THE DAY AFTER THE PERFECTLY COOKED STEAK THE NIGHT BEFORE
I can smell the summer coming or at least the spring. Once again up early this morning, it鈥檚 already really light and the birds sound much happier than of late.
What鈥檚 the most important thing to you鈥
鈥n the middle of the night?
For me it鈥檚 my pint of blackcurrant cordial. It鈥檚 a God send and I swear when I wake up at goodness knows what time with a mouth dryer than the hoof of a camel, this simple drink tastes better than the finest champagne on the most appropriate of occasions.
The pint of juice in the middle of the night, my old 1972 Beetle, Enzo, my favourite coat, the crossword, a tub of humous, a beer, a nice cup of tea, a freshly buttered piece of toast鈥rrghhhh it鈥檚 all so good and so simple.
On the show last night we slipped on to the subject of mash, I could barely contain myself鈥 MASH IS THE GREATEST. I鈥檓 definitely having a mash party, I may even put different mashes on the menu at my restaurant鈥
So many things to discuss, where do we want to go today ?
What about this, every day I meet a guy and we exchange pleasantries and so on and so forth, we meet in a certain situation, which I will not go into because I wouldn鈥檛 want him to know it鈥檚 him I鈥檓 actually talking about. Anyhow, it鈥檚 very enjoyable but here鈥檚 the thing, I feel he wants to take the relationship to the next stage. Not in a gay way or anything, he鈥檚 happily married for heaven鈥檚 sake but I feel at any moment he鈥檚 going to invite me over to his for dinner or maybe suggest we go out for a drink, I鈥檓 dreading it.
Whenever the conversation turns to food or where鈥檚 good to go out I know we鈥檙e only a bridge away from, 鈥渉ave you ever been to鈥..oh you should go you鈥檇 love it鈥.in fact we鈥檙e going next month, why don鈥檛 you come with ?鈥 No, no, no, no.
I haven鈥檛 got any room in my life for new friends and I鈥檓 really happy with the ones I have. I already don鈥檛 have enough the time to do all the stuff I鈥檇 like. Where he is in my life is perfect. Please God make him wake up this morning and think something else, anything but inviting me out.
It鈥檚 a jungle out there and the more people that are in your life, the crazier that jungle is to navigate.
MARGEURITE PATTEN FOR DAME I SAY.
CLP 2007 xxx
Comments
Gracious it seems I'm banned from posting. I wonder what evil I have commited and if this will get through.
Good morning CLP and all on the blogmunity.
Profound thoughts there this morning CLP! I didn't hear all of last night's show and missed tha mash chat - but I can really, really recommend the saffron mash at a certain West End restaurant. Stunning! I also do a mean roaasted garlic mash. Mash also tastes great if you use a certain brand of low fat soft cheese with garlic and herbs to mash instead of the traditional butter/milk combo.
My all time fave tho has to be mashed potato sandwiches. Heaven - especially with tomato sauce and lots of salt (which is very bad for you, so we dn't do it every day - just in case the health police are monitoring the blog today!).
I await my invite to your mash party, my man!
Did anyone see the Brits last night? I thought I'd died and gone to heaven witnessing Tousled Russell on the same stage as Steven Tyler. I almost needed defribulating! Thought RB did a good job, but nowhere near as in control as CLP when you hosted the Brits.
Right, best get on I s'pose. Hope this blog appears - had some trouble again yesterday pm - what are the blog police on?
CtD x x
Morning all, happy thirsty Thursday mon ami!
Aaah the old acquaintance/friend quandary.
I see my workmates as colleagues, others would see them as friends.
How to distinguish between the two, I draw the line at would I phone this person if I was in trouble and would they be there for me, and would this person phone me if they were in trouble, and would I be there for them? If the answer to both of these questions is No then they are colleagues or acquaintances, if you will. If the answer to this question is no on one side but yes on the flip, then the parties have different views of the "relationship". If both parties answer yes then they are true friends!
