The last few weeks have been hectic for me so I haven't been able to cook much or update this blog. My family and I just arrived back from a 11 day excursion up to my home town of Buffalo, NY. Besides visiting friends and relatives the main purpose of our trip was to help my parents get their house (which they've lived in for 37 years) in good enough condition to sell it this summer, no small task to be sure. 
(photos:left: Me taking a break from breaking up concrete!, right, the yard before, yikes!)
My main project was to landscape the backyard. Once the small yard was mostly covered by a basketball court a large garage and carport. A few years back both were torn down leaving the yard a mess of broken and crumbled concrete. I decided on using a combination of river rocks and grass to create and define different areas. I had to break up a lot of the concrete by hand with a pick-axe and sledge hammer in order to make the ground suitable to grow grass. After 7 days of hitting, pounding, shoveling, raking, hoeing, and planting the yard finally took shape. It's hard for me to believe, but it actually turned out just like I planned it!
(photos: the finished yard!)
I know this post doesn't have anything to do with food, but I thought I'd account for my recent absence on this blog! I did get to eat some great Buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar, http://www.anchorbar.com/, the home of the original buffalo wing. We were able to eat wings there since they have a dedicated wing fryer, untainted by breaded foods like most restaurants. My mother and I (she's also gluten-free) split a bucket of 50 wings, and only left 13, not too bad...
If you want to try and make authentic Buffalo Wings at home, see my Buffalo Wings recipe posting here.
In addition to this trip I have been busy looking for career opportunities in Marketing, Advertising and Graphic Design in the Raleigh, NC area, My Marketing job at a real estate company was recently eliminated due to market conditions. But, don't worry I'm sure I'll find something soon, and I'll be back to post some more great gluten-free recipes in the next few days...
Ohhh, I love a good chicken wing! I'm surprised more places don't have dedicated fryers out there. I swear, I could eat 50 wings myself if slightly intoxicated. Mmmhhh :D
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness Jeff! I think you are in the wrong business!! You need to come do my yard!!! My husband and I don't have a clue where to start!!! It looks fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteIf you fancy a trip to the very southern most part of England ... my garden needs doing too!
ReplyDeleteI hope the work search goes well!
D
The yard looks great, I showed the pictures to some friends and family and they are truly amazed.
ReplyDelete-S
My partner and I met when we were freshmen attending CUNY at Buffalo on Elmwood Ave. We lived there from 1996 to 2002. I love Anchor Bar and spent many evenings watching Dodo Green sing jazz while drinking beer and eating Buffalo Wings. Thanks so much for letting me know about their designated fryer (and how to make my own buffalo wings). Last time I was in Buffalo I didn't go there because I figured it would be off limits (due to gluten). I look forward to ordering a bucket all to myself the next time I'm in the Queen City.
ReplyDelete