This morning I was looking through the publix ads, trying to figure out what to buy for this week, when i saw lamb shank was on sale. Instantly my mouth started watering, hard core.

I first became a vegetarian because of my interest in Buddhism (the “do no harm” thing). I certainly don’t have a problem with other people eating meat, and I don’t have a problem with people hunting for food or even raising animals for slaughter. As soon as I was old enough to get a hunting license I did so, and the deer and antelope my dad & I killed were the meat my family ate during the year. Every now and then – as a special treat – we would get a side of beef or sheep from the ranch, and I remember taking part in at least two chicken killing operations there – my cousins and I would have to catch the headless chickens and keep them from running into the water reservoir.

I came to the realization today that I *do* have a problem with large scale factory farming, but not with eating meat. I’m not saying I’m going to change my diet to one of meat and potatoes only, just that when I get a craving, I’m not going to kick myself about including organically raised free range (or wild) meat into my diet.

And, I’m really going to enjoy eating that slow cooked braised lamb shank tonight.