drcuriosity

Right, today was indeed productive. Got my Scholarships Response Form filed with the appropriate authorities, so now I can sort enrolling. Met the person who's in charge of the institute's scholarships to touch base, and become a person rather than a name. Had a meeting on one of my projects and got a lot of spreadsheet schemas sorted out for simulation analysis.

After the meeting, Ilan (a PhD student who used to be a professional baker) and I discussed recipes, spices and the like. He directed me to a rather nice Indian place on Colombo St. (in Sydenham, down from the Bogan Mobil) that sells a lot of spices and things that are both good and relatively cheap. So now I have a kilo of chickpeas, cumin seeds and half a kilo of za'atar. Combined with the spices and oils already in my cupboard, parsley in the freezer and lemons and sesame seeds from my parents, this should form a good basis for experiments in the making of felafels. And possibly something approximating a chana masala if I have enough chickpeas left for that purpose.

As it happens, while crossing the road to catch the bus home, my father happened to see me and waved me down, so I ended up spending the evening over in Cashmere having curry for dinner (and mango for dessert) with my parents. Then my sister came over with her husband, son and cats so I was suddenly surrounded with people. Nice, really, since I missed catching up with everyone over the Christmas/New Years social period due to illness or forgetfulness.

Back home now. Tired, but glad I got out and did stuff, and looking forward to being creative tomorrow with my well-gotten gains.