Dave's First Day At School

I really don't know how people get any work done at coffee shops. I decided that I need to get out of the house during the day, and a change of environment might do me some good to get the old work ethic going. I went first to the Squirrel Hill branch of the library, but I couldn't connect to the VPN over their wireless network. My next stop was the 61c--a great neighborhood coffee shop and a haven for laptops and their unsocialized owners. Most of the laptops are untethered here since there are only a couple of outlets at the front of the shop.

In other news the pumpkin and zucchini vines are finally budding. The pumpkin vines are long and healthy looking and I can see them each supporting a full grown pumpkin. The zucchini "vines" however are stubby little saplings with 4 leaves each. I'm not sure how they're going to support the squashes, but it'll be interesting to find out.

Also we finally bought a real couch [goodbye futon!!!] at Levin. We went with a 2-piece sectional that has a small chaise lounge on one end and a wide wedge on the other for lots of slouching. We're expecting delivery in a couple of weeks.

On the dining front, we went to a couple of restaurants this weekend. Saturday night we went to an Italian place in Shadyside called Pizzuti. It claims to be a good place for a first date according to the sign. It was quiet and cozy and nicely decorated for a romantic Italian meal. We were initially seated next to the beverage station which normally isn't a problem, but because we wanted to talk about the quirky service we asked to be moved.

We were helped by two waiters who I will refer to as Waiter A and Waiter B. Waiter A greeted us soon after we were seated, and told us about one special, and informed us that we could have a complimentary glass of chianti or pinot grigio. I had to think about that so I didn't ask for wine immediately. Then Waiter B came by and told us about 2 specials (where did that 2nd special go the first time?), and I asked if I could have that glass of pinot grigio, but Waiter B said they only had chardonnay and chianti on offer, neither of which appealed so I went without. Shortly afterwards we ordered a spinach salad, the veal amaretto, and the chicken marsala. Then we switched tables for obvious reasons.

Not too long afterwards our salad came out. It was OK but nothing even close to cheapo Pasta? spinach salad. Then we waited. And waited, and waited. after about 30 minutes Waiter B came by to tell us our food would be out in a few minutes. 10 more minutes and the manager came over to tell us our meal would be ready in a few minutes. Several more minutes went by while we played cards. Finally our meal arrived and it was good. Not great but good. Dave actually used the decorative steak knife to cut into his veal.

Whyyyyyyyyy can't you get a decent Italian veal dish for under $25 in this city???

Sunday we did a LOT better. We met some new friends (our second "date") at Maharaja Indian buffet in the south hills in a Day's Inn. It was a very good buffet with plenty of variety and BUTTER CHICKEN. Dave's only complaint was that the naan was kinda weirdly colored and not tasty.

Oh yeah, before I forget, today is Dave's first day at school! He has 3 lectures today, so be sure to wish him well. :)