Ugg. Steve, in addition to the antibiotics what do you have to do to help this go away? Lotions or ointment, a special diet? Wash with some or other type of cleanser? I'm guessing since you've had it before you knew what it was - waiting that long to be seen is a pain when you know what the problem is. My physician's office has a two-part operation; if we're going in for a physical or a surgery approval we see the physician, but if it is something like needing the steroid shot for wasp stings, sinus infections, poison ivy - those repeating problems that patients know what it is, then we see the nurse practitioners. They concur with our opinions then prescribe the proper medications. They practice medicine also, but a lot of it is working with repeat customers for the usual stuff.

Last night I made the caponata and any time I woke during the night I could smell it even though the food was in the fridge and the pan soaking in the sink. It is amazing - and I will confess here that I've never been tempted by this before, never tasted it, never cooked it. So making it the first time for guests may seem to be living dangerously, but I am pretty good at following recipes and I did taste it before turning off the stove. It also has all familiar ingredients. The recipe calls it a type of relish and is best served cold or room temperature, and I can see that. I picked the eggplant yesterday, and was pleased to find a large (1.5 pound) eggplant hidden under the okra (the eggplant and okra have merged into a small hedge). I love the way the garden saves these treats as a perfect surprise. (Joe Offer came through town several years ago and was blown away by the garden beside the driveway - I picked an eggplant that I used in Eggplant Parmesan for dinner.)

All this year I've made a big point of eating a lot more fruit and vegetables and I think the reason this appeals to me is because of the shift in my diet; I still eat meat but not as much, and I haven't been eating nearly as much bread. When I'm monitoring calories a large bagel will add so many calories it takes a big chunk out of my 1200 daily calorie count. Yesterday was a fasting day and I went to the grocery to get some limes (marinade for the fish today) and managed to just buy fruit and vegetables. Those are what tempted me.

Jennie et al, this morning is the classic time for "scurryfunge." I did general clearing and picking up this week but now I'll sweep, do some targeted mopping, and in general freshen the house and try to reduce the amount of dog hair. Guests arrive at noon.

Dorothy, your house sounds perfect for guests. They probably spent a lot more time in the kitchen hanging out with you (do you all cook together?) than in the guest room, but it's there for an inviting good night's sleep. Charmion, how did the lamb turn out?