Kate and I ventured on our first road trip of the summer/ spring season.  This time we decided to go north.  We planned on leaving Friday morning and head straight to Buffalo for most of the day and end up in Niagra NY for the night.  However, we couldn’t wait that long so Kate called her girl Addie up, who lives in Erie, and asked her what she was up to.

It’s Thursday night, we are at a local bar right down the street from Addie’s house drinking 25 cent drafts (They actually served them to us on a big tray)!  We drank, did a little bit of the stinky leg, and I made sure I gave Kate’s friends multiple Bunny Ears in all of their pictures.  Hopefully I’ll get those from them soon so I can include them in this Blog.  Needless to say, we had a great time with them and Addie was so kind to offer us a comfy Futon for the night.

By next morning, I was in a heated battle with Captain Hangover.  I popped a few aspirin and drank about 2 gallons of water.  We were on our way to the beautiful city of Buffalo.  Too bad it was raining for the entire 2nd leg of the drive.  However we made it and to our luck it stopped raining as soon as we arrived in the city.  It was just super foggy!

Kate and I love to eat.  So of course, our first stop had to be a restaurant.  We picked a place called Merge.  I had found it on the old web when I did a Google search for vegan restaurants in Buffalo.  It was delicious!  We got an amazing bean/ split chick pea soup, mushroom and spinach pita pizza and a black bean wrap.  YUM!  I also did a shot of Wheat Grass I would later regret.  Definately a place worth checking out if you ever find yourself in Buffalo.  If you’re not a Veg-Brain, you would def. still enjoy yourselves here!

DOUBLE YUM!

We finished up in seconds flat and decided to take a walk up Elmwood Street (the cool, hip street in Buffs).  Kate browsed some sweet shoe stores, too bad she wears a size Huge Foot. We ended up taking a break at Spot Coffee to check out their City Paper.  We proceeded to their Food Co-op.  Which was very similar to Pittsburghs.  They had a huge Spice rack where I ended up buying some Masala, which would eventually make Kate’s car smell like nutmeg for the rest of the trip! Spiceeeeeee!

While walking around Buffalo, I snapped a photo of this cool, deteriorating Lion on Delaware Avenue, right outside of Merge.

Having finished up our walking/ shopping we decided to go up the Falls to check into our hotel and check out Mother Nature’s Glorious Fountain!

We checked in to the Super 8, buckled up our Roller Blades, and rolled down a path following the entire length of the river, eventually leading up to the falls.  Here are some lovely pictures haha.

Kate Rollerblading!

Take a picture!

That is just crazy!  Great view on the NY side!

On our way back to the hotel for a little nap and shower Kate snapped a photo of the smallest STOP SIGN known to man.  It’s actually quite funny!  It looks like a Witchdoctor came and shrunk it’s head.

After our lovely nap and shower.  We were getting hungry again and googled best Restaurants in Niagra, NY.  We found a little place called Chu’s Dining Lounge right up on Main Street.  After reading the good reviews it got from former customers we decided to go there.

It ended up being a huge Chinese Banquet Hall, complete with Chinese Karaoke and a Bar.  Of course we were the only ones present for this evening’s meal.  Our waitress was a crazy little Chinese woman who gave us royal service.  We had an amazing meal!

We were driving back to the hotel to get ready for some Casino fun when I snapped this crazy photo of the Casino.  The road and view reminded me of the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz.  Pretty neat!

Let’s just say the first 2 hours at the Casino stunk!  We lost money and our gaming skillz.  We walked out of the building at approx. 10pm.  It was raining.  We looked at each other and decided to go back inside and have as much fun as we could.  Hell, it was our last night in the Falls!  We went to the lobby bar and had some lovely beverages.

We snapped this guy right before things got crazy!  We became BFFs with 2 moms, 2 cops from Boston, and the bartender inside the Casino.  We walked around listening to live bands, playing Star Wars Slots, and drinking complimentary beers.  Needless to say we had an awesome time!

This brings us to Saturday.  Driving back to Buffalo for another restaurant I had found called the Pizza Plant (another vegan friendly pizzaria, sandwich shop, beer garden, and pod haven).  We grabbed a buffalo chik’n sandwich and stuffed pizza with broccoli, pesto, mushrooms, and spinach.  SOOOO GOOOD! They even oven-baked their French Fries.  We were in heaven.  Def check that place out next time you are in Western NY.  www.pizzaplant.com

After that we were tired and were in no mood to drive.  But we did and eventually ended up back in Pittsburgh, as tired as ever.  But what a fun trip we had!

Thanks again NY and Erie for such a sweet weekend.  We’ll be back! PEACE!

Mexican Dishes are Kate’s all-time favorite.  I mean who doesn’t love some bell pepps and beans?

So we cooked up some mean fajitas last night – Main ingredients: Grilled Tofu (Extra Firm!) and Special Batter!

We made this kickin batter with Cayenne pepper sauce, cumin, lime juice, salt, and a little H2O.  We took sliced up tofu strips ( think chik’n strips) and got them covered in the batter.  The key is to fry those strippys for like 25 minutes, making sure all sides are grilled.

We then combined the tofu with our already sizzled (and also basted) veggies.  We used red and green bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and of course tomatoes.  While this is all cooking make sure to put your taco shells, tortillas, or pitas in the in the oven, wrapped in foil.  Suggested time is 10 minutes on 350.  Don’t forget to serve with your favorite rice dish (We used Basmati), bean dish (we were in for a squishy re-fried bean night), and salsa.

Here’s my food before devouring it.  Kate got a head start!

