The Veganist, Kathy Freston and Easy falafel wrap

I just checked out Kathy Freston's website and it's full of great vegan information including answers to common questions about being a vegan, benefits of a vegan diet and great looking recipes:  http://www.kathyfreston.com/index.html

It's tough for me to find time and energy to cook when I get home from working a long day and mountain biking after work.  Tonight I made falafel (made from chickpeas) wraps.  I used Fantastic Foods (http://www.fantasticfoods.com/productlist.aspx?catid=Vegetarian+Entrees) mix -- simple, just add water and some olive oil.  Follow the directions on the back of the box and pop in the oven on broil for a healthier meal.  Use a tortilla or pita and add any veggies that sound good (cucumber, olives, spinach).  The best sauce can be made with vegenaise, chipotle seasoning/sauce and a splash of lemon juice.  It's filling, but not heavy.

Eating in anticipation of a big ride and a happy ending for a foster pup

This weekend Mark and I headed to Gooseberry Mesa -- a place I've wanted to mountain bike for at least the last 3 years.  We checked the weather the night before we left and the forecast told us we'd have sunny skies and temps in the low 60s -- perfect for mountain biking.  I took Cody, the foster pup, to Roice Hurst to spend the weekend with an awesome volunteer, we packed up the car and were off.  On the way I started eating like I was going to be riding all weekend long.  Tip:  don't eat like you're going to ride hard until you are 100% positive you're going to be riding.  I was doing fine snacking on bananas, wasabi mix and primal strip jerky (delicious vegan jerky), but it was the potato chips that I should have avoided.  That night we ate a big dinner of linguine pasta, red sauce and bread -- carb loading for lots of riding.  The short of it -- the weather was not as predicted -- it rained and snowed and didn't stop.  We still had a great trip, but I thought I'd loose some weight riding and instead gained it.

For approximately 6 weeks Mark and I fostered a 3-4 month old mix, blind puppy -- Cody.  We had a wonderfully challenging experience with Cody.  I don't remember the last time that I took care of a puppy . . .  He taught us a lot.  Cody was blind, but he doesn't let that bother him -- he runs, plays, learns fast and acts like a sighted dog.  Mark and I definitely fell in love with that puppy, but we didn't think we could provide him with the best home.  Today I found out that while we were gone a great family was introduced to Cody and want to provide him with a permanent home.  The mother is a teacher and has only a 4 day work week.  The couple has an 8 year old daughter, a dog and cats.  Cody will be super loved and get lots of attention.  There's a little pressure on the heart, but I'm smiling for him.

A tasty packaged vegan dessert:  Mi-Del cookies -- my favorite flavor is Lemon Snaps!