Indeed, after another long hiatus, I'm back, and with yet another hobby-based update (as if I didn't have enough as it is). Update: Where have I been? Short version? Stressed, lots of challenges (automotive, financial, health). Result? Overcame with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Also, though I'm not usually crazy about new pills or supplements, Maca root actually works for my energy levels and reducing stress - I'm grateful for it. Moving on... Microgreens and Foraging. These hobbies actually go hand-in-hand, and are an extension of a combination hobby/exercise routine - hiking. I've enjoyed hiking since I was a kid living all over the country; from swampy places like Florida, to alpine settings like Colorado, to deserts like Arizona, to my current combination desert/alpine/creek location in northern California. Those who have read my previous entries or chatted in comments also know I dabble in gardening (especially when I had a house). Oddly, it wasn't until I watched a few random survival videos that I got the idea to learn about all the wild plants I pass during my hikes. Sure, many of the channels are AI slop (like Fallout Fox, Apocalypse Coyote, something Racoon, etc.), but they at least have useful info. Examples? - 5 Things a Handful of Dirt Tells You About Everything within a Mile - The 6 Things a Single Mattress Can Do When You Strip It Down to Raw Materials, and - The 5 Things a Single Bicycle Becomes After the Gas Runs Out Good stuff; plenty of other videos to dive into. I digress... MICROGREENS: In one such video, and on this Urban Survival Site, I came across the concept of microgreens. Basically, something you can grow in limited housing space that is small and packed with nutrients. It's relatively inexpensive to get started, and it yields quite a bit.

Beef Tartare (Classic Style) !!!WARNING!!! Only use fresh beef you trust completely. This dish forgives nothing. I only eaten this in Poland. In Kazakhstan asia no quality safe beef that can be trusted was noticed. Usually served with Vodka obviously. Preparation 1. Prepare the meat Trim all sinew and fat from the beef. Cut it into very small cubes using a sharp knife. Do not use a grinder. This is food, not punishment. 2. Season Place the chopped beef in a bowl. Add capers, cornichons, shallot, mustard, salt, and pepper. If using Worcestershire or Tabasco, add sparingly. 3. Mix gently Combine carefully with a spoon. Do not mash. The texture matters. 4. Plate - Shape the tartare using a ring mold or spoon. Place the egg yolk on top if desired. 5. Serve - Add slices of chilled butter on the side. Garnish lightly. Serve immediately. Notes - Butter is served separately to let the diner adjust richness and softness. - Serve with toasted bread or fries. That’s no foam. No smoke. Just good ingredients. Ingredients (1 serving) - 120–150 g high-quality beef tenderloin or sirloin, very fresh - 1 egg yolk (optional, traditionally on top) - 1 tsp capers, finely chopped - 1 tsp cornichons or pickled cucumber, finely chopped - 1 tsp Dijon mustard - 1 tsp finely chopped shallot - Salt, to taste - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste - A few drops of Worcestershire sauce (optional) - A few drops of Tabasco or chili sauce (optional) - Unsalted butter, chilled (for serving) - Optional garnish: pickled chili, herbs, microgreens

Splashdown! Please share your thoughts on this huge milestone. 🚀

... that's what you should have for breakfast - Delicious!" Bonus points to those who get the reference (if not, I included a gif below). Well gents, it's time for another food post! This time, focusing on breakfast/brunch. MATERIALS/TOOLS - Cast iron skillet, 12" - Wide spatula - Rubber spatula - Tongs - Cooking range - Paper towels - Sturdy metal spoon INGREDIENTS - Eggs (1 dozen, though we're only making 1-2 per person) - Eye of round steak (thin cut, pack of 3-4; 1 per person; see pic) - Salt and pepper (preferably pink Himalayan salt and whole peppercorns, both in a grinder) - Onion powder (optional, to taste - for both eggs and steak) - Garlic powder (optional, to taste - for both eggs and steak) - 1 stick of butter (unsalted, 1 tbsp per steak; 2 if steak is larger; reserve some for eggs) - Olive oil (as needed) - Smoked paprika (optional, to taste - for eggs) - Black truffle oil (optional, a few drops mixed with olive oil - for steak) - Steakhouse Wedge pre-packaged salad mix kit (only using 1/4 bag; see pic), or - Caesar pre-packaged salad mix kit, or - Arugula lemon thyme pre-packaged salad mix kit (if you have access to Trader Joe's) PROCEDURE - Season steaks You can do this right before putting them in the pan, or in advance. Either way, you'll want to take a paper towel and pat the steaks dry. If you season in advance, first, sprinkle enough salt, pepper, and any other seasoning onto one side of the steak and press the seasoning onto the steak (recommend rosemary, as it pairs well with steak). Flip over and repeat. Again, if you're doing this 1-2 days in advance, leave them in the refrigerator. As they cure, they'll form something called a "pellicle", which helps seal the juice inside and create a nice crust. Turn on your vent, possibly even a ceiling fan and/or crack a window. When you're cooking with oil, especially things like steak, you want plenty of ventilation/air circulation. The smoke, if enough, can set off an alarm and/or otherwise make the area unpleasant.

So my men’s study started our last book #6 of our 33 series tonight. Being a gentleman is also knowing how to be a good parent. Each of the men in my study has a diff perspective with how their families look. For me ita having a step daughter, 4 spiritual daughters , a god son and then having 24 spiritual nieces and nephews from our Christian camp as well as my nieces and nephews from our family. This is actually the 2nd time Ive been through this book but got new perspective tonight on being more of a student of the well I say children but all the ones I typed above are all teenagers. Each one is different in their own ways . I need to really take a step back and study them and pay more attention to their individuality, their heart and their perspective so I can build a better relationship with them. I am by far no where near perfect and am always learning , but this study brings up a good point of Not sitting on the sideline being passive. As Fathers and parents and uncles etc. we need to be intentional on the relationships we build within our families to help cultivate them to grow . 16 years ago I was thrown into being a step parent without any knowledge on being a father and so unfortunately my step daughter and I don’t have much of a relationship. I need to say this also, I can’t stand the word step… useless word She’s my daughter and I love her and pray for her everyday on my way to work as well as my spiritual children and god son and all my nieces and nephews. So with the spiritual nieces and nephews even though my camp title is uncle , im still using the father skills im learning to help them. They all come from some pretty serious circumstances and so some times it’s standing back and watching each to better understand them.