Donna had a busy day Tuesday. She hammered away at her book deadline and also had to prepare for her trip to Atlanta. She had an early flight scheduled out of San Diego to appear on television programs aired via satellite in a number of markets across the country from a setting in Atlanta. She was speaking as an organizing and decluttering expert.

She took time out in the afternoon to go with Sini for a manicure. When they left, I headed over to the Offshore Tavern and Grill for a couple of cold ones with the guys. Around 5pm Donna texted me saying they would be done in five minutes.

I found a table for us and they joined me at the tavern for dinner. Having dinner out would allow more time for Donna to finish packing for her trip. Sini ordered the taco Tuesday special and said it was good.

Taco Tuesday special

Donna and I went for our usual – the poke (poh-key) plate. This is sushi grade tuna served over chopped cabbage and scallions with Asian dressing and fried won-ton wrappers with sliced avocado on top. It was delicious.

Poke plate

On the way out of the tavern I saw a cool Volkswagen Beetle from the early 70s. These used to be a common sight around here.

Cars like this were once a common sight

Wednesday morning Donna was up and out of here early. The forecast called for warmer weather, but it didn’t happen. We had a low overcast ceiling and cool temperatures most of the day. The high finally reached the lower 60s once the clouds departed around 3pm.

The Ocean Beach Recreation Center was closed while they refinish the flooring, so I didn’t get out for pickleball. In fact, I didn’t get out at all. I spent most of the day reading a book

Before I met Donna, I was single guy for five years and mostly cooked for myself. I had a few favorites I would make, but nothing like the dishes Donna prepares. Over the last 10+ years we’ve been together, I’ve been completely spoiled. I handle the grill, but other than that I don’t cook much.

Wednesday night I was on my own for dinner. Donna anticipated this and bought a frozen chicken pot pie at Trader Joe’s. I like pot pie and I can handle cooking one. I even know how to run the microwave/convection oven now! I preheated the convection oven to 400 degrees. Then I wrapped foil around the rim of the pot pie so it wouldn’t burn the thin crust there and popped it in the oven. An hour later, dinner was ready.

Chicken pot pie hot out of the oven

Dinner is served

Of course a meal like this deserves a good brew. I paired it with Duet IPA from Alpine Beer Company located in east San Diego county.

Duet IPA

Today I plan to play pickleball in the morning at the Pacific Beach Recreation Center. This afternoon I should do some maintenance work on the Spyder that I put off yesterday. We have clear skies and it should be a warmer day, so I can’t use the cold weather excuse.

This evening’s dinner plan is pizza delivery from our favorite place, Mountain Mike’s. Donna should be home by 7pm.