Cooking Off-Grid: A Little Tofu Oriented Culinary MacGyvering on a Sailboat

 Cooking off-grid has a way of turning you into a culinary MacGyver. Whether you're preparing a meal aboard a boat, working with a single-burner camp stove in a cabin, or improvising with limited supplies on the road, there's a certain satisfaction in making something good out of whatever happens to be available. Cooking on a boat adds another dimension to the experience. Space is limited, equipment is basic, storage is precious, and you have to make the most of what you bring along. But that's also part of the fun.

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Some news on tofu

Who would have thought that tofu—the nutritional block of packing foam that many people dismiss as lacking much culinary appeal—could actually hold its own when prepared properly?

Here's a look at a surprisingly successful off-grid tofu scramble.

The Off-Grid Tofu Playbook

• The Sizzle Strategy: Start by getting rid of the excess water. Cook the tofu in a skillet until much of the moisture evaporates. This helps develop a firmer, slightly fried texture without requiring a lot of oil, an important consideration when cooking with limited supplies aboard a boat or at a campsite.

• The Flavor Factor: Tofu is essentially a blank canvas. Treat it much like rice and build the flavor with basic ingredients such as onions, freshly chopped garlic, carrots, salt, and a little beef bouillon. The combination gives it a surprisingly rich, savory flavor.

• The Practical Advantage: At approximately $3.50 a pound, tofu is an inexpensive source of protein. It is also versatile enough to use in soups, skillet meals, hashes, and other dishes that work well in a small galley or camp kitchen.

There's something rewarding about cooking with limited resources. On a boat, you learn to make every inch of counter space count, keep your ingredients organized, conserve water, and work with whatever cooking equipment is available. A dependable skillet and a reliable burner can go a long way.

The same philosophy applies to everything from sautéing tofu to preparing a quick skillet hash or pressing out flatbreads using a single pan. You don't need a fully equipped kitchen to put together a satisfying meal. Sometimes a little creativity, a few inexpensive ingredients, and some basic cooking gear are all it takes.

That's the beauty of cooking off-grid: whether you're anchored in a quiet harbor, cruising along the coast, or spending a few days in a remote cabin, you learn to improvise, experiment, and appreciate the simple pleasure of preparing a good meal.

Keeping Up With the College Crowd: A Lifeguard's Training Day

There is something enjoyable about trying new things, particularly when they challenge expectations. Sometimes the best experiences are the ones that leave you a little exhausted but give you a good story to tell afterward.

I do a little lifeguarding here and there to help out, stay in shape, and spend time on the water. Aquatics is something I have enjoyed since growing up around the Great Lakes, so I recently attended an in-service training session with approximately 40 lifeguards.

Most of the participants were college students in their early-to-mid 20s. A few in their 30's. I had a feeling I might be the oldest person in the room, but that was part of the fun (Actually I know about 4 other guards my age.). These young people have so much wonder and life in them. Their journeys are just starting.

Shortly after the session began, everyone jumped into the pool and started swimming freestyle across the lanes. It was loud, the water flying everyone, and I'm pretty sure most of the people didn't hear or understand the commands. I just heard muffled sounds over a loud speaker. 

Assuming we were doing a speed drill, I took off at full throttle and sprinted to the other side. It did not take long to discover that this was actually an endurance exercise. I had mistaken the starting gun for a sprint when the real objective was longevity! Yikes!

Swimming without goggles, burning through my energy early, and going up against college-age athletes made things interesting. Nevertheless, I adjusted my pace, worked through the remaining legs, and finished respectably. I wasn't last—and I am fairly certain I wasn't even in the last five (maybe...not sure.). At my age, I'll gladly take that victory!

The training continued with an overhead object-passing drill in deep water. All 40 participants had to tread water while passing objects overhead. Any mistakes meant starting over. After the objects made their way through the group, I was responsible for getting the equipment back onto the deck. Technically I had the hardest job. I have to twist 180 degrees while treading and must reach up over the edge with a heavy object. It isn't that easy.

These exercises are designed to test more than swimming ability. They deliberately build fatigue through repeated swimming, back-floating with hands on the chest, treading water, and carrying objects while maintaining control. The objective is to develop endurance and the ability to perform essential lifeguarding duties under physically demanding conditions. A few participants appeared to be approaching exhaustion. I had briefly wondered whether I might be joining them after that initial sprint! But once I got my pace I was right back on track.

