucent. Add the celery, carrots, and mushrooms, and cook until all the veggies are soft. Add the Braggs and crushed red pepper. Remove from heat and combine it with the cooked millet.

After you let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes, add the parsley, cornmeal, and egg replacer. I used my hands to combine everything, and it seemed to work well. If the mixture is too wet, add some more cornmeal. If it is too dry, you can try to add some water or more Braggs.

Form the mix into patties with your hands. Makes 8-10 patties.

I cooked them on my Forman Grill, and as always, the results were tastey.

Roasted Red Pepper Nacho Cheese Sauce

2009-09-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

First of all, this has no cheese in it. However, it has a great texture and is packed with flavor , way better then of the nasty processed cheese you get in the can (IMHO). The main ingrediants are raw cashews and nutritional yeast.

This is straight version of the recipe I found on Shmooed Food, only I replaced the pimentos with 2 roasted red peppers, and added a tablespoon of turmeric for color (it was too red!).

I enjoyed it with with some veggie chili I cooked up on Saturday night, and then as a dipping sauce with some carrots and celery while I was watching football on Sunday.

Be sure to head over to Shmooed Food to check out the recipe. Highly recommended.

Mixed Fruit Compote

2009-09-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

I made this tasty compote from some fruit that I had laying around that needed to be used up. I had some Asian pear from my CSA share that never really cut it for me, so I decided to combine them with some other stuff and cook the hell out of them. Good choice.

Since I usually don't have maple syrup sitting around the house, I usually whip up a compote when I make pancakes. Normally it's just an apple, some sugar, water, and a dash of spice. This compote was a little fancier then usual, and it was really good. Not too sweet, and packed with flavor.

Mixed Fruit Compote

1 cup water
1/4 cup raw sugar
1/4 vanilla bean, split in half (I used one that I brought back from Bali)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/16 teaspoon ground cloves (a big pinch)
1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
2 apples, finely chopped (I always leave the peels on, but you can peel them if you wish)
2 Asian pears, finely chopped
1 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 cup golden raisins

Combine the water, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add the fruit when the liquid starts to thicken. Simmer on medium heat for one half hour.

Enjoy!

I served this with some vegan cornmeal pancakes. Usually they are really tasty, but I am never sure which recipe I use as a base for my version, so these were not as good as they usually are. When I perfect my recipe, I will post it here.

Gado Gado

2009-09-12T20:18:00.001-07:00

Here it is... made with love via Indonesia. Gado gado is a mixed salad with both steamed and fresh veggies, served with rice (brown, in this case) and covered in a peanut sauce. In my version, steamed green beans and carrots, and used some boiled potatoes. I sliced some fresh cucumber and tomato to go with it.

I didn't have all of the of the stuff to make this authentic (bean sprouts, boiled eggs, lontong), but it was yummy. The sauce was from a chunk of gado gado (spicy peanut paste) I brought back with me from Indonesia. Here is the label.

Here is the evidence!

YUM!

Sonoita Chickpea Calabacitas

2009-09-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Look at these babies:

Thanks to Kat, I got a delivery of fresh squash, straight from Sonoita! I whipped some calabacitas, because what else are you going to do with so much squash?

The stuff: (inspired by a recipe in the McDougall Newsletter)

1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons vegetable broth (or water, used to sauté the veggies)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon oregano
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
4 cups chunked squash

3 roasted green chilies

1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauté the onions and garlic in the broth, and then added the spices. Throw in the squash (add more broth if things get a little dry). When the squash begins to look cooked, add the rest of the stuff, cook some more, and then eat up!

They turned out pretty good, but next time I will increase the spices, and use more green chilies (I only got three green chilies from my CSA share after Kat and I split the loot). I whipped up a batch of fresh salsa with peppers from Sonoita to give the whole plate some kick.

Here is all is, served with a side of my seasoned rice (a rice cooker special).

Watermelon Juice

2009-09-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

While I was in Indonesia this summer, I had the best tropical juices everyday, usually with every meal! This recipe came in the CSA newsletter this week, along with a huge juicy watermelon. The recipe called for mineral water as well, but it was so good with out it, I didn't add it.

1/2 large watermelon, seeded and chopped

1/8 cup lime juice (about one small lime)

1/4 sugar (or honey)

1 inch ginger, grated and juiced

(original recipe by Sara Jones, Tucson CSA member)

Combine everything in blender and puree until smooth. (I used my trusty hand blender, and blended it right in the pitcher.

To juice the ginger, I grated it and then pressed it through a wire strainer. Also the juice was really sweet, so I probably could have left out some of the sugar. However, it made a perfect dessert, and next time I might try freezing it to see how that works.

Roasted Red Pepper and Corn Salsa

2009-08-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's good to be home and blogging again. Things are going to pick up again soon, but in cased you missed what I have been doing the past two years, check this out.

In the next few months, I am going to be trying out some Indonesian recipes, using things I brought back from my trip. Hold on, they are going to be spicy!

In the meantime here is some super yummy 'salsa.' I wasn't quite what I normally think of as salsa, only because it was light on tomatoes. However, it was yummy and super fresh tasting (despite the fact that I used canned tomatoes!)

Here it is: (inspired by Vegan Dad's recipe)

1 red pepper, roasted and peeled

1 white onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lime, juiced

1 jalapeño pepper, seed and chopped

1 can sweet corn, drained

1 can Rotel tomatoes and chilis, drained just a bit

1 Tbls dried cilantro (or the fresh stuff if you remember to get it at the store, and try to remember the tomatoes while you are at it! Doh!)

Roast the pepper, and while it is cooling, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Juice the lime and add it to the onion and garlic. When the pepper is cooled, peel it, chop it, and add it to the mix.

Add the rest of the ingredients and then chill for an hour so the flavors can blend.

I enjoyed mine on some tasty burritos, and then ate it the next day with some lettuce and veggies as a salad

Here it is on some taco salad

Old Food Porn

2009-07-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's been a long time, and because I have an important recital tomorrow, I am taking the day off. However, that does not mean that I have to not blog! So, today I am reaching back into the photo vault to display some tasty creations. But before I to that, I want to post this recipe. I promised Sara that I would post this. I hope you are having a safe and fun trip!!!!

I made this without the tomatoes and substituted a small can of salsa and it made an excellent chunky dip. I have to give credit to Faith from the McDougall forum for this find. I don't have a photo, but I am sure that I will make it again!

Aztec Salad
(Makes about 8 cups)
This delicious salad is also a visual feast. It may be made in advance and keeps well for several days. The cilantro may be omitted if you prefer.

2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 15-ounce can corn kernels, drained, or 1 10-ounce bag frozen corn, thawed, or 2 cups fresh corn
2 tomatoes, diced
3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons apple cider or distilled vinegar
1 lemon or lime, juiced
2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne

In a large bowl, combine beans, onion, bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegars, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes. Pour over salad and toss gently to mix.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 70 calories; 4 g protein; 14 g carbohydrate; 0.7 g fat; 4 g fiber; 235 mg sodium; calories from protein: 20%; calories from carbohydrates: 71%; calories from fats: 9%

Recipe from Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Diabetes by Patricia Bertron, R.D.

Now on to the food porn!

Chipotle Cornbread Bake with Black Beans and Squash

Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Hot Cakes and Fruit Salad

Italian Style Baked Seitan with Rice Penne Pasta and Chunky Red Sauce

Roasted Veggies (Carrots, Cauliflower, Turnips, Brussel Sprouts) with French Mustard Sauce and Vegan Potatoes Au Graten

Nephew Videos!

2009-06-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here are two that I thought I would put up. The first is a video of strong little Nolan maneuvering on the floor at my dad's condo. He will be crawling in no time!

The second is a quick transitions from a candid smile to the classic Nolan "Blue Steel"

The original.

Food coming...

Vegetable Love and Spicy Love!

2009-02-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to present my entry for the Vegetable Love recipe contest at FatFree Vegan Kitchen blog. Click on the link to view the rules. Thanks to Susan for inspiring me to create something! I love her blog, please visit it!

When I think of Valentine's Day, I think of special meals. When I think of special meals, I think of wine! I am featuring mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes. Below is my creation!

Spicy Red Wine Love Sauce with Savory White Wine Ravioli

For the Ravioli Filling

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
3/4 cups bulger wheat
1/4 dry white wine
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 cup chopped baby bella mushrooms
1/2 teas. thyme
1/2 teas. rubbed sage
1/4 teas. marjoram
1/4 teas. fennel seeds (I left mine uncrushed)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chopped spinach
one package vegan wanton wrappers

For the Sauce:

3 cups of pureed tomatoed (or one large can)
2/3 cup of red wine (I used Sangiovese)
6 cloves of garlic, crushed
1/4 teas. crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teas. salt

As you start: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add the bulger wheat. Cook for about five minutes, turn off the heat and let sit until needed.

Sauce: Saute garlic and crushed red pepper in a little bit of water for about a minute. Add the red wine and simmer for about five minutes. Add the tomatoes, basil and salt and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes.

Ravioli Filling: Saute the onions and the garlic in a little bit of the wine until the onions are translucent. Add the mushroom, the rest of the wine, and the seasonings (except salt and pepper) and simmer until the wine is reduced in half. Then add the bulger and continue cooking. Salt and Pepper to taste and add spinach, cook until just wilted. Remove from the heat.

Building the Ravioli: On a floured surface, place one wonton wrapper and place 1 tablespoon of the ravioli filling on top. Wet the edges of the ravioli and place another wonton on top, pressing the filling to remove any air and sealing the ravioli.

When all the ravioli are constructed, bring a pot of water to boil and add the ravioli, cooking for 4 minutes. I found it worked best to use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the water, and I placed the cooked ravioli on a cooling rack to let some of the excess water to drain. Serve with some sauce and a glass of the wine that was leftover!

Enjoy!

Thanks to Kat for coming over to taste test!

Next weeks menu!

2009-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Lazy Saturday! (I wish!)

First of all, I have to report that the menu making was successful! I stuck to it, and did not spend an extra penny on food! (I had one americano, and one ice tea, but those are beverages.) I guess my anal retentiveness paid off.

Before we go on to week two, to the left is my tasty dinner I had last night. I love steamed brussels sprouts and broccoli, and the bulger sauce was pretty good, although I could just add the bulger to a better sauce recipe and I think it would be better!

On last week's menu, I never had to make the Curry Tomato Soup. I have to many leftovers! So this week, I will try make less of each recipe, so I can keep the variety and have less leftovers!

Weekly Menu

Sunday

Lunch: Left over Potato with a garden salad
Dinner: Experiment new recipe for the Valentine's Day Contest . It's a secret!

Monday

Lunch: Salad and leftover experiment food!
Dinner: Hummus with veggies and crackers (I will attempt to make home-made Monday Morning before I hit the gym!)

Tuesday

Lunch: Freezer leftovers and with veggies
Dinner: Dijon Mustard Baked Potatoes from the McDougal MWL Cookbook

Wednesday

Lunch: BBQ Beans Salad (I'll adapt this a bit) with salad.
Dinner: Rustic Cabbage Soup

Thursday

Lunch: Leftover Cabbage soup and Bean Salad
Dinner: Freezer dinner with Salad (A night off! Hooray!)