When we totally couldn’t move.  We put in a highly recommended move, The Wrestler.  This stellar flick was directed by Aronofsky (Requim for a Dream).  Yes, in other words, it’s super depressing.  But wow!  We loved it.  Great acting, great direction, and I loved the way it was shot.  Mickey Rourke was killer!  Basically the Pro Wrestling Champ of the World gets old and realizes the only thing in life he’s good at is wrestling.  He works in a Supermarket Deli, can’t manage his daughter, and can’t seem to get the only woman he loves (a stripper) to feel something.

Here’s an image of Randy “The Ram” Robinson doing the “Ram Slam”!

Well that was a lovely night.  Tomorrow we leave for a Road Trip to Buffalo and NY Niagra.  PEACE!

Saw some old friends and even made a customized pin!   Can’t wait for next years’  I think I’ll def remember to do a project for it.

On Sunday I had a lovely day, beginning with a delicious and fun time with my family at the Double Wide for their Sunday Brunch.  I had super tasty, spicey tofu breakfast wrap!  Mmmm.  I walked back from the Southside and eventually met up with Mike to play some “Afternoon 85 degree Kick Ball!”  Def. cannot wait until the next game.

On my way back home I snapped a photo of this cool yawn design on the bridge connecting Oakland to Phipp’s Conservatory. 

What an overall awesome, sunny day.  Can’t wait for more!

 That is Grinny’s leg there in case you were wondering.  She’s been renting out apartment 1A in the Bed and Breakfast I still refer to as “Home”

Around 1230 we left and I took my first trip to the Cemetary of the Alleghenies where my Pap was buried.  They recently got his tombstone up and we all had been waiting for Steve to come home so we could make a family trip to pay our respects.  What an absolutely lovely cemetary.  It’s practically brand new and sits right off of Route 79 in Bridgeville.  Rolling Hills and a huge American flag form the skyline while the honorable fallen heros of our country sweep across the plains.  It’s quite beautiful.

We placed two rounds of flowers in front of my Pap’s resting spot and took a moment to gather our thoughts and prayers.  I still miss him and sometimes I think he’s still with me.    I managed to snap a photo of his plot before we left.

RIP PAP

After we left, we grabbed a bite to eat at Kings where we were the only people in the entire restaurant.  They had a killer veggie burger which i munched down in a matter of minutes.  Before long we were on our way back home.

I must say the highlight of my evening were the two games of Clue we played.  All six of us and our alter egos ( I was Mrs. Peacock and Grinny was Prof. Plum) became detectives.  Mom was worried Grinny wouldn’t “get it” but she caught on in no time.  We had alot of laughs and fun during the two games.  Maybe I was just happy because I won both! Wooooo! Game master!

Other than that, Mom cooked up some delicious feasts for the family.  I tried to lend a hand and so did Mike.  She just works that kitchen like it’s nothin!  

I also got to watch the Buccos play on the big HD with my Dad.  It’s great to be able to do that and talk sports with the guys for a while.  I never get the chance to do it too much living with lady!

Well just want to finish by saying Happy Easter!

PEACE!

McVegan Breakfast Sandy:

Ingredients:

• Tofu
• Spices: Cumin, Tumeric, Nutritional Yeast, Pepper, Salt
• Whole Wheat Cibatta rolls
• Granny Apple
• Corn Meal
• Optional (Fake Bacon or Ham)

First let me start by saying I’m not a big fan of Vegan meat substitutes.  But Kate got free bacon and ham from her work so we experimented.

All you have to do is Slice up a semi-thick slice of Extra Firm Tofu and cook it on a little oil on the stove.  Spread just a teaspoon of each spice over and around it so it turns a nice yellow/orange and fry that baby up. 3 min on each side.  At the same time fry up about an inch thick piece of cornmeal and that bacon.  Put a little syrup on them if you have it.  It takes that bitter taste out of the bacon and sweetens up the corn meal.

While that’s frying up slice your apple into 2/3 thin circles per sandwich.  Toast your bun, english muffin or in this case whole wheat roll.  Then all you need to do is stack your tofu, bacon, cornmeal, and apple clices on the roll and enjoy!  Here’s a tasty Picture:

It’s a great picture in my opinion.  Just chillin outside on a Sunny Sunday in the burgh.

Myself, Kate, Brian, and his friend Haley ventured to the Romp N’ Roll on Route 8, thinking it was an over 18 skatefest.  We were wrong!  Little kids were zippin around everywhere in their totally cool roller blades!  At first we felt like we were breaking some laws hanging around hundreds of teens.  However, in time, we just let loose on the rink.  We skated for about 2 hours of complete awesomeness!  I had a chance to use my new $20 blades and zip around kids half my size.

Here are some pictures from the evening out.  Who says there is nothing to do in Pittsburgh on a Friday night?

This would be the first “un-official” pic.  Enjoy.

But the day started to brighten while I was reading up on the possibilities of joining the Peace Corps as a teacher. The website and information, volunteer work, and experiences look amazing. I started to feel better about life and, well, things in general.

Then I start talking to Payroll about how much I will be getting in the summer since I am a 9 month employee (getting paid over 12 mos) but Im leaving at the end of 9, in May. He tells me the books had me as a 12 mo employee and I would actually be owing the University money. I nearly put my hand through the wall. I was on the verge of mental breakdown. So I tried to keep it together until my boss came back from lunch.

I went into her office and she explained that everything is ok. I would be getting paid what I am due and I won’t owe a dime.

Talk about a Rollar Coaster.

Makes me think of Blink 182. Dang.

Hope the rest of the day isn’t nearly as stressful. Or someone might end up injured.

-Tim, over and out