Check out my progress on Snake or Twig?
Remember last summer, when I kept encountering that everlasting doughnut on my morning runs? Well, this summer my route has slightly different, more lethal scenery; I’ve been encountering snakes.
It all started last week when I came face-to-face with one such slithery friend (or foe?), and he was still alive…and hissing. Crikey! My pace and heart rate pretty much sky-rocketed as I sprinted from the scene.
Ever since then, I’ve spotted a few other (dead/smooshed) snakes, and I’ve developed a serious case of snake-induced paranoia. Every twig, every branch, every shadow of a branch causes a slight panic within my reptile-phobic soul. Indeed, my runs these days seem like incessant games of “snake-or-twig.” FYI, it’s not a fun game.
How do you feel about snakes? Do they make you squirm?
Yuck. Let’s change the subject to something we all enjoy, the food!
Once I returned from my run this morning, I was saddened to find a fruit bowl bereft of any bananas. I improvised for my breakfast of Cream of Wheat by using apple instead—not a bad substitution.
I had a few errands to run today—voting, grocery shopping, etc.—so I kept lunch simple. I spiffed up my hummus-laden bagel with a slice of reduced-fat pepper jack cheese. Be prepared to see much more pepper jack in future BHut creations…
I finally got in the “cooking mood” this evening and busted out my copy of Vegan Soul Kitchen. I adapted its recipe for Cajun-Spiced Tempeh & Grits. In particular, I substituted onions for leeks and added spinach to the grits for a little color and nutrition. Grits cooked in almond milk just might become a new obsession.
OK, I am now off to watch the much anticipated premiere of The Little Couple. Good night, all!
PS: Happy six-month anniversary, Seth 
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
woooooo, shout out
Hi, Caroline! Love your blog! When I run I tend to be surprised by little *frogs* that hop out at me. Not as squirm-worthy as snakes, but still quite jarring!
I’m jealous that you already have peach season. We’re still a month or two out from local fresh peaches & nectarines. And I can’t wait!
Omg I’m soooo scared of snakes too! One time my dog found one during our walk and I freaked out and pulled her away screaming. Haha I’m sure that was a sight to be seen!
I’m not a big snake lover myself. We went to our local zoo a couple of weeks ago, and there was a huge black snake just lying on the grass. It slithered into a tree while everyone freaked out. We got a zoo keeper over to take care of it. He said, “It’s probably wild. Or it may have escaped.” Gulp! Turned out just to be a black rat snake, but it was scary!
Your tempeh looks delicious. I may have to give it another try. I’ve only cooked with it once, and the results were disappointing.
awww happy aniverse!!!! hahaha and i love that seth commented.
gross. snacks are dangerous. stop running now.
You and Seth are just too cute together. I wish you many more anniversaries.
I’m loving your bagel sandwich! I love pepperjack and hummus together.
Yikes- I think I would be terrified if I ever saw a snake! Are they poisonous?
What do grits taste like? I always imagine them to be like polenta/oats…they look delicious!
There’s tons of rattlesnakes where my parents live. As a kid I was so scared of getting bitten! Never happened.. I’ve actually never even seen one… but I don’t ever want to!
Ugh I’ve encountered a few [dead] snakes and my heart rate went from high –> super high. They def. make me squirm
The Cajun-Spiced Tempeh sounds like something I’d love!
Eew! Never seen a snake before on a run, but I’ve seen 2 in my backyard in St. Louis. I hate snakes, though…more than spiders or anything else!
Happy 6 month to you and Seth!
Love the sound of that bagel. Hope you don’t run into any more snakes!
I’m not a huge fan of snakes but I’m rarely faced with them luckily. Though I would NOT be very happy if they started poking their heads out at me on runs!
Congrats on 6 months!!
Hah, yeah, there are snakes everywhere this year where I live, too! I’ve seen one almost every time I’ve been out running for the past few weeks. I’ve also seen deer out in the middle of the day, rabbits, and baby birds hopping around. Crazy year for wildlife!