Dean Martin serenaded us while we ate our hearty dinner of Italian sausage and peppers. Jim gave me one of those amused crooked smiles when I explained that I like to play Dean when serving Italian so that it tastes more authentic. The window allowed the crisp autumn air in and the house smelled of garlic.

I’m not sure exactly what got into me tonight, but that plaque in our kitchen, “In Wine There is Truth” probably explains it. I didn’t have more wine than usual, but for some reason I went on a wild talking spree at Jim’s expense.

It all started when I told Jake that I’d just finished watching the latest episode of “Meerkat Manor” and learned of Flower’s death and Zaphod’s confusion. Okay, so they’re only meerkats, but it got to me!

Jim looked intently into my eyes, sipped his wine and nodded with the patience of a saint.