We began spring 2021 with our first dinner party out with friends in a very long time. It was great to be back out in the world. Three couples, all fully-vaxxed, getting together for a dinner and conversation. And what a dinner – wagyu steaks (!!), my roasted gnocchi and vegetables recipe, some traditional pasta aglio y olio, a wedge salad and all the fine Italian wine we could stand. Oh yeah, and dining at a table with a pretty spectacular view (above, taken with iPhone). The host couple’s home is right on the bluff above the Pacific.

The meal and wine didn’t do anything helpful for my need to lose some weight, but it was worth it. It felt like old times, and is hopefully a harbinger of more good times with friends and family to come.