The impromptu dinner party went off swimmingly, despite the last-minute substitution of the Downstairs Tenant for klwilliams (who was feeling poorly) and a minor delay due to scotica time-shifting the event in her memory. cnewsonsmith filled out the fourth. We started with an appetizer of green olives and prosciutto-wrapped melon then moved straight to the main course of roast pork tenderloin encrusted with herbs de Provence, steamed crookneck squash with Hollandaise and grated cheddar, and green beans braised with garlic and brown mushrooms. By tradition, I forgot that I'd been planning a mixed-grain pilaf, since I pretty much reflexively omit grains and starches these days. We finished with the barest taste of red-currant pudding, topped with creme fraiche and shaved chocolate, with coffee to accompany. After-dinner entertainment was a word-category game and a debate concerning the U.S. healthcare system.

Remember how I've been whining about how I'm bored with my wardrobe? Well, I made it to the Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale today and started making a stab at the problem. For those not familiar with it, this is the annual fundraiser for the Oakland Museum -- basically a gigantic rummage sale ... with really nice rummage. I piddled around for about 3/4 of the warehouse area spending 75 cents on some bentwood boxes, finding no interesting books, and reminding myself that furniture was right out because I had to carry everything back on BART. I took note of an electric rotisserie (but it was gone when I went back later, which I took as A Sign). And then I got around to the clothing section, which I've generally ignored in past years. But it occurred to me that I should poke around and see if any of the shirts and blouses appealed. The next thing you know, I'm having to make a rule that when I can no longer get my hand around all the hooks of the hangers, I have to stop and find the cashier. To try to get around the problem of always buying the same old same old, I tried to stick to a simple two-part filter: it had to be good, quality, natural fibers (basically silk or linen), and it had to fit. I ended up with 12 (twelve) tops at $2-5 each. I think it was 5 long-sleeved silk button-down shirts, 2 ditto of linen, 2 china silk shells, 2 silk knit sleeveless thingies, and one silk knit t-shirt-like-object with embroidery. Oh, and I fell in love with a coat. A gorgeous tailored, 3/4 length dark gray herringbone tweed coat by Cable Car Clothiers. (They aren't showing this particular item currently on their web site, but based on other stuff listed there, the chances are I got a $500 coat for $28. Oh, and did I mention it's gorgeous?) So I think I've made a good start on un-boring my wardrobe. I would have tried on some pants, but I had to get home to start dinner, and besides which it would have involved a lot more time and effort to try them on (whereas the shirts could be tried on over what I was wearing, standing right there at the racks).