The pint of Blackcurrant cordial (other flavours of cordial are available) in the middle of the night, is the difference between a mouth of pure hellishness and mildly offensive the next morning!
Mash is the comfort food of the soul. My personal favourite is the plain mash with milk and butter (and potatoes) mixed with some cooked peas, arranged volcano style (as per Close Encounters of the Third Kind) then 3 or 4 sausages leaning up the side of the mountain, and a huge casacade of onion and red wine gravy caressing the slopes of the mound. Mrs DD then insists on pouring tomato ketchup on top to turn the whole pile into a lava flow.
On this subject gravy, and ketchup on the same plate is, to me, the devils work. My wife feels differently and cannot understand my disgust!
Sorry guys but Russell was totarry clap last night, I would say bring back Christophe, but you're better than that now!!
Dame the Marguerite One!!!
DD out
PS Pourquoi, Donde, Why Delilah
Good morning Chris
The show was loads of fun last night. I was doing some stuff on the pc, and had it on in the background...while the boy cooked me the perfect steak, preceded by a meze plate with houmous!
Marguerite Patten on the phone started a whole debate in my house about pepper, after which we firmly agreed that white pepper is gopping. I'm chronically allergic to black pepper in the air, so going to an Italian restaurant is usually purgatory for me, but in mash it's sublime!
Regarding this chap, you have a nice chat, you get on well, but he may well feel the same as you. He may be worried that you are going to invite him out, and doesn't, like you, want that level of friendship. It'll spoil the chats too because you'll both feel awkward. Until he does mention the 'going out together' thing, I reckon you should put it out of your mind, and try not to focus on it when you see him. That way, it is more easily avoided...
Christophe, you are quite correct. Life is a jungle, but thank your lucky stars it's not Jumanji!
anyhoo, that'll do
love
hazel
x
Feature suggestion: onomatopoeic music
Chris, instead of listening to you the other night on the way home I was listening to a Marley album. Whilst listening to Exodus I got to thinking, as I always do when I hear that track, how well produced the track. You have the stong sense of thousands of people marching (or being marched!) along and this motion is 'described' by the music.
A few Marley tracks achieve this onomatopoeic feat but I can't think of any others artists who do....can you or your listener(s).
TW
Ah well the last one wasn't rejected straight away, so I'll have another go.
In the middle of the night - just water - delish. In the morning, the second cup of tea of the day, always the best. Anytime of day - fruit salad - yum.
Chris do you realise that the poor chap will now feel like a jilted bride!
Mange tout - have a swell day. xx
Also - wasn't Mark Owen soooooo cute last night at the Brits!
I reckon the guy you chat to wont chat anymore after reading your blog, so you wont have to worry about the friendship developing. Have to say I think you were quite rude.
Have you tried garlic and parsnip mash? It rocks!
Mornin' CLP et al
Didn't see the Brits as I was being wined and dined by 'im indoors but Gary Barlow - phwoar!!! I still can't understand the attraction of Russell Brand though - sorry - he looks like an unmade bed and not an inviting one at that!
DD - I'm with you on the bangers & mash a la volcano! My mum used to arrange ours just like that, with peas, and it still makes me smile at the thought of it. In fact, that's given me an idea for tonight's dinner - I was wondering what to have!
Christoph - I'd just keep to the everyday chit-chat with this guy and talk about how busy your life is - he might think again if he was about to invite you somewhere, but it's not worth stressing over. You can always say no thanks if he does invite you somewhere - I've realised far too late in life that I'm not gonna be struck by lightning after all if I say no to someone or something!!
Happy thirsty Thursday - not long to the weekend now!!!!!
jillygoat x
Cheesey Mash. Mmmmmmm.
DD, have to agree, enjoyed the music, but the inanity of the the bands was just appalling...I thought there was supposed to be a 30 second delay on the timing too? In which case, why was the word sh*t allowed through the net before 9pm...if at all come to that?