Friday

Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Sweet potato and black bean burgers
I'm going to make a bunch of these and freeze them for lunches.

Saturday

Leftovers and Clean out the fridge.

Note: I am also going to see Andrew Bird on Saturday, so I might treat myself to a yummy dinner at Yoshimatsuaz, we'll see what Kat thinks!

Mushroom Barley Soup with a side of Sweet and Savory Kale!

2009-02-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Mmmmmmmmm, that was good, especially the awesome Kale recipe! The soup was good, but only after I seasoned it up a bit. I added twice the thyme, a generous pour of garlic powder (I should have just used fresh garlic at the start), and about a tablespoon of tamari.

I went a little prep crazy, mostly because I had work to do, and wanted to get everything cooking right away.

The the kale was so tasty, even though I did not add the slice almonds mentioned in the recipe. It was maybe even a little too sweet, and next time I will probably cut the sugar in half (I used raw turbino sugar). Also, I cut the recipe in half, which I won't do next time because I can probably eat the whole thing!

Enchi-la-las

2009-02-02T22:34:00.000-08:00

I took the plunge and adapted Sunny's Breakfast Enchiladas. This was going to be a dinner recipe, so I left out the eggs entirely (and they are not vegan!)

I made the Sauce and the refried beans exactly like the recipes on the site, but I left out the oil in both cases. I wasn't a fan of seeding and chopping 10 Roma tomatoes, so next time I'm sure I'll just use a big can of chopped tomatoes. Both turned out great, especially the beans. I think I found my new favorite refried bean recipe!

Now, adapting the turkey sausage part was a challenge, but I really loved the result. Here's what I did:

Instead of turkey I used:

1 large zucchini, chopped
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup frozen corn

I cooked the jalapeno, garlic and zucchini with water until the zucchini softened, and then I added the chopped tomatoes and all the spices from the recipe. I only had dark brown sugar, so I added only 2 tablespoons of that (I also used dried sage and thyme, so I cut the amounts in half). When everything was well mixed, I added the rice and some more water, just so the mixture was moist. The end result was a savory and spicy winner! I wasn't even close to what I would call sausage, but the flavors were great!

I think what really did it was the the combination of the savory (sage and thyme), sweet (brown sugar), and spicy (dried red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper). Even with the rice and zucchini, the flavors held nicely. I'm sure this would be awesome as a seasoning for a version of baked seitan.

Then I lined a 9 x 13 baking dish with corn tortillas and added the beans. On top of that, I added the 'sausage' mix, and then some more tortillas. Finally, I poured the sauce on top and baked it all in the oven at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

The end result was very tasty, even though it was a little dry. However, I think I like the flavors better by themselves, so next time I will just wrap the 'sausage' mix in tortillas and bake with the sauce, and eat the beans on the side.

What's for Supper?

2009-01-31T12:02:00.000-08:00

Cooking for one person is difficult. Don't you think? Cooking for one person who is trying to lose weight by eating a vegan, whole grain, and vegetable diet is really tough. It is so easy to pick up something horrible on the way home. The solution: make recipe plans, and stick to them. Now, this was easier when George was here with me but I'm sure I can do it. Two years ago lost a ton of weight on the McDougall plan. Why did it come back? Well, I'm a lazy SOB for starters, but in reality I got off it because I didn't keep up with the planning part. I've lost ten pounds since New Year's Eve, but I already got off track last week when I stayed up in Phoenix for AZ Opera, and went into panic mode when I took my orals, and just started eating take out. Well, to get back on track, I'm going to start this feature: The Weekly Menu!

This way the recipes are recorded here, and I can posted reviews of the menus as I make them. Let's see how long I can keep this up.

The After Super Bowl Menu

Starchy: Sunny's Breakfast Enchiladas (This will be a major adaptation, Keep posted on how I transform this into a yummy low-fat vegan dinner!)

Soups: Barley Mushroom soup
Old School Curry Tomato Soup (Will post my adaptation when I make it1)

Veggie Entree: Steamed Veggies with Bulger Spaghetti Sauce

Veggie side:Sweet and Savory Kale (this will take some adaptation)

Grain or Potato Salad: Black Bean Potato Salad

Dip: Hummus

Tenitive Menu

Monday
Lunch: Raw Veggies w/Hummus and Spinach salad
Dinner: Enchiladas

Tuesday
Lunch: Freezer leftover and Veggies with Humus
Dinner: Leftover Enchiladas with side salad

Wednesday
Lunch: Large Raw Salad
Dinner: Mushroom Barley soup with side of Kale

Thursday
Lunch: Leftover Soup with salad
Dinner: Roasted Potatoes and Freezer leftovers

Friday
Lunch: Hummus (if there is any left) and Black Bean Potato Salad
Dinner: Bulger Spaghetti Sauce with Rice and Steamed Veggies

Saturday
Lunch: Large Salad
Dinner: Old School tomato Curry soup with Rice with side of Kale

Sunday
Lunch: Fridge Clean Up!

-Wish Me luck!

BACK!

2009-01-31T11:26:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm back. After a year of being distracted by facebook, I am back to the blog. So, what have I been up to? Well, I have been singing a bunch, passed my comprehensive and oral exams, and I am bout half-way through writing my proposal for my lecture recital. Here is what I have coming up:

1. Finishing my lecture recital proposal.

2. Get my job applications out.

3. Sing AZ Opera Guild preview for Don Giovanni

4. Perform Haydn's "Creation" with TCA

5. Recital at La Zarzuela with Swara Sonora Trio

That should keep me busy!

Some Arizona Opera pics from L'elisir d'amore:
(you see a couple videos from the production here)

P.S. I'm also going to use this as a way to keep track of my weekly menus. It's something George and I started after the new year, and I already got the recipes in a file on my computer, but I thought it might be helpful to put links to the sites I find the recipes (or food blogs) so I can find them. Sort of an online cooking journal, or, I guess, a food blog. I don't have to worry about boring anyone, because nobody reads this anyway!

L'amico Fritz

2007-11-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

Well, nearly a week has past, but here it is!

Last week concluded a successful run of the opera at school. Dad and George came to town to see the show and a good time was had by all!

Dad flew in on Friday and we hung out during the day at my house. Friday night was my opening, and although it wasn't fantastic, it went very well.

Saturday, dad and I drove down to Sonoita to do some wine tasting. We started atDos Cabezas and then continued on to Canelo Hills where I gave my dad a tour of the grounds. Photographic evidence:

We concluded our trip by heading over to Callaghan Vineyard.

Full of wine tasting, we drove back up to Tucson to pick George up at the airport. Then it was dinner and off to the opera, this time to watch the other cast. You can see photos of their dress rehearsal here.

Dad and George enjoying coffee

Sunday morning Dad and George came to church we me, and then it was off to the opera again. Dad had to leave after the first act to catch his flight, but George was able to stay for the whole thing (Score: Dad 2 1/3, George 2). Sunday's performance went much better, and I was proud of everyone!

Back from Santa Barbara

2007-11-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

First of all, many thanks go to Ken, Karen, Chris and Christine for making my trip to Santa Barbara so enjoyable! I had a great time!

First of all, my audition went very well. I really felt that I sang close to the best of my ability, and that's no small feat at an audition where you have 5 minutes to impress. Unfortunately I did not impress enough to get a call back! I did not get to sing for the fabulous Marilyn Horne, but Warren Jones was heard my audition. He didn't look bored during my audition, at least I had that going for me.

The rest of my time in Santa Barbara was spent hanging out with Chris and Ken. Ken gave me a tour of the town, and we had lunch outside. This was follow by a fabulous dinner cooked by Ken and a long evening in the recording studio with Chris.

I had a great time and I'm looking forward to tech week for L'amico Fritz. (Check out an article about it here. More about the opera to come.)

Here are a couple of photo from my trip. You can see many more here.

Off to Santa Barbara!

2007-11-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

Greetings all!

Well, good news from the old pueblo (or Tucson, whichever you wish to call it). I survived my cold, countless hours of research and my audition this morning. The audition was for the University of Arizona President's Competition. Each area of the music department (voice, piano, strings, and woodwinds/brass/percussion) hold audtions to pick a student to represent them at the President Concert, held at the end of January. The winner gets to perform with the orchestra, so essentially it's a concerto competition.

So I auditioned with a set of songs by American composer (and native of Wisconsin) Lee Hoiby. And I won! It's very exciting, and I'm really looking forward singing the songs with the orchestra.

Now I'm in rehearsal for the opera, and will be flying to Santa Barbara for an audition with Music Academy of the West. My audition is tomorrow afternoon, and then I fly back Sunday for another rehearsal here in Tucson...

Busy me!

Voting Day

2007-11-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Yes! I remembered to vote today!!!!!! Of course, I would have totally forgotten if it hadn't been for my neighbor Rachel. As I was leaving for the day, she was pulling into the drive. I starting to pack my car, and she asked me if I knew where we were suppose to go to vote. I thought for a moment, and said, "I have it on my fridge!" And so I did. So, I was reminded to vote, and I even got a sticker for my time. I always feel really good after I vote, like I did something important. Which, of course, I did! I was sad to see all of the empty lines on the voter register. I hope everyone in Tucson gets out to vote before 7:00!

I'm happy to report that the concert went very well on Sunday. There was a great crowd and I feel pretty good about how I sang. Like I went 3-4 with 2 RBI and also drew a walk!

Sorry I don't have any photos, but if you go over to Canelo Hills Blog, you can see my ugly mug!

Upcoming Performance

2007-10-30T19:51:00.001-07:00

When I started this blog last year, I intended it to be an account of my travels and performances. Sort of an open diary for my family and friends. In the past year, I think I have done a pretty good job at posting my whereabouts. However, I seem to leave out important information; the music I am performing, when and where the concerts are, and so on. I usually just post non-performance related things, like; "I'm in Somewhereville, look at the funny building."

I have wondered whether or not to start a separate blog, one in conjunction with my website I am trying to get going. For now, I'll keep it like this and if there is ever a time when I need to expand, I will!

So... that leads me to announce what I have coming up:

Yes! It's Gilbert & Sullivan with the University Community Chorus. Dr. Schauer was kind enough to ask me back to join the chorus and a fine group of student soloist to partake in this joyous occasion. "Trial by Jury" was Gilbert and Sullivan's first full collaboration, and started them off on their merry way as a librettist/composer duo. (if you haven't seen Topsy-Turvy and like G&S even a little bit, you must see this movie). I play the part of the Judge in this concert version and end up with the girl in the end!

I wish you could all be there to see me!

Windy

2007-10-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well, my heart goes out to all of the people in Southern California, especially my friends Todd, Nishi, Tim and Karen. I spent some down time reading about the fires, hope you and your friends make it through okay!

On a lighter, but not completely unrelated, note; here are two silly videos from my trip to Wilcox. You can't hear a damn word either Kathryn or I say, but you can see you beautiful it was there, and see how windy it was.

I explain of the varieties of pumpkins:

Kat's Southern Arizona inspired version of Oklahoma:

Hard Day on the Farm

2007-10-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in a man's life when he must brave the elements. When he must roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty, enjoy the dirt under his nails, the sun on the back of his neck... yes; a man must break a sweat to find find nourishment. Or go to Trader Joe's, whatever is easier, really.

