Poor Leela has been a bit of a clingy, nervous wreck lately stalking me around the house.
The rainy weather and beeping refrigerator are getting to her I think. Not for long, the new fridge has been ordered. And I need to collect food coolers from friends and family before delivery day to store food during the swap and set up!
Miko is not bothered at all as long as he has hubby’s lap.
On Sunday we headed up to Animal Place for their annual Meat Out event where you can sample vegan foods and wander the sanctuary to hang out with the rescued animals. It’s a bit of a drive for us, but a beautiful one through hilly, winding roads and worth it for the peaceful and happy scenery.
Volunteers supervise and allow visitors to hang out with animals, both hubby and I bonded instantly with the cows.
We attempted to feed the chickens and turkeys, but I think they were pretty full after being fed by many other visitors!
I also loved hanging out with the pigs, they’re gentle, friendly, and happy to let us follow them around.
And huge!
We headed home early afternoon when the rain really started kicking in, but it was such a nice and peaceful event and just a fun way to bond with animals and be grateful they’re rescued from bad situations.
I kept things simple and childish for dinner that night since we’re trying to use up stuff in the freezer before the big fridge swap out. We baked up a package of Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders and served with a blend of spicy BBQ sauce and steamed broccoli.
Yeah, total kids meal here, but at least there is plenty of broccoli! And the tenders were delicious, great texture and not spongy. Would buy again!
And last night I used up a bag of frozen spinach in this very simple quinoa lentil dish. I simmered:
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 1/2 cup split red lentils
- An entire bag of frozen, chopped spinach
- about 1/4 cup vegan bacon bits
- 3 1/2 cups water
- Cajun seasoning and nutritional yeast to taste
In about 20 minutes, a delicious one pot meal is ready!
And it made plenty of leftovers for simple lunches this week too which is good because this is shaping up to be a crazy week!
What’s your favorite seasoning for quinoa or other grains?
What a fabulous way to spend a day! I need to locate an animal sanctuary near my home. I’d love to volunteer. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Sure and I would love to volunteer more too, I just need more time!
Cutest pigs ever! I love pigs, they are so smart. Seems fun.m
They are, we could have hung out with them a lot longer!
I love nutritional yeast or onion salt. They make things taste so good!
So true, I get regular shipments of nutritional yeast from Amazon!
Oh man, I wish I had been in town to visit Animal Place and meet you there, too! Of all times to be traveling… One of these days, our paths will surely cross.
That would have been awesome! One day and I need to get to the bay area more!
The animals are so cute! It looks like you had a great time.
I love visiting animal sanctuaries. I found a new one in NJ (well new to me) on Instagram and am planning my next visit. :)
How fun and me too! There are at least 3 more in driving distance that I want to plan trips to in this area.
I love nights when I have just vegan chicken nuggets. I don’t do it often, so I think it is just a sort of nostalgic thing from childhood.