Christof.
That guy is so not going to speak to you ever again.
If I was meeting you and speaking each day, I think I'd definitely know it was you.
Doh!
DWNB
Hi Chris (and everyone)
Couple of things from today's blog - first of all, I cannot stand mash. The thought of potaotes or veg being mashed makes me feel quite ill - I can't bear "wet" food!! Therefore, don't like sauces or ketchup or anything of that ilk! Yep, I would imagine I am on my own with this one!
As for the guy, well even if you did have a drink or dinner with him, you don't have to become best buddies. But I do get your drift. The subject of friends is a touchy one for me. I used to be the one who listened to everyone's problems and try to solve them, but the older I get, the more I just cannot be bothered with the hassle!
And yes, Chris, I feel the change in the air and the mornings are getting lighter much earlier. Once March is over, we'll all be talking about our summer holidays coming up!
Take care, have a good day.
C xx
What a great idea ........ A mash compettion!
Hey Chris and Co!
well this is the first time i have blogged or even read it in ages. I was like this with a diary and with friends, when i am going through stuff i had to become a recluse of sorts and just get through the days, its only when the sun is shining again i emerge! Totally for the best, lets face it miserable is boring and uncomfortable!
So Chris no room for new friends hey! I have a similar view ish! I often find myself, infact i did it on tuesday night, entertaining people im not sure I like. Well a girl, I was sat there looking at her and i realised all she talks about is clthes or she is catting at people.
I then looked at my life, I am a single mum of 26 that works full tim and has some great and i mean great friends, what was i doing wasting my time on this girl.
So I belive in cutting out the negatives, but even though i have limited time and plenty of great friends I always love to meet new interesting people.
As for my simple things they are the sun through a window, the perfect song atthe perfect time, red wine, an accidental good conversation and a joint grin.
em26xx
Penguin - Howard Donald's not turned out too bad either!
Jillygoat - we'll just have to agree to differ on love muscle russell - i must just be an unmade bed kinda gal!
All this talk of flavoured mash is making my mouth water. Soon be time to get the spuds in on the allotment, although we've still got a sack or two stashed from last year's harvest.
Tonight in the diva household - a mexican feast - riba riba!
CtD x x
Greetings!
Re mash - there's a great pub, the Swan, in Llantwit Major, in the Vale of Glamorgan, that does super food and has a special "mash" menu for side orders with your main. Superb!!! Great idea Chris old chap! Get in the ideas bus before it pulls away from the stop!
TTFN
Good morning, Christoff!
Mmmm 鈥. who cooked the perfectly cooked steak last night? I just wanted to a HUGE thank you for not playing loads of Valentine messages on your show! I had to turn Steve off cos it was making me queasy!
In the middle of the night, for me, it鈥檚 plain old tap water - it comes out of our tap perfectly chilled for some reason. You know you鈥檝e reached a certain age when you have to take a glass of water to bed with you! Haven鈥檛 quite gone as far as buying one of those little jugs yet!
Meant to say - wish you鈥檇 been doing the Brits last night, Christ off - you were a thousand times more entertaining than last night鈥檚 host!
Mmmmmmmmm 鈥. mash! Sweet potato and carrot mash. Potato and mustard mash. Celeriac and potato mash. Neep and parsnip mash! Cheesy potato mash! Potato, cabbage and onion mash (yes, it works!). Oh, I鈥檓 making myself hungry!
