WITH APOLOGIES TO DAVID LETTERMAN

The top 10 things that happened to me in the last 24 hours:

10.   I finished off a container of wild rice.  Used it in our final cooking project.  One less container to take home!

9.     I dreamed all night long about making today's final project dinner for my class.

8.     We sang a great lively gospel-y number in church this morning.

7.    In spite of a torrential rain event late this morning, still have managed to not have to take a shuttle or a tram all summer.  I'm determined to make it to the end.  Note to self:   Buy large, golf-style umbrella and leave here for next season.

6.   I purchased copies of all of Otis's sermons for the week, plus a copy each of two of my favorite lectures.  Plus my friend Nancy, who visited on week 2, sent me a CD of David McCullough's latest book to listen to on the way home.  DM was here last year discussing the writing of this book about the historical American figures who studied in Paris and the French influence on our country as a result.   I have plenty to listen to on the way home!   I might have to keep going on 81 until I finish.  Who knows where I'll end up?

5.   I began planning multiple "last week" events with various friends. . . . . that last opportunity to do something together before the end of the season.  Most of these plans involve eating and drinking.   Weight Watchers here I come!

4.   For the last day of "flavor" class,  my group prepared our final assignment:   make something with the umami flavor  using chicken, green beans, melon and/or grapefruit.   Our chicken and portobello mushroom on rice with dijon sauce,  green bean salad with red onions, grapefruit and grapefruit vinagrette with mint, and melon balls drizzled in agave nectar and sprinkled with cinnamon came out great.   All done WITHOUT a recipe, I might add!   Such fun to cook as a group.

3.  Anticipation of tonight's Blood, Sweat, and Tears concert.   I need my college boyfriend, Donnie, to be here with me for this one!

2.  Otis Moss and his last sermon.   A phenominal week of phenominal preaching.


And the #1 thing that happened to me in the last 24 hours. . . . ..

1. The 47 minute phone call with my son last night!   And his agreeing to go with me to see Paul Farmer (see week 1) when he appears in DC on September 12.     YIPPEE!!!!!