Today I wanted to investigate where the food actually comes from, and have a bit of fun picking my own! Kat and I drove to Wilcox (about 90 miles) today to visit Apple Annie's Orchard and Produce Farm (which are actually located in two different places!). Despite the windy weather (dust!) and the crowds, it was a great day. I came away with a big bag full of apples (about 4 pounds of mostly Fuji and Granny Smith), one awesome pumpkin, and bag full of tasty looking fresh veggies.... so many photos!!!

Some more photos here.

Done!

2007-10-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

Wow,
Done with Lucia in Pheonix! It was a great weekend. Click here to see photos of costumes. I'll bother you once more with opera videos:

This is a video of the baritone who sang Enrico in our production, great guy and incredible baritone:

Weston Hurt sing "Cruda funestra smania"

AZ Opera in Phoenix!

2007-10-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend is here, and I'm enjoying my working vacation! I'm up in Phoenix singing in the chorus for Arizona Opera's production of Lucia di Lammermoor. We have four performances this weekend (Thursday through Sunday) and the opera puts us up in the Wyndham in Downtown Phoenix. It's not too shabby, and it's a pretty exciting place to be, with the Diamondbacks in the NLCS and the happening downtown PHX nightlife... (it was impossible to find food last night after the performance!).

If you are interested, here are some clips of the opera from youtube:
First Act by the Fountain:

The Mad Scene

And a couple of photos: (I promise to post more!)
Adam enjoying our bus ride with only 1 near death experience (thanks to our attentive driver Dan!)

Jay, how did he get the good wig?

Christopher and I

Winner! And Canelo Hills Wine Opening

2007-09-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Wow... I am a geek. Proof:

CBS was nice enough print a story on the league home page! My team was the Geronimo Catchers (named after the street I live on and the position I respect most!), and as you can see, I finished second in my division. However, the top two teams in each division make the playoffs, and I made the push to the top!!!! In case you are curious, here was may line up for the last week: (this was an American League only league)

The other recent big event was the Canelo Hills Grand Opening. It was a great success, and tons of people joined the Muellers this past Saturday. We sold a lot of wine and people loved it!!!!
Photographic evidence:
HERE

Wine Country

2007-09-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the Canelo Hills Grand Opening next week, I took my friend George (Visiting from St. Louis) to Sonoita for wine tasting and then to Patagonia for a picnic and a tour of the Nature Conservancy Bird Sanctuary. The weather was great (most of the day) and all of the wine was amazing!!!!

First we stopped at Canelo Hills to visit Joan and Tim. They were busy getting ready for their opening (which I will be working at!) and getting ready to harvest the grapes. Tim let us sample a Syrah that had just finished fermenting and was just about to be put into barrels for aging.
After getting the tour of Canelo Hills, we moved next door to Callaghan Vineyards to sample some wine. Then it was on to Ranco Rossa, and finally to Dos Cabezas Winery.

Photos:
George and I

View from Rancho Rossa

Then it was on to Patagonia. First a picnic (I made a quinoa salad and a garbanzo bean sandwich salad, it was so yummy!), then walking around town (we got espresso!) and then to the sanctuary. Unfortunately, the weather turned on us, so we didn't get to hike, but we did see hummingbirds!

Photos:

Because the lunch from the previous day was so awesome, we decided to have it for dinner with our favorite wine that we tasted, a Viognier from Dos Cabezas.

Doesn't that look yummy?

All Homemade and Fat Free!

2007-09-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

What? Is this a food blog? :)
No, here's a non-food picture:

Last week I remade a 'refried' pinto bean recipe from the New McDougall cookbook and decided try a version of homemade enchiladas with a sauce from the same cookbook. They were pretty yummy! I served them with a great coleslaw. (from the same cookbook)

I'm lazy and I am not posting the recipes, and besides, I did them by the book, so that would be copyright infringement or something...
The stove:

The Sauce:

Finished:

Plated:

I wish I could figure out how to photograph food!

Food and Planning

2007-08-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Labor day is fast approaching! Do y'all know what that means?

Well, I suppose it means a lot of things, but in general, it means that Kat and I (along with our pianists Aryo and Don) will begin teaching in the OMA program again. This will be our fourth year and by golly are we prepared. Why? (I'm sure you are all asking yourselves). Two reasons, because of the through training session we went through in May (finally!) and because we sat down and actually planned out the first two quarters last night! Let me tell you, it feel great to be prepared!!!!

Oh yea, and we cooked an awesome nearly fat free veggie stir fry!

Photos and recipe:

Everything prepped and ready to go!

Adding the rest of the veggies!

We were disorganized!

But now we are organized!

Veggie Stir Fry:

Ingredients:

Rice or Asian Noodles of some sort, cooked (of course)
Sesame Seeds
Sesame Oil (only a tiny bit, just for the taste)
water (to stir fry the veggies)
Chopped:
-Onion
-Carrots
-Celery
-Cabbage
-Red and Green Bell Peppers
-Broccoli
(about 6-8 cups total, and you could use any combination that you fancy,
these are just the veggies I had on hand.)

For the Sauce (adapted by me from the New McDougall Cookbook):
1 1/2 cups unsweetened apple juice
1/4 soy sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon dried ginger
4 cloves crushed garlic
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Okay, in wok (or a large fry pan) toast the sesame seeds until they are golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Add a tiny bit of sesame oil to the wok, heat it, and add the long cooking veggies (in our case, the onions, carrots and celery). Cook for about 5 min., adding water as needed.

Add the other veggies (we held out the broccoli, because we like it crunchy, not soggy) and add water as needed (so the veggies don't stick to the pan).

When the veggies are nearly done, add the sauce (which you should have mixed already, DOH!) and cook for another 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.

Serve over whole grain rice, soba noodles or udon noodles. (We used udon noodles, but only because I thought I bought soba noodles. DOH! DOH!)

Note: Kat did all of the chopping and most of the stir-frying. I made the sauce and the noodles. Thanks for doing the hard work Kat!)

Sante Fe Photos

2007-08-10T11:05:00.001-07:00

I have too more days in Santa Fe... then it's off to Arizona.... Here are some photos...

Two pics from the Gala Dinner

Climbing Ladders at Bandelier National Monument

Kat, Michal and I on Sandia Crest in Albuquerque

Hiking the Little Tesuque Trail in Santa Fe

In Costume for our Lensic Theatre Performance

Tailgating at the Santa Fe Opera

Grape Planting

2007-05-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Visit Their Website!

Well, despite getting little sleep the night before, I still managed to catch a ride with Casey and Kat down to Sonita to do some grape planting on Friday. It was a little hot (first day of the year to reach 100 degrees in Tucson), but we got some cloud cover and there wasn't as much planting to be done as there was in the past two years. To make it even better, Joan fixed a fabulous lunch and I got to take two bottles of Tim's Canelo Hills Riesling home.

Here is the photographic evidence:
Me, duh.

The Mueller family hard at work (Photo taken by Casey)

A bucket of Gewürztraminer vines

Planting a Gewürztraminer vine

The vineyard

A humming bird's nest

Here comes Charlie

It was a great day. Back in Tucson, I went to Ken's graduation Party (No Photos, Sorry). Congrats Ken!

Long time....

2007-05-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

...no post. I know. I'm sorry.

Okay, moving on... What's new? Well nothing really. It's May, and the semester has wound down, and all that means for me is the end of rehearsals. No classes = no finals.

More importantly, I've finished my teaching with OMA for the year. Ten first grade operas, all a huge success. Parents and teachers happy all around. I would post photos, but I can't, for the safty of the children!

In addition to teaching, I have been very busy performing. A couple of weeks ago I had four concerts in the course of a week.
Photographic evidence:

First, the opera; Tartuffe, by Kirke Mechem (who I will get to meet this summer, because the Desert Chorale has commissioned a new piece from him. Click on the link to see the new promo photo, I'm in the middle!). Here's the cast in all our long hair glory.

Also, me and my mother:

And one of the Tartuffe (Ken) and Orgon (me):

Next: Performance of Handel's 'L'Allegro' with the University of Arizona Community Chorus:
Soloists: Chloé, Kathryn and me

Soloists: Me, Kat and Adam

Then: Performance of Britten's 'Rejoice in the Lamb' with my friend Lupe (middle) conducting:
(Me, Kara (mezzo), Lupe, Todd (tenor), and Jenneya)

Finally: Later that week with the Rieman Opera Quartet at the KUAT Chamber Music Showcase. To be aired on the radio. When, I do not know!
Chloé, Brent and Cindy Chillin' in the dressing room:

The quartet and accompanist:

There you go. The fourth concert was another Opera Quartet gig. I have one more of those, next Tuesday, and I will be done!!!! Already working on my music for Santa Fe....

For My Brother

2007-05-08T01:18:00.000-07:00

Go Brewers! Go Milton!

Sun, Snow and Ice?

2007-02-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's Fat Tuesday!!! Hooray! So, I'm taking a timeout from research to post some pictures from this weekend.

So, the big the day was Saturday. Kat, Sarah Lynn and I drove up the highway to Mt. Lemmon. We first stopped off at Molina Basin for a mid-altitude hike. The trail was called the Prison Ruins trail. It lead to an abandoned Interment Camp. Read about it here.

After the hike were drove up to the ski area to see the snow. I was cool (tee-hee), but not as exciting as I would have hoped. However, I got to make a snowball!

Anyway, back in town, we joined Casey and headed out to an Arizona IceCats game. I was only college club hockey, but it was still fun.

Back to work!

Recital and Old Veggie Chili

2007-02-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful few! It's Tuesday, and I'm still here! Here's the news from Geronimo Avenue:

Sunday was my Doctoral Solo recital, and I passed! I was pretty happy with how everything went, and as soon as I get the courage to listen to the recording, I'll post an MP3 or 2 of the highlights. Kathryn was a darling and did the reception for me (in the tradition started by Nishi!!! (see girl, I do give credit!)) And Brian played brilliantly. (Special thanks to Gloria for turning pages and Chloe and Sarah Lynn for being my ushers!). Like a fool, I was too crazy to remember my camera, so I don't have any photos. Kathryn took a couple, but I have yet to ask for them. However, I do have a shot of the flowers and gifts I received:

The after recital activities were quite mellow, I actually just came home. However, I was rewarded by a glorious sunset, which I enjoyed with my new neighbor James. Here are a couple of shots:

After the sunset I went out to the Grill for drinks and ice cream sundaes (A great combination!)

So, what's up with the Veggie Chili thing in the title? Well, I made chili tonight, which I really liked! This was surprising, mainly because I didn't have all of the usual ingredients I use to make chili. In fact, I had some old peppers, old celery, old garlic, an old onion and some canned goods. So, I combined some of my favorite chili recipes and went for broke! And I loved it. It's not nearly as spicy as I usually like, but I gobbled up two bowls of it, after I ate two large roasted potatoes!!!

