Before I make some notes about diet, I want to commemorate the harvesting of my first eggplant of the season.

My poor eggplants got off to a rocky start when they unexpectedly got nailed by slugs so now they're coming in late. I have a couple of a more usual purple variety, Nadia, that are ready to pick but I was more interested in trying my first Beatrice. I brushed the slices with olive oil and browned them on the grill last night and it was absolutely fabulous. I'll probably do a few more this way before I 'taint' any with other seasonings.

It was particularly nice to end yesterday on a good note. The rest of the day didn't turn out as I'd planned because on the way back from the park I was stopped at a police road check and ticketed for an expired inspection sticker. I was stunned when the officer told me it had expired IN MARCH! But I've reduced my driving so much in the past couple of years that I'm not having the vehicle serviced as often and my how time flies...

Meanwhile I have come face-to-face with my greatest diet challenge since I started 16 weeks ago: Perry's Bittersweet Sinphony ice cream. I made the mistake of opening the package last weekend (before I realized I was under the influence of the moon and was able to take steps to protect myself) and I just have not been able to stay out of it. I've been able to pass on all sorts of goodies but not this. I should throw out what's left but there hasn't been much of it in the stores this year and it's only made in the summer...