Rensselaerville State Forest

A vegan with a side of bacon 🥓

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Lately I’ve been quite interested in vegan cooking mostly because its often rich in fiber, vitamins and protein without the saturated fats, especially the Omega-6s which are so problematic from a health perspective.

But gets werid so quickly as it’s not just a way of cooking but also in many cases a doctrine as most vegans have ideological reasons against eating all meat and dairy, and to a lesser extent fish. Vegans don’t necessarily oppose processed foods or excessive salt and sugar. Yet, I do appreciate their creativity at cooking and how much different than the unhealthy crap so many Americans eat these days and a great way to introduce yourself to new foods.

The internet advertisers have discovered my interest in vegan cooking and I’m now getting served up a steady series of advertising for ultra processed vegan food, which is basically the standard unhealthy American fare loaded with sugar and salt and made to look like traditional foods. Probably with half the taste and even more unhealthy then traditional American fare due to processing to make crap ingredients taste like meat and dairy.

I’m not a believer in orthodoxy, my diet included. Even some bacon in moderation is a good thing. But it should be a treat, not an every day or even every week thing. Just like it used to be back in the day of the bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich before it became an unhealthy kitchen stable mostly due to the push of the hog farmers.

Ruffled Grouse in New York State

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The ruffled grouse, often referred to as the partridge, is a medium-sized game bird native to North America. Its name, “ruffled,” aptly describes its appearance, characterized by a tuft of feathers on its neck that can be raised and fanned out during displays of courtship or when the bird feels threatened. These grouse are renowned for their remarkable camouflage, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their woodland habitats. They are primarily found in mature forests with a mix of hardwoods, conifers, and dense underbrush, as these environments offer them protection, food, and suitable nesting sites.

Ruffled grouse are omnivorous birds with a varied diet. They consume plant matter such as berries, buds, leaves, and seeds, as well as insects and small invertebrates. They are most active during the day and spend their time foraging on the forest floor. Their unique drumming display during the breeding season, produced by beating their wings against the air, is an auditory spectacle that resonates through the woods and is integral to their courtship ritual.

The ruffled grouse serves as a symbol of New York State’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Their existence is closely tied to the health of our forests, making their conservation essential. Through restoration efforts, like those undertaken by the CCC during the 1930s, and ongoing initiatives focused on sustainable forestry and habitat preservation, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate the unique charm of the ruffled grouse in New York State’s woodlands.