Earlier in the session, we reviewed safety procedures, emergency response, and vital-sign assessments. There are plenty of acronyms and procedures to remember. I may not always recall every acronym by name, but I generally remember the steps, which is what matters.

We also had our vital signs checked. My resting heart rate registered 47 beats per minute, with oxygen saturation at 99% (Heart Rate Normal Stats). A resting heart rate in that range can be consistent with good cardiovascular conditioning, particularly in someone who exercises at an athlete level. For an "old geezer" swimming alongside a group of 20-year-olds, those numbers were certainly encouraging.

(I have a fitness trainers license so if you need a little help let me know.)

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When you realize
your getting older.

I can't believe
I didn't pass out! 🙃

I am also interested in improving my breathing techniques and respiratory efficiency for swimming, free diving/spear fishing, snorkeling and other water activities. There is always something new to learn and another area of physical performance to explore.

Ultimately, that is what makes these experiences worthwhile. Staying active, challenging yourself, learning new skills, and spending time around people who are happy and healthy all contribute to a good quality of life.

People approach life differently. Some are perfectly content with familiar routines, while others naturally gravitate toward new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to test their abilities. There is value in both approaches, but for those who enjoy pushing themselves, there is something rewarding about continuing to explore what they can accomplish.

Being in your 50s and swimming alongside college-age lifeguards is a fun reminder that participation does not have to come with an age limit. You may not win every race, and occasionally you might misunderstand the assignment and sprint when you should be pacing yourself. But you show up, give it your best, and enjoy the experience.

It is a victory worth celebrating!

The closest video I found that sort of gets you that experience is this one. While I'm deep water rescue certified I am not ocean certified and that requires a fairly long swim in the ocean at a certain pace. I can get to that pace but keeping it up for a long time is difficult without more conditioning. However, I'm just having fun so maybe I will or wont. The rest of the stuff I think I can do. 

These lifeguards are serious. This is the top level. 

Jingle Jungle Boogie 5 PM Ocean Beach

 Just in case your interested Jingle Jungle Boogie 5 PM OB

A Good Day in Ocean Beach: Coffee, Community, and Taking Time to Enjoy Life

Some days are simply exceptional, and today was one of them. It started with an e-bike ride over to Ocean Beach, one of my favorite places because it has managed to maintain its own unique character. Ocean Beach has a strong local identity, a community-oriented atmosphere, and a laid-back culture that appeals to surfers, cyclists, hippies, and people who simply enjoy a little individuality. It has good music, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's just a fun place to spend time.

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Feel Free to Buy a Cup
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Having a little fun with this. 
I learn by doing.

I had a little time this morning before getting into my afternoon activities, which included some additional cycling and lifeguard training. Like anything else, skills need to be maintained through regular practice and in-service training. Even if it only takes a couple of hours, you still have to get out there and do the work.

But first, there was the morning.

I did a little work, jumped on my e-bike, and headed toward the beach. I grabbed a cup of coffee and spent some time working on my laptop. That's one of the advantages of being a digital nomad: you can work from different places and build some flexibility into your day. I enjoy working, and as long as you enjoy what you do, there's nothing wrong with putting in the hours. Afterward, I spent some time relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sunshine and the atmosphere.

I also stopped at the Ocean Beach People's Food Co-op, a particularly interesting local market that specializes in organic foods and other products. There's a $15 membership renewal fee, but anyone can shop there without joining, although members receive additional discounts. The prices are generally reasonable, and the selection includes organic fruits, vegetables, and specialty products that can be harder to find elsewhere.

What I particularly appreciate about this place is its cooperative business model. It's locally oriented and community-driven, representing an alternative to the large corporate grocery chains.

There's nothing wrong with corporations. They play an important role in the economy. However, there should be a balance between large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses. Over the years, policy decisions and economic consolidation have contributed to an environment in which a relatively small number of large companies hold considerable market power. The result is an economy that needs more competition and more opportunities for independent businesses.

Food cooperatives and organic markets offer one alternative. They promote local participation, organic products, and a different approach to doing business. There's a little counterculture spirit to these places, reminiscent of the 1970s, and I think that has value. We could use more community-based businesses and cooperatives to provide competition and give consumers more choices.

