THE LONG GOODBYE

I'm saying goodbye to my old friends cows.  I have loved cows all my life.  I have collected antique cow prints, and my friends have gifted me with lots of cowphenalia. I like seeing cows in pastures when I'm on country roads. I like knowing the difference between a Texas Longhorn, a Dutch Belted, and a Holstein. During the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, I always visit the cattle exhibits and I have a soft spot for the calves and steers that are roped. If you live in Texas or have ever been to Houston in March, you know what I'm talking about. I cheered for Molly B when she escaped the slaughter house and went to live in a sanctuary.

The ugly side of the coin is that I love beef. My friend Scott and I do the Houston Hamburger Tour at least twice a year to find the juiciest, greasiest, tastiest cheeseburger in the land. I've always thought life without Mexican food (translated beef enchiladas and tacos) isn't worth living. The French Dip at Houston's is a thing of beauty. Don't even get me started on prime rib or a medium rare Porterhouse. I've bought my last beef tenderloin at the Saturday meat sale at Rice Epicurean. Well, that's because Rice Epicurean closed.

I've been thinking about going vegan ever since I read The Omnivore's Dilemma several years ago. Since then I've gained a bazillion pounds and have read some more books.  I didn't want to jump into it too quickly. I have now bought 1000 Vegan Recipes, Eat to Live and A Course in Weight Loss.  I'm going to try to meld all that into something that can work for me, and I'm going to write about it. It probably won't be particularly insightful since I have a firm grasp of the obvious. Maybe there will be a few smiles or even chuckles, the occasional moment of recognition and some support.

Above is a blog I wrote several months ago and never posted. Since then I've lost a few pounds, have stalled and now need to get back on the horse -- or maybe just get off the cow. I'm delighted to have discovered Take It Off In The Rain, and I'm looking forward to supporting and being supported.