Too many winter jackets? Leave one in the car as a spare or just in case you meet someone who needs one. That's one less to worry about.

Agreed about the journey of discovery - simply clearing out the HHR and in the garage, sorting the contents of the green plastic bin that used to ride in the back of my pickup, I've culled some things and restored others to useful places. I got a call and visited the dealer this evening - they had a couple of more forms to sign, so they can transfer title to the old car. Good riddance!

I have an enamel 5-quart pot that is new to me this year; tonight I made the BEST batch of chicken noodle soup in it. Sauteed two chicken breasts, then added oil and sauteed onions till tender. I added carrots to soften, then diced potatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. I had a defrosted jar of chicken stock with a healthy dollop of chicken fat, and then added mushrooms (bought fresh, sliced, sauteed, and frozen) and egg noodles. Thinned it with some hot water; when it was done I ate a small bowl. Wonderful. This will be great for lunches this week and weekend.

In the garden I'm starting to see tomatoes emerge and the eggplants are looking happy. I'll start making things with eggplants soon, plus I plan to bread and fry and take some to my neighbor across the street who loves this but doesn't cook much any more.