Here's the recipe:

1 old medium onion
2 old bell peppers (I used an orange and a yellow)
2 old stalks of celery
2 old cloves of garlic
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup old red wine
3/4 cup wheat bulger
1 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1/2 tableespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
pinch of cayenne pepper
salt to taste

Ok, first I chopped up the onion, peppers, celery and pressed the garlic. Then I sauteed them with the water and wine. While that was cooking, I strained the diced tomatoes, and brought a cup of the juice to a boil and added the wheat bulger, then turned off the heat. While the bulger was absorbing the liquid, I added rest of the ingredients to the veggies. Five minutes later, I added the bugler, and a bit of water to get the consistency I wanted. Then I brought the whole lot to a boil, lowered the heat, and cooked the darn thing for about 30 minutes.

This is what it looks like:

The pictures doesn't do the whole thing justice, but it was yummy!

Can you tell I've been reading food blogs? Anyway, back to research and opera memorizing and quartet music learning! Just so you all know... I've been invited to go back to Santa Fe for the summer! (nice to have a job!)

Enjoy!

My Artic Mexico Adventure

2007-01-27T21:27:00.000-08:00

Well, now that I have had a few days to reflect, I'm feeling a little better about my recent trip to Mexico. I'm looking at it this way: the highways were better then I expected (the road from Navajoa to Alamos was nicer then any American two lane highway I've ever seen), the UofA van did not break down and we were not run out of town for our inability to order breakfast. See, the trip went really well!

Well, it did. The concert was fine, we were safe. But it was COLD!!!! I have never been so unprepared for 40 degree weather! In short, we were dreadfully unprepared for the cold. There was nowhere, save the spot directly in front of a fireplace, to be warm. Anyway, I sound like a wimp from Arizona.

Eun Pa shows of the UofA van!

Brent Watches Sonora pass by.

So, on Sunday Prof. Roe drove us down to Alamos, about a 9 hour drive on the Mexican toll road, and we arrived in Alamos about 11 PM. We some luck, we found our guide and translator, Vilma, and she escorted us to our homes. I stayed with Brent in a home just a little ways up from the plaza that belonged to a lovely American couple from the Chicago area. (photos:)

The next day we all met at Las Palomas, a restuarant that was responsible for feeding us on the trip. We all were no faced with a day beiong unprepared for cold weather, in a place where there was no heat (you see, it wasn't suppose to be this cold there, ever!). Eun Pa and I liked the fireplace in the Resturant, today our table wasn't closer!

From there we headed off to a rehearsal space. The 'space' was in this beautiful home near the plaza. About these homes, they were amazing. They basically all consisted of a beautiful garden area, surrounded by rooms. You actually had to go outside to get from room to room. Usually this was never a problem, but today, it was cold (did I memtion that?). Anyway, we were given a room with a nice piano and a fireplace (probably the warmest place we were all day, after the fire place warmed the area up a bit) and we went through our program and hung out there until we were forced to move on.
Eun Pa ad Christi rehearse:

Brent tries to keep his fingers from freezing!

Cindy enjoys the fire!

From there, we went on to check out the performance venue. It was a beautiful Palacio (a courtyard with a stage and an ope roof (!!!!!!!!!!)) The people with the festival were really kind, and provided us with warm beverages, and the Radio Station interviewed Prof. Roe!

After the venue visit, we had some time to walk around town... a great way to keep warm!

Overall, it was a cold trip. And we sang pretty. And we had fun, see?

Did I mention my gas bill was astronomical this month?

Recital Time!

2007-01-20T23:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! You should have been there!!! Tracy's recital was amazing. Coming in a close second to the recital was the reception, which featured Hazelnut Chocolate Fondue! Here's a shot of Ken, Tracy and I!
On to Mexico tomorrow!

Back to Work

2007-01-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

Well, back in Tucson (for almost two weeks now), and things are already frantic around here!

I am singing a couple of my favorite songs tomorrow night on a recital given by pianist Tracy Perry. I am singing Ravel's "Histoires naturelles" (set to poems by Jules Renard. For those of you who were at my recital in Milwaukee, these were on the program there.

Then, on Sunday it's off to Alamos, Sonora, Mexico. Alamos is about an eight hour drive from Tucson, and I will be headed down there in a mini-van with the Amelia Rieman Opera Quartet and our director, my teacher, Prof. Roe. Six adults in a min-van, that should be fun! We will be singing a concert as part of the Festival Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado. To be honest, I don't know much about the festival, but here is a bit of info on a funny looking website (which indicates the performances of "opera stars," I guess that's us). You can see here a bio of the quartet on the website!

In addition to these two recitals this week, I'm preparing a role in the UofA spring opera, "Tartuffe"; and preparing for my Doctoral Solo recital on February 11th. More on those later!

Here are a few pictures from New Year's eve in Chicago!

Nathan and Dad at dinner:

Mollie and Dad outside the dinner place, Club Lucky:

The power went out at about 11 pm!

The ever-dangerous beer pong:

Happy New Year!

Best Albums of 2006

2007-01-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I spent a lot of myu free time this past year obsessed with eMusic and music in general. Reading about it, performing it, listening to it... I guess it's is my life. Having aquired all of this music, and observing how often I listen to it (thanks to iTunes), I feel it would go against my indie rock upbringing not to post a list of some sort. So here it goes.

20. Yo La Tengo "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass"
19. Islands "Return to the Sea"
18. Herbert "Scale"
17. Bob Dylan "Modern Times"
16. Josh Rouse "Subtitulo"
15. Sunset Rubdown "Shut Up I Am Dreaming"
14. The Hold Steady "Boys and Girls in America"
13. Sufjan Stevens "The Avalanche"
12. Neko Case "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
11. Beirut "Gulag Orkestar"
10. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat"
This Album was really big with me early in the year. Simple song-writing, country/americana stylings and political and God-questioning lyrics.

9. The Decemberists "Crane Wife"

I was really looking forward to this album's release. In a way, it didn't dissappoint. Despite the indie world's fear that a major-label release would somehow dilute the band's artistic process, Colin Meloy and the gang delivered on great album full of great characters, great songs, and even some old fashioned prog rock!

8. Final Fantasy "He Poos Clouds"
This album, which won the Polaris prize in Canada for best album of the year, was a great find for me. I've always been irritated by the label of "champer pop". It seems, buy the industry writers, "chamber pop" was any music that had any instrumentation added to the traditional electrical instruments. Chamber music is really just music that can be performed in a small space (chamber, or room). I guess I take this to mean music without amplification. Well, Final Fantasy (aka Owen Pallet) is the first true chamber pop that I have ever heard. It's really a very interesting album, he uses strings, percusion and keyboard instruments to paint a lush musical landscape with stange 'fantastic' subjects. It really is a great listen.Oh yea, this is the guy who arranged strings for a bunch of indie artists, most noteably, The Arcade Fire.

7. Califone "Roots & Crowns"
I've always been a big fans of these guys from Chicago. I've heard them described many ways, but my favorite is "freak folk". What doesn that mean? Well, I'm not sure, but their music is wonderful. It's melodic and soothing, haunting and minimalistic, and, most importantly creativly consturcted. I hear more of a blues influence then their past efforts, but it is not, by any means, a blues recorded. Can't help but hear a little Tom Waits influence either (especially "Rain Dogs")

6. TV on the Radio "Return to Cookie Mountain"
This was probably the most-hyped album of the year (next to The Decemberists) and by all accounts, it lived up to the hype. This album took sometime for me. I instantly liked the soul that this album had. But, in addition to that, its innovative, fun, dark and melodic. It really is an album in the purest sense, I prefer to listen to the whole thing from start to finish, rather then select songs in the car an the way to school.

5. Cat Power "The Greatest"
One of the first albums I downloaded on eMusic last year, Cat Power's (aka Chan Marshal) most recent album really impressed me. I always liked her song writing, but was never all that impressed with her arranging skills or performance on her previous records. However, she cleaned herself up and recorded this album with some old Memphis sessions players (who have recorded with artists like Al Green); the result, a great record with some heart-wrenching songs all played by a handful of great musicians.

4. Joanna Newsom "Ys"
What do you get when you have a girl who studied creative writing and composition at Mills College, who always thought that she couldn't sing, and who's main instrument is the harp? Well, a album of interesting songs composed on a harp; with creative, allegorical lyrics, sung in a strange, yet charming, voice. The 5 tracks on this album each run between 7 and 15 minutes and feature Newsom on her harp with orchestral accompianment arrange by Van Dyke Parks. However, the symphonic scope of this album just masks its simplicity. The music is simple, but the result is like candy to the ears.

3. The Format "Dog Problems"
This album just makes me smile. Not all of the lyrics are as happy as the songs, but I still just smile. With cues from 1970s pop (Queen) and a wide vareity of songs styles (including a waltz), this albums is by far the funnest album of the year! What else can I say?

2. M. Ward "Post-War"

Listen to this!

1. Destroyer "Destroyer's Rubies"
Buy this!!

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Want to hear songs from some of the Albums? Well, click on the links above, search for them on MySpace, or on

History

2006-12-29T10:29:00.000-08:00

As you probably already saw, Christmas as a ton a fun. However, before the festivities began, Joel, Mollie and myself received a history lesson. We began the day with a visit to the cemetary to visit Mom, Grandma and Grandpa; and then my dad, (without explanation) drove us off is a direction that didn't lead to Steve and Linda's house!

Here is what we did:
First stop: U.S. Grant Elementary school. This is where my dad went, and it doesn't look like the building has changed much!

Across the way form the school, was the church my dad was confirmed in... (I was too lazy to walk around to the front!)

Just down the street from the School, was the house my father grew up in. I was amazed by the size of the house... it was tiny. I can't believe that it housed 9 kids at one time!!!! Again, my dad reported that it looks the same!

A shot of the street in front of the house:

Again, just a few blocks away, was the Middle School that Dad attended.

Next stop was the school that Mom went to. This photo does not do it justice! It is a beautiful sprawling building, that has been maintained very well (at least on the outside.)

Finally, we visited the house the mom grew up in. I had been here before, but it was nice to pay it a visit. And it is for sale! It's great to visit a house that you know that your family built. According to dad, my great grandfather Paul Behling built the house. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the foundation is made of ceramic tile, not something you see very often! What's even more amazing, is that this house was only about 8 blocks from where my dad's house was!

It was a great way to spend the morning. I wanted to see South Division High School, but it's gone, at least the building that my parents when to school in. I searched in vain for old photos on the web, but did have any luck. This link looks like it should have photos, but it gives a little history.

It's almost New Years eve. Hooray!

The Epic Christmas Post

2006-12-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

What a Christmas, full of food, drink and Merriment! here are some photos of good times with the family! Hope you all had a great Christmas too!

My Father spent long hours on decorating the new condo (I love you Dad!)

At Julie's house on Christmas eve, Joel was elected to act as Santa (Mostly because he sat closest to the tree). Doesn't he look happy!

Dad opens the first gift of booze: Oregon Wine from Judy and Burt (who were greatly missed!)

Nadine didn't think my self-picture taking technique was all that special!

Part of Dad's Great Decorating Technique: the Post-Modern Christmas Tree!

Joel REally enjoyed opening his gifts, and explaining the uses of the Brooks Brothers Elastic Band

Now, on to the Christmas day and the festivities at Steve and Linda's house.
There was 3D Christmas Tree Viewing!

And tons of games!
Joel and I kept it classy with the Backgammon and the High Life.

