Halloween Vegan Potluck

Had a delightful Halloween vegan potluck at my house this afternoon. It was pretty funny because one of the attendees was heading to volunteer at the cat coalition after the dinner, so she wore the top that she wears to do that with the logo on it. We joked that she came as an animal rights activist. Since I was the hostess, I spent most of my time getting ready, so I just wore a dark straight hair wig and plenty of dark makeup and red lipstick. The head of the animal rights group that organized it came as a hydrofracking protestor. It is always fun to break bread with activists of any kind - there is a bond that can be a source of encouragement and, in this case, fun! There are things in this world scarier and more evil than witches, ghosts and vampires! :-) The food was good too. I made a green bean casserole with soy milk, and still was able to use those fried onions in the can (believe it or not, they are vegan). I also made a cranberry orange relish - a big hit - and an apple pie. Others brought roasted brussell sprouts and sweet potatoes and cranberries, a pasta dish with broccoli, black beans and a sauce; pasta dish with tomatoes, capers and vegan feta cheeze. Vegan peanut butter cups was another favorite. We had candles and lighted pumpkins and a holiday tablescape? - not exactly up to Martha Stewart standards, but festive nonetheless. The talk was sometimes serious - animal rights, politics - or just fun conversation getting to know each other a little better. And now I have some tasty leftovers! Oh yeah - being the hostess has its perks, eh? Happy Halloween to all and to all a good night!

Post.....What??

It has been so long since I posted. Not on Facebook any more, so had the urge to put something out there......... Changed my profile picture - love this one of our dog when he was a puppy - Angus McFergus McTavish Dundee - "Angie" for short. He was our crazy little brother who could sing with the high notes on a recorder, chase us around our house island and never tire, play hide and seek, steal and hoard chocolate cupcakes on a regular basis, and lick our faces when we were sad. I realize that my love of animals was strengthened by having lived with a wild wire haired fox terrier. When the time finally came in my life to be educated on the abuses that humans inflict on animals, some pet animals, and some raised and killed for our food, I was ready to listen. I'm not sure why I didn't get the picture before - denial?, too busy to listen? ignorance? It's funny, but as I look back, I never liked bloody rare meat or the tendons I saw on a chicken leg or the animal parts inside the turkey. It bothered me, but it didn't stop me from eating meat. Now that I am a vegan and have walked through the door to the other side, I look back through and clearly remember those queasy feelings of distaste around animal flesh, bones and body parts. I am so glad that I no longer have to deal with any of that - have learned how to eat a balanced diet without killing. The compassionate lifestyle is now one that I can call mine.