There's a story here. Meda read a recent year-end review by Consumer Reports aimed at reasonable champagne under $20 a bottle, and was amazed to find Andre Brut on the list with moderately favorable comments. Being a thrift shop type of person, she was off on a quest to find a bit of this budget bubbly. We finally found a couple of bottles at Tamura's in Hauula for under $4 each. Can't argue with the price.

Okay, this isn't exactly a health food meal but it was, after all, a birthday. Pork chops simmered until tender in lemon juice, garlic, anchovy, and hot red pepper, with a chopped green pepper added in the last few minutes. Served with couscous and an artichoke. Some Nitro hot sauce and a back-up bottle of chardonnay in case enthusiasm for the Andre was to wane.

Oh--photo #2 (below, scrol down) is the same scene from another angle, revealing Ms. Harriet getting into position for a mid-meal handout.