After shopping, I headed home and experimented with a new recipe. I'm not particularly big on tofu. I enjoy meat, hunting, and traditional meat-based meals. However, I thought I'd try something different. I combined tofu with carrots, onions, garlic, beef seasoning, and a few other spices. Everything went into the pan together, and we'll see how it turns out. If it's any good, I'll share the recipe.

One of the things I appreciated most about the morning was the opportunity to slow down. When you take your time and enjoy what you're doing, you often eliminate a lot of unnecessary running around. You don't have to be constantly moving from one place to another or filling every minute with activity.

Sometimes it's better to stay in one place, enjoy the surroundings, and appreciate what's happening right in front of you. Lying on the beach, listening to the ocean air, hearing people enjoying themselves, feeling the sunshine, and taking a little nap can be remarkably satisfying.

There's something to be said for being present in the moment. We spend so much time thinking about what we have to do next that we sometimes forget to enjoy what we're doing now.

So, with a little work accomplished, some exercise planned, a cup of coffee enjoyed, and my feet in the sand, I'd say the day got off to a pretty good start.

I don't know what makes everybody else happy, but for me, that's a pretty darn good way to begin the day.

Nurtured by Nature: The Mental and Cognitive Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

• Spending time in nature can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being.

• Natural environments can improve concentration, attention, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

• Exposure to green spaces, such as parks and forests, and blue spaces, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, can have positive effects on psychological health.

• Connecting with nature is associated with greater happiness, a stronger sense of purpose, and improved overall life satisfaction.

• Research suggests that spending at least two hours per week in nature is associated with better health and well-being.

• Even brief exposure to nature, including walking through a park, looking at trees, or listening to natural sounds, can provide mental benefits.

• Access to nature during childhood may contribute to better long-term mental health.

• Developing a stronger connection with nature can also encourage people to care more about the environment and its preservation.

American Psychological Association. (2025, April 8). Nurtured by nature. Monitor on Psychology, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

What Does a Well-Rounded Fitness Routine Look Like?

 A well-rounded fitness routine should address three key areas: strength, cardiovascular endurance, and balance and flexibility. Incorporating all three helps build a stronger, healthier, and more capable body.

The first component is resistance training. This can include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or participating in activities such as Pilates and yoga. Resistance training works by challenging the muscles against an opposing force, encouraging them to adapt, strengthen, and improve over time.

The second component is cardiovascular endurance, commonly referred to as cardio. Activities such as biking, walking, jogging, and swimming help improve cardiovascular fitness, breathing efficiency, and overall endurance. Developing good breathing habits is also important. As someone with a diving certification, I recognize the value of breathing control and lung conditioning, particularly when preparing for activities such as scuba diving. Improving endurance and learning to manage breathing can contribute to better physical performance.

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Different sports
and routines teach
you different things
and use different muscles.
Use variety to
your advantage. 

The third component is balance and flexibility. These allow the body to move through a greater range of motion, maintain stability, and function effectively in different positions. Activities such as yoga, Pilates, dance, kickboxing, karate, and Tai Chi can help develop these abilities. Whether participating in sports, exercising, or performing everyday tasks, having good balance and flexibility makes it easier to move confidently and safely.

Together, these three components provide a solid foundation for overall fitness. A good exercise program should not focus exclusively on building muscle or improving cardiovascular endurance. It should develop the entire body.

I have been physically active for most of my life and hold certifications in personal fitness training, yoga instruction, swim coaching, and lifeguarding. I encourage others, particularly firefighters, to maintain a balanced approach to physical fitness. For the most part it works as a method but you have to be consistent. This is why you want to create a lifestyle choice. 

If you need some guidance developing a fitness routine, feel free to send me a message. We can arrange a virtual session and work on a program that fits your goals and fitness level.

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Thinking About Honor Codes and Their Value to Society

Oaths and values are principles that many people speak about, but not everyone fully understands what they represent. In organizations such as military, fire departments, professional associations, and community groups, people regularly take oaths and make commitments. However, those words carry a deeper meaning. They represent the sacrifices, lost lives, hardships, failures, and successes of those who came before them.

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Through the generations
oaths have carried people
forward. It is a duty and honor to 
sacrafice for one's principles.
Oaths ae lifelong.

