The Passenger: What I Did Not See.

Downtown, PDX, Saturday morning.

I did not see hope.


I did not see fear, but was it because there was nothing to fear or no respect for life?


I did not see a city.


I did not see the "haves"


So, I asked a guy (not standing in line for free food) if I could take a picture of him. He said nothing. I said I wanted to capture the steam coming up from his coffee. He liked that idea.
"Sure, I got it just a minute ago." I snapped the picture and commented on how cold it was. I asked him if he was warm enough.
"No problem. I'm an old pro at this game." He pointed at the soup line. "After the line goes down I'll grab some food for my buddies that can't walk up here."
"What do you mean" I asked?
"Oh. I got some Vets under the bridge and they can't make it."

I didn't see any holes in his hands, but he was the closest thing I saw to Jesus that morning.

Healthy New Me - CAKES

I've managed to pick up an impolite little illness - no doubt left behind by my sixth graders. Hacking and coughing my way through the kitchen this morning I threw together (with my son, the nine year old monkey-chef) my healthy pancake speciality. Just two bites and I knew I was on the road to recovery. I even cooked this same recipe in Canada, while camping on remote, Marvin Island, with 12 hungry high schoolers.

Here's the recipe.

HEARTY OAT NUT PANCAKES

3 cups Bizquick
2 eggs
1 Tbs canola oil
2 cups milk - or to desired thickness
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup whole oats - old fashioned - dry
2 Tbs ground flax seed (optional)
1 Tbs fresh grated orange peel (optional)

Mix and set for 5 minutes.
Add milk to reach desired thickness.
Pan fry and serve with butter and syrup.
The kids like these with chocolate chips in them. I know - spoiled brats. But I figure - if it helps them get all that protein and fiber down their gullet, why not?

Did I say fiber? Sorry.

Enjoy.