Jay took on the family in Connect Four

After Dinner, a serious game of Sequence ensued:

We celebrated Becky's Birthday with Sue's awesome Cheesecake. (Why can't we just have cheesecake everyday?)

Dad and Steve play at the table, while Joel looks on, trying to learn something.

Dad teaches Nadine to Play Sequence, sort of.

Elizabeth, Pam and Nadine:

Nadine and Tarzan:

Last but not least: Nadine shows us who the Boss is!

Merry Christmas!!!

2006-12-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a safe, peaceful and happy holidays!

I'm done singing in Santa Fe and I'm currently at the Albuquerque Airport en route to Chicago! I'm exhausted, but very happy to to be on my way home to my family!

Snow Pictures!

2006-12-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are some pictures of the recent snow in Santa Fe! There wasn't a ton a snow, but it's more then I've seen in a long time. The city probably got almost a foot of snow, and we got about 16 inches up at the house where I am staying. It was so bad last night, that my host Bob drove down to the Cathedral to pick us up after our concert last night. The roads up to his house were nasty, but we were ok until we made it to their driveway, where the 2006 Acura all wheel drive SUV got stuck! We dug it out this morning and made it back to town this morning, where I rescued my car from the parking lot.

Here's what the roads looked like yesterday!

In the plaza, before our concert last night:

Snowy La Fonda Hotel:

All the snow on the Newspaper boxes in front of St. Francis:

The Snowy Hills up in the Foothills where I am staying:

Another view from the house:

The Plaza today at lunch:

The beautiful Loretto Hotel:

Let it Snow!

2006-12-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

Santa Fe Art Museum

You can't see the photos now (At the coffee shop without my USB), but it's snowing in Santa Fe! It actually been snowing all day.
It's was interesting getting down from the hills where I am staying, but I made it! However, something completely now-weather related happened to my car. The alternator died! So, I spent the day getting a tow truck, hanging out at Sears, and apologizing to Michael and Bob for wasting their day! All is fixed now, and we have our 7th concert tonight! Just three more to go.

Here are a few photos of the area where I am staying:

Outside the Kline's House

The Vulture Statue I love!

Opening Night!

2006-12-15T12:35:00.002-08:00

Tonight is opening night for the Desert Chorale!!!!! We will be singing to a sold out audience at the Basilica St. Francis Cathedral. (probably about 800 people). Should be exciting!!!!!

Here are a few pictures of our concert venues:
St. Francis at night

Cristo Rey and the beautiful New Mexican Sky

Back in TIme #3!
Here are some photos of my Thanksgiving trip to San Diego:
Cocktail time!

Me at the Beach!

Walking in Golden Hill

Rumbles the Cat!

Beer for lunch in Ocean Beach

Back In Time: volume #2

2006-12-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Santa Fe (and Happy birthday to me!).

I left Tucson on Saturday, and spent the night in Las Cruces with Andrew. It was wonderful to split the drive in two, and we went to the choir concert at New Mexico State where he teaches.
Andy's Huge Agave!

I arrived in Santa Fe on Sunday, and we are already having our first concert tonight!!! I'm a bit under the weather, but things are going well. As usuall, I love being here. Last night a group of us went to 10,000 Waves for a soak, and tonight, after our concert, we will go out for cocktails to celebrate my birthday!!!!

BACK IN TIME!!!!!!!

In October, Anishka and her mom Melinda visited with the dogs, and we spent the day picnicing and hiking in Madera Canyon.
Here are the Photos:

Photos of Santa Fe to come!

Back in Time: volume #1

2006-11-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

So, now that I'm back from my hiatus, I have decided to go back in time a bit. I think that it makes sense, as my semester is coming to an end, to reflect on what has happened and, well, what it boils down to, what I have snapped photographes at. I have never claimed to be philosophical, have I? No! Anyway, I digress.

Now, let us enter the way back machine:

-------September 3rd, 2006-----------

It was just a week after I arrived in Tucson, and I already had visitors. The esteemed Christine and her new husband Christopher made the journey down from Phoenix (where they were hanging out with the Becker's unitl Chris could move into his new place in Santa Barbara, read about their adventure here.)

If memory serves, Christopher and I did something while Christine studied at a coffee shop, maybe I had a rehearsal (I know, Great Stroy!!!!) any way, we ended up at my house and just hung out for a short time....

The Lovely Couple

Chris lecturing on his outdoor art technique.

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MP3 of the Blog:
Now that 2006 is coming to an end, and all the crazy music bloggers are cranking out their 'best of' lists, I would like to look forward instead of back...

Know Your Onion - of Montreal (The Shins cover) (click on song title to download!)

Both fine groups are releasing new albums in January.... you can already stream the entire of Montreal album on their website.

(I am practicing for when I act as a music blogger and spew my silly music views at all y'all. I'm giving this zShare site a try, but you have to download the track yourself to actually listen to it... let me know if this is annoying.)
------------------

{Coming Soon!!! Nathan's Top 25 Albums of 2006}
{Will it be this?}

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

Greetings from San Diego! I drove in last night from Tucson, and easy six hour drive (surprisingly little traffic), and am happily enjoying the holiday in California! Spent the morning sleeping in, and then Melinda (Anishka's Mom) and I stuffed the bird and plopped it in the oven. Then we went off to Balboa park to walk the dogs. Now we are back and ready to carve the Turkey. When Anishka gets home from work, its off to dinner!

Hope you are all well!

Here are the pictures:

Official Apology

2006-11-22T01:31:00.000-08:00

To those who no longer read my blog:

I am embarrassed that my last blog (in August!!!) was about television. At this hour, I cannot formulate anything interesting, so instead I will just apologize, and promise to catch up soon. I have no excuse for my absence, so I offer this as compensation for the time that I missed.

This blog entry is the manifestation of guilt caused by Christopher's most recent blog.

Please accept this apology.

With great regret,
Nathan

The tele...

2006-08-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, for not watching TV for the greater part of the past year, I sure am enjoying the Emmy Awards. For some reason, cooking food for the week and watching celebrities be themselves and have a good time is a fairly good way to spend time for one evening. So, Celebrities are the theme for this blog (Wait, have my blogs had themes? Maybe...)

First of all, I was inspired to start this blog because of the of the Best Mini-Series or Movie category. A person I actually know was up for an Emmy: writer Kirk Ellis for the TNT Mini Series "Into the West." He is a fantastic supporter of the Desert Chorale, and has a great home theatre! His show didn't win, but I added it to my Netflix queue (along with the winner in the category Elizabeth I).

Now, as I mentioned to some of you, I have to mention a celbritiy sighting I had this summer. Of course, this isn't the first celebrity sighting I've had in Santa Fe (Selma Hayek, Kevin Kline, Harrison Ford to name a few), but this is by far the best! And it's because of Kirk Ellis! So, as I noticed while hanging out with Emilie and Angie at Kirk's guest house/office (where they were staying for the summer), Kirk was working on a screenplay about John Adams. Well, he announce that the project was greenlighted to start shooting in 2007 (according to IMBd the project is going to be directed by Tom Hanks), and Michael is hopping to get a part as southern boy! Well, we all know that the most popular book about John Adams was by the great writer David McCullough, and I met him twice! Well, Kirk brought him to a Cameo Performance at Loretto Chapel, where I got to shake his hand and greet him. Then, a few nights later, at the Desert Chorale cabaret, he approach Randy and I, and told us how much he enjoyed our performance.

So there you go here's an old pic for you to enjoy:

Christopher and Bernie Brewer! Go Brewers!

The New Wall! (w/ bonus)

2006-08-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

School has started, and it wouldn't be a new semester without undergrads at the U of A riding mechanical bulls covered in what I'm pretty sure is a real cowhide (you can probably catch the rest of the cow, or something similar at your local carnivorous restaurant.)

Yes, so this picture was taken last Sunday when Kat and I took a bike ride . It was fun, and I've exercised every day since (not a feat, I know, but I feel good about it, so why shouldn't I brag!). However, I had a flat tire today on my bike, so I must do some investigating. Below: Kat enjoying the cooler Tucson evening; and a sunset from the Mall on Campus.

So, the purpose of this post: I woke up this morning to a strange scraping sound. Now, this is better then the jackhammers and pounding I would wake up to last May, but it still inspired me to get out of bed this morning a 6 a.m. to investigate. What did I find? I discovered that two workers were laying cinder blocks. Yes! The wall was under construction! When I returned home on my flat tire (which I filled before riding home, it held up quite well, thank you), the Wall was finished. I rejoiced, and then made dinner (more on my questionable diet choice later).

So there you have it... School, wall and.... the bonus.

For the two or so of you how read this and are fans of Sufjan Stevens, check out this video of him performing a duet with David Byrne (Talking Heads). See it and read about the event at sterogum. Enjoy!

The Bathroom Reader...A Typewriter Story

2006-08-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

So Chris has this old typewriter, and his powerbook is in a federal postal service compound in Seattle (long story). So he decided to type a letter, a letter to me, intended to be a bathroom reader. I know this explanation is not sufficient, but it is the best that I can do for now. So he was typing a letter, a bathroom reader, and Christine kicked him out of the apartment, because it was annoying. So he went to a coffee shop, and strangers confronted him conversing about typewriter ribbons. At one point he even fascinated a little girl. She didn't know what the instrument was. She remarked, "It's like a computer, but you get the results right away."

So the coffee shop closed, and Christopher went to a bar, but after ordering a beer and continuing his typing, the bartender asked him to stop. He was disturbing the customers. With his typewriter.

I love you Christopher... Your uniqueness is grand.

Hiking Catalina State Park

2006-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ian and I embarked on a little adventure. Our goal: hike the Romero Canyon trail to the Romero pools and swim!!!! Sounds like a great Idea right? Well, it would have been, if powers out of our control hadn't intervened. The plan was to leave my house at 6:30, beat the heat. However, I overslept, and couldn't here my phone, which was in the kitchen, and Ian could remember which house was mine. So, after the comedy of errors and 45 minutes, we were finally on the road to Catalina State Park. It was amazing how green everything was, I hardly recognized it!

More bad news.... yes, the road through the park was closed, because they were clearing silt from the road that was washed down from the mountain during the flooding.

But did that stop us? Nope, we decided to just walk into the park. Because of the work being done on the road, Ian and I followed the wash north, crossed the wash about a 1/2 mile out and ended up at the deserted horse stables and the start of the Bridle Trail. The trail, (which is mainly used for horses) worked it's way east through the flat part of the park to the parking lot where we would have parked our cars, had we been able to get into the park! The weeds along the trail were taller then us!

See, finally at the trail head, almost 2 hours later then we planned and having already hiked about 2 miles, we considered our options. The Romero Canyon Trail goes up about 1000 feet to the pools, and were weren't sure we would make it, because the growing heat and out already diminished water supplies. However, not finished yet, we decided to see how far we could get.
The Hike was hot and uphill, but we went for about another mile and a half before we decided to start the walk back to the car. A little disappointed that we didn't get a dip in the pools, we headed out. However, when the ridge leveled out and the trail hit flat land, we decided to explore the canyon just off the trail. There was a sign indicating the "Montrose Pools", so we descended into the canyon. To our delight, the stream had enough water in it, and we were reward with a soak! You can't believe how wonderful that felt!

