http://www.spacekadet.org Just another WordPress weblog Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:12:10 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en This guy has been hanging out in our yard lately (it helps that we give him millet and seeds whenever he's around). It's like having a pet, with no cleanup or responsibility. http://www.spacekadet.org/2010/02/28/neighborly-pheasant/ At least according to NPR's All Songs Considered listeners. They've managed to find some real gems, which is kind of refreshing - I feel like I haven't heard any good "new" music in ages. http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/12/10/the-best-music-of-2009/ Crossposted to SmarterFitter.com It's time for another ankle update (read the background if you're unfamiliar). A bit more optimistic than usual... Before I moved from London, I'd been seeing an NHS physiotherapist who prescribed some stretches and strength exercises to help my ankle. It's been over a year since I ... http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/12/01/not-giving-up/ Crossposted to SmarterFitter.com If you've been keeping up with this blog, then you know I've been increasingly obsessed with the idea of "living off the land." One of the best places I've found to forage for free food is in the hedgerows, particularly those lining the fields behind our cottage. My ... http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/11/29/sloe-and-crab-apple-hedgerow-jelly/ Crossposted to SmarterFitter.com It's been a while since I last posted. I'm not sure what's been getting me down - maybe it's the weather. We're heading into a typically wet English winter. Wet. And dark. Sunset is at 16:06 today, which tends to eliminate all possibilities ... http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/11/24/roasted-carrot-and-fennel-soup/ Yesterday morning, Mike joined me on my first mushroom foray with the Cotswold Fungus Group. My god, I have a lot to learn about fungus. But what a great time. I met some great "local people" and moreover and learned a ton (most of which I forgot, ... http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/11/23/mushroom-hunting-with-the-cotswold-fungus-group/ Otherwise known as Hygrocybe niveus, this slimy, cream-colored 'shroom was found in one of the fields of Lower Moor Farm. In fact, the whole field was covered with these little guys. I'm not 100% sure it's a snowy waxcap, but its appearance agrees with images found in other ... http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/11/13/snowy-waxcaps/ I consider the side dishes as important as the barbecue, and these sides should taste as good as the meat. I see it all as part of the same experience even though many people just grab some "Q" and start munching. Some people are not into meat and I try ... http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/11/10/beyond-brisket-my-interview-with-bbq-chef-dave-terrell/ Crossposted to SmarterFitter.com I went for a bike ride this morning to the Duchy Home Farm Organic "Veg Shed" and couldn't resist this mammoth savoy cabbage. Fairly surprised it survived the nine mile journey back home. Next time: bring a bigger backpack. http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/11/07/cabbage-in-tow/ Crossposted to SmarterFitter.com Tim and I were out for a walk yesterday one Lower Moor Farm when we stumbled upon an enticing little cluster of big white mushrooms. I picked a few and, after a bit of internet research and some reassurance from my neighbor, I determined that they were ... http://www.spacekadet.org/2009/11/06/mushroom-hunting-on-lower-moor-farm/