Goings on...

I apologize for my absence. I have been sidelined by a chronic back issue which flared up and for which I am still being treated with a regimen of stretching, heat, ice, Tens Unit and massage. It is not amenable to medication or surgery and has been extremely painful.

Amid all of this, I've celebrated another birthday and concluded preparations for my Bat Mitzvah this Saturday. The birthday celebration last week was courtesy of a friend of thirty years and fellow blogger, Steve, who was in town from London. It is hard to believe we've known each other that long and it is always good to catch up regardless of the occasion.

After insisting we had to do something special, Steve booked a table at the Edison Food and Drink Lab, a local eatery known for eclectic and very delicious fare. My meal began with a blackberry mock-tail of fresh blackberries, simple syrup, lime juice and club soda and was followed by Buffalo Cauliflower, Ceviche and an entree of scallops. Steve had fish and we finished with purple Thai rice pudding and a homemade peanut butter bar. Having grown up with finely diced and well marinated ceviche, the chunkier version offered here was a bit different than what I expected but everything was divine as well as surprising and our server, Rob, was especially pleasant and attentive.

After leaving, we went for a drive and ended up in an industrial part of town---a strange mix of pre-fab buildings, old trucks and cars and porn outlets. Since it was dark, neither of us ventured beyond the car. I'm sure were he to return in daylight, avid photographer Steve could come up with something worthy of note for his blog. As it was, we laughed and kept driving. Despite just having come from physical therapy, being tired and having some pain, it was a wonderful evening with a great friend.

I will be around to blogs as I am able. I hope everyone is well. Have a nice weekend.