So, we didn't reach our goal, and the worst part was that the park road was opened by the time we walked back to the entrance. Anyway, our plan next Saturday, get up earlier, and providing the road is open, hike to the Romero Pools!

2 Reasons

2006-08-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, This post is up for two reasons. Frist, Christopher wanted to know what that picture on the previous post was.

The truth is: I just don't know... I think it was taken on I-10 coming home from Santa Fe. We (Ken and I) were trying to get a good photograph of the sunset.

Second Reason: I Just got of the phone with Theresa, and she had no idea that Ken came to Santa Fe to visit me. She noted that I hadn't posted any photos from the end of my trip, so here are a few:

Ken and I hking the Atalaya Trial
Kimberley and I getting in Character for the Caberet.
Hiedi and I before the last Desert Chorale Concert
Oh yea, filling up the GTC with gas and getting it ready to roll!

When I returned to Tucson, I came home to discover that my back fence had been removed. Thankfully they are building a cinder block wall. Unfortunately, it also looks like they will be building a completely new stucture, which means lots of noise this fall. (Also notice the green thing with little flowers on it, I have never seen that plant so big! Boy has there been a ton of rain here in Tucson!)

Ok, that was longer then I expected.... I should be busy practicing, so I'm going to get to that. Look for a post tomorrow about my hike today!

Back in Tucson

2006-08-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Blah, blah, blah....

for all who like those shirts I sport from time to time, now's the time to buy, Threadless is having a $10 sale, probably not lasting very long... have fun

Ok.

2006-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well, if, you haven't noticed, I've been busy! Dad is hear, and although I've spent a lot of my free time with him, I actually haven't seen him much in the past few days! Last night he was a good sport and had cheap New Mexican Food and went to see a movie with me and some other members of the Chorale. The previous night he came over to my casita to play hearts with Michael, Bob and I (and he won!!!!!).

Well Today is the day we perform our Gilbert and Sullivan review. It should be fun.... Even more fun will be the reception afterwards.

Here are some pics from the last week. A couple from a nice party one of the patrons hosted and the others from a hike Dad and I took up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Enjoy!

G&S Week

2006-08-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, the wee before the SFDC Gilbert and Sullivan showcase. This translates into many hours of silly dancing and singing. Sounds like fun, huh? Well, it is! Very different then preparing for any of our other rep!

So, Dad arrived on Saturday, and we have enjoy slumming around Santa Fe. He came to the Gregorian Mass that the chorale sang on Sunday, and then we walked around the Spanish market. We all bought something, and had a great time seeing the art and the artists. It was a little warm, but worth the sweat.

Actually, going back in time, I enjoyed an awesome hike at Bandelier National Monument on Saturday. It was a bit humid, but well worth the drive and the hike. We hiked down the canyon toward the Rio Grande. The hike featured two waterfalls, and plenty of views.

Speaking of humidity and rain, check this picture of the Rillito River in Tucson. Keep in mind that this river is completely dry about 364 days a year!

I can't think of a title.

2006-07-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

So, another day, another concert... I still can't believe that I can keep everything straight. Including the "Cocktails with the Chorale" concert that I am now singing, I have to be responsible for 5 concert reps. At least it gives me confidence that I can do just about anything!

So, Dad comes tomorrow, and he will be treated to the glories of Santa Fe, and some good music too. The famous Spanish Market is this weekend, which means tons of people in the plaza and great Hispanic artists from all over the country. The Chorale is singing a chant mass at the Basilica on Sunday, so I plan to see the Market after mass with my dad. Parking should be interesting. So far I have perfected the "I'm here on Cathedral business." That translates into free parking downtown!!! Of course, I have never abused it, but it's great for rehearsals!

Here are a few photos from around the house. The first is a view of the sky the other night from my porch, and the next two are from the Dorothy Stewart Trail, just a 'block' from my casita. I love you all!

Pool Party!!!

2006-07-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, with a full day off I spent my morning running errends, got new tires, and I bought a camera!!! Very exciting! With my new purchase, I traveld to Albuquerque to have a pool party with Jo and Sofia. It was a great day:

Day off in Jemez!

2006-07-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, a full day off, and Kat and I took full advantage!

We began the day at the internet cafe, researching hikes, and I choose one that I had made before, a hike to Macauly Hot Springs up in the Jemez Mountains. The hike begins at Battleship Rock, on NM Hwy. 4. We left Santa Fe and drove up to Los Alamos, waved to all the scientists at the lab and then headed out into the mountains. The first stop wash at the Magnificent Valle Grande.

From there we headed on to trailhead. However we were stopped on the highway for about 20 minutes. Why? (you might ask) Because they were shooting a movie, and they decided to close the road! I have no idea what move, but I did here that John Travolta was seen in twon not long ago.

Then, we finally made it to Battleship rock. The hike was moderately difficult (even thought the trail guide called it easy), but it afforded us wonderful views and a great workout.

The reward were the hot springs, sparsely populated because of the difficult journey up the ridge.

On the way down, we took some time to enjoy the East fork of the Jemez River and the view of Battleship Rock. Unfortunately, we forgot to take Husky Paul on the hike!

Then it was off to Soda Dam. Kat parked off the side of the road, in the path of the hot spring, but it was ok (no photo shown).

Next it was off to the Jemez Pueblo for Indian Tacos. Mmmmmm the sauce was yummy!

To finish the day, we drove to Bernilillo and then back up I-25 up to Santa Fe.

Wish you were all here!

Sammie Reappears!

2006-07-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this video!

Look for a long blog about Kat and my adventure in Jemez! (The above photo was taken at Valle Grande on NM Hwy. 4 in the Jemez Mountains)

The SFDC Welcomes Husky Paul!

2006-07-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well, Thanks to Ken... The Desert Chorale "Romance" Cameo has a mascot!!!

The little cutey was originally named Romance, but it was soon changed to Husky Paul (sort of an inside joke...). We had our cameo dress rehearsal last night at the Loretto Chapel, and we open tonight. It's very exciting! If you are thinking of coming to visit and see a concert, you better hurry and get your tickets!

Below are photos of members of the cameo with Husky paul enjoying cocktails at Baleen.

Besides singing...

2006-07-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Church of St. Francis of Asisi (otherwise known as Ranchoes de Toas, made famous by the Georgia O'Keefe painting)

What do I do besides singing here in Santa Fe? Well, not a whole lot, but we are afforded some time to relax, and we are treated so well!!!! On Monday night, Kat and I had some of the other members for dinner. We go to show off our great casita made dinner for everyone. It was Yummy! Then we played Apples to Apples, where I continued my dominance, until Bob beat me in the second game. So far this summer, I have won 4 out of 6 games, with Bob winning the other two. Must be the fact that we are both baritones!

Last night we had our third performance of the Cathedral Repetoire, and durning the day we were treated to a lunch by the friends of the Chorale. Before lunch, a group of us went on a hike on the Borrego Triangle, a simple hike at high altitude, it was perfect. Again, pictures courtesy of Kat!

From the Land of Enchantment....

2006-07-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well, the first concert is in the books, and it was a popular success. We had about 600 fill the Cathedral Basilica and there were many rounds of standing ovations! The concert was recorded and sent of to NPR for the show Performance today, so there is a chance that you all can hear it!

The other exciting Desert Chorale news is that they released there Live Christmas Album last week. I'm very excited because I'm actually on it! I'll get the track posted so you can listen to it. You can buy a copy of it from the Desert Chorale Website.

The photos are courtesy or Kathryn, and they were taken at our Chorale 4th of July party, hosted by a great couple that live out in the hills, with a beautiful view of the Santa Fe Opera.

Tonight it's a night of Japanese indulgences, Sushi at Masa Sushi and a soak at 10,000 Waves Spa.

Below are the two nicest guys in the Chorale, according to Michael!

Welcome to Santa Fe!

2006-07-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well, ok, sure; I have been here a week now, but what a week it has been. Kat, Casey and I drove from Tucson last week Tuesday, and rehearsals started on Wednesday! What a week! The rep is very demanding, but we have a great group of singers and I am really looking forward to the many concerts coming up. You can see a concert schedule and information about the Chorale here.

It's the 4th of July, so I am off to rehearsal, but more soon, I promise!

Here are some views from the hike we took today, including sweaty Nate!

It's been

2006-06-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

...wow, it sure has. I'm back in Tucson, but just for a few days. Then it's off to wonderful Santa Fe.

So, my excuse for slow blogging is camera related, still. Meaning, I don't have on yet! However, I might by one tomorrow, wouldn't that be fantastic!

Anyway, here's proof that I actuall have been busy:

Ensemble Recital in Tucson
Celebrating the Recital
REcital in Milwuakee
The Krueger boys and the Rauen Girl
ALL of the Krueger Boys!
Thanks to Kathryn and Mollie for the photos!

P.S. JOEL: looking for you blog....... and I know you're going to the Brewer/cubbie game today! No better place to start then there!

Birthdaying

2006-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Anyone who was there, can attest to the fact that Mollie and Kate's birthday party was awesome. At least I think so! Just teasing, we gathered at Piece in Wicker Park, owned by the guitar player from cheap Trick. The Pizza was awesome, and the beer was, well, awesomer. The best beer was the Dysfunction-Ale, a very hoppy, scottish-style ale. We had 8 pitchers of it.

Thanks to Mollie for the photos!

So, I'm in Milwaukee now...hanging out and looking a music. Jennifer, I have your phone number, expect a call....

Easing back into blogsphere

2006-06-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Chicago!
I dread beginning a blog with talk about the weather, a sure sign of a conversational roadkill, but I shed this fear because of Chicago, the Great White City. It's cold, and I love it. On my walk to starbuck's this morning, (a tradition while staying with Joel and Mollie, the java-less folk that they are) I rolled out with only gym shorts and a t-shirt. I was greeted with a brisk lake breeze and cement grey sky. I smiled, mostly because this reminded me of my morning walks to Starbucks in December and January. But, rather then the biting, make-you-wish you were in Tucson cold, this was the hug me, giggle and keep me warm cold that I fondly associate with growing up in the midwest.

So, about my absence. I apologize to the tens of you out there who missed me (am I being ambitious?). The absence was triggered by the loss of my camera, my inspiration for this blog. I have yet to replace it, and regret the many blog worthy activites that I have missed. Among them:

1. Graduation (not mine, unfotunately)
2. Graduation parties (unfortunately not mine)
3. End of school festivities
4. My Recital (subject of a future blog, to include music evidence of it's actual existence)
5. Anishka's move to San Diego
6. My current trip to Chicago

I guess that sums up what i have been doing, besides a class that I took, Music 672, "Teaching Higher Education." The class really should have been titled, "How to get a job." It was a great class, many useful things were discussed, and much was learned. The most important thing I learned, was that I should breath during a job interview.

Thanks to Nishi for the photos. The top photo is of Ken and Isabelle, my new canine niece. Of course, a beingwheelwright blog wouldn't be complete without a photo of Sammie. If you are a bww Sammie groupie, look for video on a future blog to feature Sammie and my couch. I miss you Sammie!

So enjoy your Friday... and bring on the World Cup!

