AskOxford: the free online dictionary resource from OUP

Today, several disparate observations:

First, the Word of the Day: Obambulate. To wander somewhat aimlessly. This from AskOxford: the free online dictionary resource from OUP which is a really neat site. Want to discover the origin of "dressed to the nines?" Go to this place. (They don't know either!) Want to discover the word for a collective of fleas? (There is none.) (Apes are a troop, but you knew that, didn't you?) Go to this place. It's fun.

Second, I suspect that the use of lentils in restaurants has increased exponentially in the past decade. The reasons? They're pretty, they have nice, neutral color, they're bland, accept any sauce, and they're filling. So, if you're the haut chef preparing an artistic main course for the photographer as well as the diner, you are surely tempted to use lentils as a base on the plate under the fish or chicken.
This observation occurred to me at a lentil luncheon high on a mountain overlooking Saratoga. Check out www.mountainwinery.com to see where we were. Paul Masson started this winery in 1852 which, by California standards, is ancient. Curiously, they were allowed to stay in business during prohibition. An absolutely beautiful setting and yes, once again, I didn't pay.