I finally put my finger on what irritates me so much about the way parents around here talk to their children, there's lots of teaching, but no training. I've yet to hear a parent tell their child "what do you say?" or "stop kicking that nice lady's seat", but I've heard, on two different occasions, fathers explaining the difference between camels and dromedaries to their young kids. What's this generation going to be like? Granted, if I had to wager, my money would be "like every other generation"; everyone was doing everything wrong when I was a kid, too.

I was talking to a guy who's refurbishing the apartment next door yesterday and when he had to leave, he told me to let him know if I needed anything (I think this is New York-speak for under-the-table stuff), his name is Henry. "I'm Janet," I said. "Oh, Janet like in 'Three's Company'!" he said way too enthusiastically. I should try telling people I'm named after that show. Which started when I was 18.

Can you believe I missed Brussels sprouts at Momofuku by two days!? They moved on to snap peas Monday. I bought some and made them at home, but why, oh why, didn't I mark Brussels sprouts season on my calendar when I was there last fall and they didn't have them? When all a gal wants in life is a bowl of Brussels sprouts . . .