Taking the holiday meal in a new direction was a success - everyone enjoyed the grilled lamb souvlaki along with related Mediterranean items - rice with orzo, spanakopita, yogurt sauce, etc. The most work for this meal was last night when I cut up the lamb and made the marinade. In the past we've made one of several Puerto Rican dishes or ordered takeout.

Not all gifts have arrived yet so will be delivered later in the week. Tis the case these days - but it means that when I meet my daughter for lunch with the book for her partner she will return the pie pan that she took with her this evening. Our history of pie pans is storied, and quite a few have disappeared into the abyss of her house. I keep several extra pyrex pie pans just for these swaps, though today she transported the leftover pie home in her father's pie pan.

Houseguest arrives on Thursday.