Oaths bring people together around shared values and a common purpose. One thing that deserves great respect about the military is its commitment to these principles. The sacrifices associated with military service can last a lifetime or span decades. They are not necessarily rewarded with money, special privileges, or personal benefits. Instead, they reflect a commitment to serving others and something greater than oneself. That commitment often builds strong character and a deep sense of responsibility.

Other institutions, including spiritual organizations and various professions, also have similar commitments. At their core, these oaths are about much more than personal gain. They represent service, integrity, responsibility, and doing what is right.

There are important lessons to learn from these values. They remind people to contribute to society, maintain their integrity when things become difficult, and stand up for what is right even when others do not. Sometimes, the surrounding environment may not encourage honesty or ethical behavior. Even then, a person's commitment to doing the right thing should remain strong.

The greatest reward for living by these principles often comes from within. It is knowing that one's actions were guided by integrity, responsibilities were fulfilled, and a positive difference was made in the world.

Oaths also create bonds between people and connect generations through shared values and commitments. Those bonds should be respected regardless of political beliefs, who is in charge, or whatever issue happens to dominate the conversation at the time. These principles are bigger than politics and temporary disagreements. They connect people across generations through a shared commitment to service, honor, and doing what is right.

One can be humbled by certain ethical codes, 

The West Point Cadet Honor Code

* West Point's Honor Code states: "A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."

* Cadets are expected to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility in their academic, military, and personal lives.

* The code emphasizes that honesty is essential to building trust among fellow cadets and future military leaders.

* Cadets are responsible not only for their own actions but also for upholding ethical standards within the Corps of Cadets.

* The honor code reinforces the importance of character, accountability, and moral courage.

* West Point uses the honor system to develop leaders who can be trusted to serve the nation and make ethical decisions.

* The central message is that leadership begins with personal integrity and the willingness to stand up for what is right.

United States Military Academy. (n.d.). Cadet honor code. West Point. [https://www.westpoint.edu/about/academy-leadership/office-of-the-commandant/simon-center-for-the-professional-military-ethic/cadet-honor-code](https://www.westpoint.edu/about/academy-leadership/office-of-the-commandant/simon-center-for-the-professional-military-ethic/cadet-honor-code?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Try to Do Something Constructive Every Day: Set Goals and Work on Them a Little at a Time

 One of the best ways to achieve your goals is to make a little progress every day. Whether your goals involve career, work, recreation, fitness, finances, family, or personal growth, the key is to keep working toward them consistently.

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Some goals will become more important during certain stages of life, while others may change over time. The important thing is to recognize which goals matter to you and devote at least a little time to them. That might mean an hour, 30 minutes, or even 15 minutes a day. The amount of time matters less than the consistency. As long as you keep making an effort, you haven't given up on the goal.

I believe in maintaining a well-rounded life. That means pursuing physical fitness, meaningful work, civic engagement, financial stability, spiritual growth, and strong family relationships. I try to do something, however small, each day to move forward in these areas. Progress comes from doing the little things repeatedly over time. Achieving meaningful goals rarely happens all at once.

Of course, not everyone wants to pursue multiple goals simultaneously. Some people may prefer to concentrate their energy on one major objective, and that's perfectly reasonable. But for those of us who want a balanced, happy, and healthy life, it helps to define our priorities and make steady progress in each area. Work goals are often easier to measure and define, while personal goals may require more experimentation and adjustments along the way.

For example, one of my personal goals has been to improve my physical fitness. I've started getting around on an e-bike because it gives me more opportunities to be active. Interestingly, that one decision also supports other goals, including financial savings. I spend less money getting around, visit fewer places that require a car, and avoid the expense of renting a vehicle when I travel. On my current trip to California, for example, I've been able to get around by e-bike rather than renting a car.

There are trade-offs, of course. An e-bike limits where and when I can travel, so I have to plan accordingly. Relying too heavily on Uber, for instance, could quickly undermine the money I'm saving.

The larger lesson is that one constructive decision can advance several goals at once. When considering how to improve your life, look for opportunities where a single action can benefit multiple areas. Most importantly, keep doing something every day. Small, consistent efforts add up, and over time, they can make a meaningful difference in the life you want to build.

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