Turning 75

 Reaching the ages of 60, 65 and 70 never really bothered me, but turning 75 has made me realize that I am now officially OLD! Today I visit the doctor to get an authorization to drive for another year. Since reflexes are an important part of driving, I found an online test that you can do to see how your reflexes are holding up. Click on this link.

My first try resulted in 38 years and the second was 18, so I think I am ok by that measure. Mental age is still 14.

Still, when I go to the hospital for my infusions, all patients are asked to say their name and date of birth so it can be checked against the name and DOB on the box of liquid that is to be infused. The seats are close together so there is little privacy. Sometimes, I try to guess how old the other patients are and sometimes I am shocked to hear some really old-looking person declare an age of about 65.

The 5th wave of Covid has arrived in Queensland so I suspect that in two days' time I will be doing a RAT test and wearing a mask. 

As usual, Marianne cooked a special dinner and I shocked her this year by asking for asparagus soup to start. Back in 1980, we drove around France and Spain for a month and one night stayed in an auberge outside Angers. The Michelin guide stated that their restaurant provided good food and reasonable prices and we duly had our dinner there. The outstanding dish was the asparagus soup and I have remembered it all this time.

So here it is.

Click here for the recipe. I asked M to add a little bacon and the result was wonderful. Try making it.

A seafood pancake followed which is basically a crepe with prawns, scallops, and Moreton Bay Bug (similar to lobster). We first discovered this bubbly back in 1985 and the local boozatorium (Weavers) was selling this for less than $4 a bottle. It comes from the Limoux region south of Carcassone and they claim to have been making this sparkling-style wine since 1581 well before the champagne region.

My favourite dessert is a souffle. As usual, it was all delicious.

In two weeks' time, Robin and I will travel from Sydney to Broken Hill by train so stay tuned.