madbaker | Change of Handle

In bond trading terms, I changed my age handle yesterday - that is, the leading digit of my age.
It's not a big deal. Nor does it particularly feel celebration-worthy. Frankly, staying married almost 20 years feels like far more of an accomplishment...

Along those lines I had a very low-key day yesterday. I made cotignac from Cariadoc's very ripe quinces. (Which took two days rather than the one I expected. Hence today is jelly and quince butter will have to wait until next weekend.) I spent some time with the wife and cat. I played a computer game.

We did go out to dinner; but it wasn't one of the very formal, high-end places that we've sometimes gone to. I just wasn't inspired for that. We tried Trestle, a small place that only serves a nightly prix-fixe dinner. That way they only make eight dishes all week (three courses, each with two alternates, and an optional add-on two-choice pasta course). That means they are at the low-end price-wise for their quality, and it's a regular industry hangout as well. This was pumpkin week: every single item used pumpkin. Not my favorite ingredient, but at least everything was different - it wasn't a one-note series of flavors. The dishes we had were all good. I wouldn't put it on my must-return list, but I don't regret trying it either.

The only down note was the cab we took to the restaurant. Not only was the car clearly in need of repair, but the cabbie was old and didn't know where and how he was going. We basically had to direct him via our phones. No tip for him. I blame Lubers for this: they have driven many cabs out of business, and many of those who were more competent have found other work. Not that Lubers are more competent, sadly.

I'm using the birthday as an excuse to take today off work.