For as long as I can remember, I could tell when cookies were done by the
smell. As the years went by, I could tell this with other foods such as
potatoes and other baked goods.

I just boiled some whole wheat spaghetti but failed to set the timer. I
normally set it for one minute less than is called for on the package (the
lower number) because I like it quite al dente.

I stuck close to the stove. Tested it once. Not done.

Turned my back to do something at the sink and smelled it. It was done! I
immediately shut off the heat, tasted it and...perfect!

This is a first. But I'm very happy that I've acquired this skill.