First, let me say that David Lebovitz is right! After saying there was no way I was going to buy a new jar of Dijon mustard to make the vinaigrette tonight, I saw the both (!) the old jars I had in the Bubbarator were long expired (the more recent one had a ‘best by’ date of last January). So I went to Central Market and got a jar of Maille, on his recommendation (sort of). It was reasonably priced, and it’s worlds—WORLDS—above the other Dijon mustards I’ve tasted. This one doesn’t taste like horseradish*! The vinaigrette I made with it (and a fresh shallot and some wine vinegar) is actually very tasty.

So I’ve now made a vinaigrette I like!

Secondly, I hadn’t written the check for our lawn service, and the guys came today. I wrote it really quickly, and carried it out to hand to one of the guys. I’d done that with the old company, but not with these guys. It wasn’t until I handed it to him that I realized that he was probably thinking it was a Christmas tip.

Oh no!

What do I do now? They don’t even come every week this time of year, so it’s not like I can hand them something next week. And we really can’t afford to give much in the way of cash. What. do. I. do?!?

*Next to sweet pickles, one of the worst tastes in the known world.