Warning... camera malfunction

2006-05-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

I regret to announce that my not-so-trusty camera, the un-named wonder, has gone kaput! The unfortunate day was Sunday ,May 14, yesterday. It was Mother's Day, the first without mom. It was sad, and a bit difficult, but many thanks to Anishka and her Mama Melinda for letting me come with them to Mt. Lemmon for a mother's day drive and sunset hike. It was a beautiful day in Tucson, 102 degrees, but by the time we reached the summit of Mt. Lemmon, it was 70 degrees. Wonderful!

The drive from Tucson to Summerhaven, the tiny resort/ski area/town/national forest area is only about 25 miles, and 5000 ft. The drive took us about an hour, but we stopped about 4 times to take in 'scenic vistas' and the visitor center along the Catalina Highway The drive can be done in about 45 minutes. 40 miles total from downtown Tucson.

When we reached the top, the parked at the ski area, and Anishka and I explored. We decided not to ride the ski lift, not only because it was nine dollars a person, but because it was a 45 round trip, and the lift was only running for another hour. That didn't';t allow for much exploration at the ski park summit, so we decided to sample Orange Cream fudge instead. Mmmmmmmm.

Next, we went into Summerhaven to sample the world famous pies... (actual photo of the pie, courtesy of ten safe frogs' photostream on flickr.) There we ran into one of Anishka's former students, Andrew (I won't say anything else about him... ) and we invited him to sit with us. We arrived at the restaurant around 4:00, and it closes at 5:00, so our choices were limited. We all had to settle for our second choice. I ordered Blueberry instead of Peach, Anishka had Sour Cherry in stead of Boysenberry, and Melinda had raspberry. I guess that was her first choice. Andrew had Chili and cornbread, and coffee. I guess he was eating dinner.

Anyway, the pie was amazing. Eat it, no ifs ands or buts, just do it.

After devouring the pie, and chatting for an hour about politics, California, the Midwest, music and what we were all doing this summer, we parted ways. Anishka, Melinda and I head out of town and down a dirtroad to a trailhead. We were about to embark on our sunset hike, through the fire charred forest on a ridge in the Catalina Mountains. The trail was fairly easy, except for the blackened trees that had fallen over the trail. The tress were destroyed in the 2004 fire.

The light was magnificent, truly amazing. We were fortunate to have some clouds, so the diffused light was intensified. It was enthralling, the bright green clumps of grass, the blackened tress, the purple wildflowers, the brown and dead grass from last season. I have never seen anything like it. All at 8,000 ft, an hour from my house.

We returned that evening, and I immediately went to bed. I started my three week pre-session today, Music 672, class four days a week, four hours a day. It should be a great class. I don't care to give the details, and you are probably not so interested to know them.

Well, I'm sorry for the random pictures. To make a long story short, my camera stopped working, so I hope that my writing was sufficient. The pics posted have no relation to the recollection of the Sunday's activities.

I hope to retrieve whatever photos from my camera, and post them at a later date.

Byt he way, sammie came along to, you can see photos of her here, and here and here.

have a great day, night, or ... time.

mp3 blog

2006-05-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

(Yoda paid me a visit!)

Ok, so I don't have an mp3 blog! Oh the pressure that would create in my life. I admire those that have less of a life then I do and spend time each day researching music and posting select musical numbers on there blog. I sound condescending, but really, I appreciate the wealth of music on the web that the mp3 bloggers provide. (My favorites are Said the Gramophone, Tofu Hut and i (heart) music for great Canadian Music.

Now, I don't intended to report these mp3's to the aggregators, (Hype Machine and elbo.ws)

OK here we go. I would like to display my poor engineering skills today. First of all, here are two Reclimb tracks (Joel Krueger, Chad Karyand Greg Beno) recorded at UW-Oshkosh in 1996 or 1997. The boys were in their senior year of High School and came down to Oshberg several times to make these recordings, we did 6 songs, and these are two that made the cut for a Practicum project.

Reclimb New One
Reclimb Wonder Why

So, there you go, nothing like 17 year olds rocking out!

Moving on to post Oshkosh work, here is a track that I recorded and co-mixed at Renwood Messenger Studios in Kenosha during my internship. God subject warning.

Dave Moore Praise the World

The bass is so heavy, I don't know how that slipped past everyone, oh well.
enough about me!

Planting

2006-05-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that we all had a successful day planting out at Canelo Hills Vineyard in Sonoita. We successfully planted 1000 vines, consisting of two different varities of Cabernet Sauvignon. The weather cooperated, and the entire day was pleasent and productive. I began the day with a visit to my adopted plant from last year, which was still going strong (dispite the drought and the deer!). This year I adopted a nice vine that I planted early in the day. Thanks everyone for a great day.

Enjoy the photos! (More photos in my Kodak gallery, post a comment if you want to be invited to see more, or shoot me off an email.)

Judy and Tiffany hard at work!
Casey and Kat hardly working!
Watch out! Nishi has the tractor!
Taking a break from the sun, playing with Sammie and Cas
Ahhh, the sweet rewards of hard work!

Political Action

2006-05-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ok fellow bloggers, help keep our lines of communication open and running smoothly. Support us in the fight against this bill!

STOP THE "PAY TO PLAY" INTERNET BILL

Do you buy books online, use Google, or download to an iPod? Everything we do online will be hurt if Congress passes a radical law next week that gives giant corporations more control over what we do and see on the Internet.

Internet providers like AT&T are lobbying Congress hard to gut Network Neutralitythe Internet's First Amendment and the key to Internet freedom. Net Neutrality prevents AT&T from choosing which websites open most easily for you based on which site pays AT&T more. Currently BarnesandNoble.com doesn't have to outbid Amazon for the right to work properly on your computer.

If Net Neutrality is gutted, almost every popular sitefrom Google to eBay to iTunesmust either pay protection money to Internet companies like AT&T or risk having their websites process slowly. That why these high-tech pioneers and others are opposing Congress' effort to gut Internet freedom.

Simply put, network neutrality means that no web site's traffic has precedence over any other's...Whether a user searches for recipes using Google, reads an article on snopes.com, or looks at a friend's MySpace profile, all of that data is treated equally and delivered from the originating web site to the user's web browser with the same priority. In recent months, however, some of the telephone and cable companies that control the telecommunications networks over which Internet data flows have floated the idea of creating the electronic equivalent of a paid carpool lane.

If companies like AT&T have their way, Web sites ranging from Google to eBay to iTunes either pay protection money to get into the "fast lane" or risk opening slowly on your computer. We can't let the Internetthis incredible medium which has been such a revolutionary force for democratic participation, economic innovation, and free speechbecome captive to large corporations.

You can do your part today. Can you sign this petition from MoveOn.org telling your member of Congress to preserve Internet freedom? Click here.

Nate finally gets a night out!

2006-05-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

It was great to get out of the house, and no worries about homework or papers! So, Anishka and I hit the 'ol Club Congress for some high grade Canadian Indie Rock.

The show opened up with Cadence Weapon, a 19 year old rapper from Edmonton. He was good, but more importatnly, he had a good sense of humor. The songs were all rapped over a pre-recorded track, which made it a little less-interesting to observe, but it he got bonus points for have synth heavy tracks, nothing that sounded like polished main-stream rap, and that's a good thing. He was basicly rapping for a bunch of 20-something indie kids, and although I think people dug it, not one soul was getting down. He did manage to get the crowd clapping, and then proceeded to label Tucson a good, "clapping town." Now I can die proud.

The second band was Why?, a three piece from Oakland (According to Nishi, they were way bay area). They were very interesting, and the drummer was particulary impressive. Let's just say he was quite busy (they all were reallyy.) He would play his kit, the glockenspiel and sing at the same time! It was poppy and psyhchodelic at the same time, and the performance gave me Pavement flaschbacks. Very Entertaining.

Islands... they took forever to make it to the stage (I'm now old, and wasn't doing enough dancing or drinking to pass the time and take a load off) and when they did, they were all dressed in white, and they were 20! Well, probably older, but I was surprised by the numbers and the white. But they brought it. 2 of the members acted as multi-instrumentalists, focusing on keys and strings, while one of the guitar players turned out to be a bass clarinet player, and played it most of the show. (gave me TMBG flashbacks ). It was a pretty good show, they pulled off most of the songs with a fairly high level of success. This is no small feat, when the studio album involves some many different levels of instrumentation. I have to admitt, the bass clarinet with the violins did give me a few DMB flashbacks.

Here's what a flashback looks like:

What brought the band down a little for me was the attitude of the lead singer (I know that makes me sound like a 2nd grade teacher). He was drunk, and did stupid things:

1. Insult Us (although he did give nishi and I props when we danced, he hated the fact that no one was dancing)
2. Light a smoke bomb and throw it into the crowd
3. abuse the microphone
4. He took the band of stage and then almost didn't come back, and this was about an hour before the bar was suppose and they hadn't played the hit songs

However, they did come back out and play the hits, and feather Cadence Weapon, The lead singer of Why? and the guitar Tech as rappers on "Where there's a will there's a whalebone" cool.

For $9 and two buck well Vodka drinks, it was a good show. Enjoy a video of the show: It's 'Rough Gems" performed by Islands here in Tucson, filmed by me! Enjoy!

Why? Islands. Cadence Weapon.

2006-05-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

That's why!

Wow, so the long day has passed, and now can look forward to a few days to prepare for opera auditions, finals, my recital and going to rock shows! I haven't been out on the town since January, when I snuck out before the semester started and went to Plush to see Marie Frank.

It's going to be a real reward, a reward for all of the work I put into this semester, both at school and working with my first graders in the OMA project. Tonight was the big night for the kids at Sewell elementary. Our first graders, performed their two operas, "The Gingerbread Man vs. the Fairy" and "The Adventures of Sir Codery," and were a smashing success. I was so proud, and tired, and relieved. The trio (myself, Kathryn and Thomas) began work on the operas in January. The kids developed the characters, setting, plot and then wrote the dialogue and song lyrics. They even made their own costumes. Tonight they performed the operas for their parents and their entire school on the big stage! Here's a photo that I took of the kids singing in the concert that followed the operas. Sorry for the bad quality!

So to my reward: The Rock Show! Because Thursday is dead day at the UA, I can stay out late on a Wednesday night (oh, by the way, I still have to be at Sewell elementary to teach at 8:15am! I'll sleep after that!), and I'm heading out to Club Congress to seeIslands. The opening acts sound interesting too: (Why? and Cadence Weapon). I night of Hip hop, indie-hip-hop-rock and pop!

By the way, Joel and Chris, check out Cadence Weapon's track 'Sharks,' in the lyrics, his raps, "I'll take you down to the lake and see if you are water soluble." What? All I know is that Joel thinks he is smarter then us music kids: a quote,
"On 5/2/06, Krueger, Joel wrote:
I'm just leaving work, but I have to say, wood is not soluble as you say Chris. I believe it decomposes via bacteria or something like that. Soluble implies that the solid breaks down into elemental components that can be rejoined when the water is boiled off. I don't think that if you boil a lake, you'll be left will a bunch of wood. It would be more basic forms of carbon, plus I'd guess that a lot of the carbon in the wood that is decaying is released as CO2. I'm just making this up, so I could be wrong, but I probably know more than you musician kids. So there."

Cocky SOB! Luv ya bro!

