What brings you the most absolute joy in your life.

Of course my family and friends are the answer to that question – there’s no doubt.  But one of the great things about the people that love me most is that they totally understand my need to get out and be on my own every now and then and just drive.

I love driving.  I adore driving.  Since I was a kid I have loved driving.  At one point I tried to start the rumor that someone had nicknamed me Mario ( after Mario Andretti ) but I soon discovered that rumors you start by yourself about yourself rarely ever stick.  And that’s how it went with this “nickname” of mine – it never ever stuck.

But I kept driving anyway.  On my 16th birthday I was the first in line at the DMV.  Not just the first in line to get a drivers license but first in line period.  There was another guy there from my highschool who was also skipping class to get his license first thing in the morning.  It didn’t matter that he was one of the coolest guys in the school. On that day he was second in line.

But on a recent evening I was reminded of the absolute calmness that comes over me when I drive.  It was a wide open space late at night and the radio stations seemed to be picking up from all over the county.  When I find myself in one state with a radio station from another  I hit the “SEEK” button and wait to see where it takes me.

The only thing I love more than eating Baba Ghannouge is saying Baba Ghannouge.  It is as fun as saying Abu Dhabi, or Taluka Lake, or Winnemucca or even Minfudluk.  Some words are just fun to say.  But Baba Ghannouge is one of my favorites.

And today I have some of the best Baba Ghannouge I have ever tried waiting patiently for me in my fridge.  Tonight I may just pull out some crackers, pull out the Hummous and Baba Ghannouge,  a few Greek Olives stuffed with Garlic and one crisp, chilled glass of Pinot Griggio and have a decadent Thursday evening repast while watching American Idol on TIVO.

Yes, there is gobs of olive oil involved but life is short.  Eat slow and savor the moments.

Not much more needs to be said.  Today is a good day.  The sun is out and for lunch I have a thinly sliced round piece of Edam Herb cheese which I have folded in half and slipped into half of a piece of Egyptian Bread.

Heaven.

I like the Egyptian bread the best over other types of pita bread because it has a little more weight to it but the bread itself is light and airy.  It gives you something flavorful to really chew on.  Other pita bread is great for holding sandwhich contents together but the egyptian bread can be eaten all by itself.

So, for lunch today a slice of really nice cheese, a half of Egyptian bread and a little bit of sunshine.  Doesn’t get much better than that.