Last Week of Depression

2006-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

12:30 pm:
Well, not really, I wish I could make such a promise. Instead it is the last week of classes here at The University of Arizona, and the whole campus is a buzz with, students. Well what's new, sure, they are always here, right? Yes. But it's a hell of a lot hotter, and there are more people in the library.

Please mail my noble prize for observation to my home address, on the moon!
2:30 pm:
Ok, now I'm at home and the above looks ridiculous! Oh well, now I have 18 hours to finish four projects, and then I can be done!!! Hooray!

here we go....

2:36am: Opps, 14 hours have past since I began this post. and I have been home working for 12 hours: But all the work is done! F%#$ YES!

Anyway. Sorry y'all couldn't have been a bigger part.

peace: Pic of the Day:

The New Rap Duo from Italy: Il primi intelligente uomi

a ... m

2006-04-29T04:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's 4:12 in the morning, I'm tired, but my mind is spinning. Good thing, bad thing. So I thought I would let it spill here.

First of all; my insomniac soundtrack is mercury Rev's album 'Deserter's Songs. (an old goody that Mark Miller recommended to me years ago.)

OK, where was I? I'm in bed, lights out. It's now 4:14 am.
Ok, so I was listening to godspeed you! black emperor and pondering post-rock. I'm a sucker for genres, and I was trying to figure out what post rock was. Then I listened to a track I downloaded from John Luther Adams' new release. I immediately forgot all about post-rock. Post-rock is for sissies.

The Adams track was awesome. It helped that I was overtired and listening on headphones. The piece was for snare drum (or perhaps many?) and was performed by Steven Schick. I have no idea how it was recorded or performed, and frankly I don't care. Although, if you hit the link to Prof. Schick, it lists his office phone number. Perhaps I'll give him a call.

Then, after contemplating fantasy baseball, I decided to go to the flickr photo sharing site and do random searches. My favorite was the stinky cheese search. See for yourself. Weird.

So...who ever said extending insomniac quality time wasn't productive.
um
nobody I guess
& that's all

i dare you to hyperlink theeeeee all

Always wanted to be a music Journalist

2006-04-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well not really... however, I do love my music listening time. It's been a bit of an obsession, but I suppose it's better then internet porn! So, what I decided to do, inspired by Bob Nanna's best new releases of the week (which he hasn't done for a long time, to much touring and chemo! I'm pulling for you Bob!) and the New Pantheon Music Award. Anyway, I always have strong opinions regarding music. So I thought I would share what I thought about music that has been released since December of 2005. I do this so i can post a spiffy "Best of 2006" in December with all the other cool kids.

Ok, here it goes:

Best of the first 1/3 of 2006!

5. Beirut "Gulag Orkestar"
Ok, so this is a streach, mostly because the album hasn't even been released! However, this kid from Albuquerque (who moved to NYC, of course) has really done an amazing job of melding styles. His light, lofty voice is a perfect match to the folkish, eastern european sounding 'orkestar' he has assemlbed. I am no expert in Eastern European folk music, but i read elsewhere that is what it sounds like. Granted, I've only heard 4 tracks so far, but they are in heavey rotation right now, and I hightly reccomend this album. When it comes out, that is.

4. Destroyer "Destroyer's Rubies"
On my first listen, I couldn't really get into this, but it has really grown on me. Destroyer is the name that Dan Bajer (of the New Pornographers) records under, and up until this release, I hadn't ever heard of him. The album contains elements of what I love about the NP, but with more soul. A lot of reviewers like to call him 'Dylanesque,' and I can hear that, but I just like the scope and variety on the album. Solid.

3. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat"
This was a hard decision. I can't really decided how much I like this album, but I listen to it so damn much, I have to put it here. I love her voice: a little country, a little folk, a little sexy! I suppose a real journalist would research her so he could say something cool, but all I know is that Jenny is in the LA band Rilo Kiley and her album sounds like an update of the ...O brother where art there? soundtrack.

2. The Flaming Lips "At War with the Mystics"
This one was a no brainer. Who doesn't love the freaks from Oklahoma? This outing is a little less ambitious then their last effort, Yoshimi, but I love it! I also read in Paste Magazine that the Lips are in talks with Broadway producer Des McAnuff about bring 'Yoshimi battles the Pink Robots' to broadway. Watch out Spam-a-lot!

1. Josh Rouse "Subtitulo"
Since 'summer' comes early in Tucson, I was happy to find a great summer record. This is a great hanging in the yard and listening to tunes album. It's chill and mellow, but it'll get you to tap your foot from time to time. Rouse is a great songwriter and singer, and I'm happy I checked this out, because I wasn't impressed with 'Nashville,' his last release.

So there we are! My next goal is to be able to post mp3's, so you all can check out a tune while you read. Have a great day!

Motivate

2006-04-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

I now remember why I perform. Tonight I watched the Phish documentary Bittersweet Motel and walked down memory for a while. The movie focused on the 1996/97 Phish Tour that concluded at the Great Went in Limestone, ME. Of course, this was especially meaningful to me, because I was there! I wish I had some of my photos from that trip to post right now. (Dad! They are in your garage somewhere! Help!)

What was most interesting about the film was the conversations with Trey. The film maker, Todd Phillips, really spent a lot of time talking with Trey about the music and his motivation. Frankly, I was inspired by Trey's responses. He freely admitted his and the bands mistakes, and chalked them up to creative exploration. Trey talked about performing well being the ultimate high, which is what drives him so hard. This drive makes him practice more, longer, harder. I can see this in his work, and is probably what sets him apart from the rest of the group, and why, in his solo career, he has really surrounded himself with better, stronger musicians.

Coordination

2006-04-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

What an afternoon. I'm sitting in a coffee shop for the last three hours working on the program for my Ensemble Recital (Tuesday May 23rd, 7:30 PM, Crowder Hall, University of Arizona: be there!). It's been an ordeal to coordinate the whole thing. Special thanks to all of you who are helping me out with it. Imagine organizing 15 people... it's fun!

Picture of the day:

Andy Z and I took Sammie to Reid Park when Nishi was in San Diego. Isn't she a cute one!

Happy Easter

2006-04-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Jesus Christ has risen

Public Art

2006-04-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Blimp

Anyone in Tucson annoyed by the Blimp? Ask Casey, he heard about it on the radio.

Spring comes, the opera ends

2006-04-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

Well it's spring in Arizona, and look at the pretty flowers!!! Unfortunately, the flowers shown above only were in bloom for a day. I decided not to take the photo of the dead flowers.

So, I'm getting back into the swing of things...The opera is over, and now I'm preparing my one act play for performance. We had our first rehearsal in the theatre this evening, and I am very happy with how things are going. It's so different to be the one person not on stage. It's a little like losing control.

Here are some photos from the opera, enjoy!

Gnomes in my neighborhood!

2006-03-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick post to answer the question Christopher posted in his blog See below:

This was a photo taken on my walk this morning with Sammie, my temporary dog. Here are some more choice photos: I took 80, and I will post the others on Kodak soon, e-mail me if you want to be invited to view the exhibition: "Nate's sad and weird Neighborhood"

Sammie and Me

2006-03-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well here we are, just Sammie and I, hanging out on a rainy day in Tucson. The last time we had any measurable Rain in Tucson was Oct. 18th!!!!!! Holy cow. It smells so wonderful, I just hope that it is raining in Phoenix!

Rodeo OH NO!

2006-03-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I was going to do this elaborate post on the rodeo and what is going on with my kids in the OMA project and the like, but that was last week, but here is a photo of Kat and I we got all dressed up! Aren't we cute?

Days Late...Singles Awareness Day Pictures

2006-02-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

What is a party without Nishi and Sammie entertaining a little bear in her (Nishi) cleavage.

You can't beat a party where a girl wheres panties on her head!

Look at the hot singles!

The hottest single of them all, and oh yes, there were gifts!!!!

Now Judy is at it!!! With the panties!

see more photos at my gallery!

Recovering....

2006-02-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

Wow!!!! I survived another Valentines Day!!! The party and the cake were a huge hit! I strongly recommend the book Kokology. It turned out to be a great party game. It caused some thoughtful and introspective moments, but there was some pretty hilarious moments to! I'll never forget get Ian's response to the broken Merry-Go-Round Horse!!!!

Special Thanks to Liz for the tip on the book!

For those of you looking for photos, you will have to wait. I'm stuck at school until after 9:00 pm tonight for callback auditions. But never fear...they will appear!

What do bitter singles do on Valentines Eve?

2006-02-13T22:31:00.000-08:00

Bake cake of course!

Tomorrow is the big day, and Since I don't have that special someone, I'm throwing a party!!!! That's right, a singles mingle party. Everyone wears black, white elephant sweetheart gift exchange, booze. Forget being single...let's have fun!

So: this is how the cake turned out:

Thanks to Nishi and Sammie for helping with the decoration!

Not all People are kind! But basketball is fun!

2006-02-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

Well, my fantastic weekend of basketball and not doing homework has come to an end!!!! So sad! Oh well...life goes on.

I just want to give props to Joel and Dad for not catching any fish at the Shawano Figure 8 Muskie Club Ice Fishing Derby. I'm just glad to here that no one fell through the ice. But please...Someone inform me...was a turkey fried?

On a more serious note, I was appalled but some examples of ignorance I discovered today. The first is an account of fans at Gonzaga University chanting "Brokeback Mountain" at St. Mary's University basketball players during a recent game. It's sad and a little bit amusing. I mean, do you really think the players from St. Mary's were intimidated by that chant? Frankly, it could be interpreted as the general student body showing its support for the movie, or perhaps they have chosen to back it's Oscar campaign over say, Crash, or Munich. There is usually some numbskull at a sporting event yelling homophobic slurs, but a whole student section? Not very Jesuit of you guys!

The second sad story I came across was in our own Tucson Observer. Turns out actor Chad Allen, an openly gay actor, was hired to do a film produced by a right wing Christian organization that produces "family entertainment." Turns out the organization didn't know of his gayness or stance on gay issues until after the film was shot. They decided to stay with his performance, and now other groups are attacking the production company for using him. Awww, now they are fighting each other. Thanks Chad!

Picture of the Day: Enjoy!

Bear Down!

2006-02-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

GO WILBUR!! Wow!!!! What a crazy game! I think I passed a stone!

Needless to say, it was a rough one, but the Cats persevered. It was probably the craziest last minute of a basketball game I've seen in a long time. The Cats forced two turnovers and made all their free throws in the final 45 seconds to pull off a game that they began by leading 16-3 (notice the scoreboard in the third photo below). Oregon scored 3 points in the first 8 minutes. Well that's how it goes sometimes...Awesome!!!! As promised...Some photos...the funny thing is I forgot to charge my batteries, and then bought some new batteries at the Gas station, but my stupid old digital camera will not work on brand new energize, apparently. Luckily, Gloria has the most amazing camera phone ever, so the photos as compliments of her...Thanks Gloria!
(by the way, I haven't really figured out how to caption the photos, so if you are confused, click on the link to see which sentence refers to which photo, and you can see a huge version of the photo!
Anishka and I representin'
Mike, Gloria and Me...with the stupid free signs courtesy of State Farm.
An example of why the free signs were stupid!