Christoff, honey 鈥. we can never have enough friends! Don鈥檛 you find that sometimes friendships come to a natural end, but that in the meantime you鈥檝e clicked with someone else? Some of my single friends have fallen away since I had Charis, I鈥檓 guessing cos they feel we don鈥檛 have as much in common any more (kinda sad) and because I always have this wee attachment wherever I go. I just assumed that that was the way it went, that single folk don鈥檛 feel they have anything in common with you anymore, so the friendship peters out. However, yesterday I met a really nice, gregarious lassie, whom I clicked with immediately. We nattered away for ages and have the same kind of outlook on life. She gave me her number and says she鈥檒l invite me round when she鈥檚 moved in properly. Now, I鈥檓 a bit like you - not enough time to do everything and see everyone I want to. So I did kinda think, man, I won鈥檛 have time for that. Then I realised that it would be great to make a new friend where there are no children involved 鈥 if that makes sense! Us Mums with young babies and toddlers kind of lose our sense of identity and self, especially when we don鈥檛 鈥榳ork鈥 so every moment is spent with our little darlings.
Anyway, rambling too much, sorry.
Have a great day, Chris. See you at 5pm!
Huggles,
Susan, Highland lass
Hey Christoff,
Why were you not hosting the Brits last night ?.
Russell Brand looked like an explosion in a mattress factory.
Pottsie.
OOOPS!
Apologies! I think I double posted there!
Doh!
Good morning fellow bloggers and blogettes!
How are we all today? Me? I鈥檓 cheesed off and knackered! Just a wee note to husbands and Daddys here 鈥 I know you work hard all day to bring home the bacon 鈥. but Mummys really need you to spend time with your children at night and take on some responsibility for the care and routine in the evenings. Put it this way 鈥 I鈥檓 getting the feeling that I鈥檓 about to crack up!!! Will you all come and visit me in the looney bin!?
Meant to say 鈥 loved The Scissor Sisters opening act last night! I was in stitches!
Penguin - I鈥檝e been getting that for days now! Get barked at ferociously when I go near the letterbox! And there really is something about that second cup of tea, isn鈥檛 there!? I鈥檓 off to make mine! Oh 鈥 and I think I鈥檓 in love with Mark Owen!
Cheryl the Diva - saffron mash, garlic mash, and filly mash sound yummy! I鈥檒l be round at 6pm, ok?! I鈥檒l give the mash sarnie a miss though! Steven Tyler! Yummy! But have to say I was disappointed in RB 鈥 sorry!
Dissing Dave - you鈥檙e out of ICU, then! I have never laughed so much in my life as when Chris read that out the other night! I鈥檓 with you on the ketchup/gravy thing!
Jillygoat - you had a nice meal, then?
ChrissieS - did you also find that, when you were looking for someone to listen to and solve your problems, there was nobody around?! Sorry 鈥 but I found one or two folk who used me as that kind of friend just drained me! Every time we met they had another crisis that I had to sit and sort out with them!
Em26 - welcome back! Feel free to share your misery as well as your grins at any time!
Group huggles,
Susan, Highland lass
Doh, doh,and doh again!
I went out last night, and it was lovely, great film, great company and great food...
HOWEVER,
I get back home and snuggle down to watch the football which I had recorded, only to find at the end of 90 minutes the game is not over, and my wonderful recording machine has turned off. Darn it!
THEN,
I read this morning that Russell brand AND Steven Tyler were on the same stage at the same time. Darn It!
CtD, it would appear we are living parallell lives, yet you are getting the good stuff. Maybe we should meet up ,become best buddies - do you have time for that?
See, I don't think you can have too many friends. Some will always be closer than others, understand you more and you them. Some of my closests friends I only see once a year, if that - but we are there for each other and thats how our relationship works. Others I speak to every day and we never run out of things to say. If you like somebody then there is room for them in your life, it doesn't have to be and shouldn't be a commitment.
Oh, CtD, Aerosmith are touring. Hyde Park, 24th June - see you there?
MW, a!
Here here! It's definitely got to be quality not quantity when it comes to friends. I recently met a lovely lady through my business who I'd have liked to see more socially and we discussed going to the pictures but now I feel really bad as I NEVER get the time to do anything about it.
So now, not only have I made a new friend, but she thinks I'm a crap mate cos I don't keep in touch or make an effort. I wish I'd never discussed getting together socially at all. I don't even really have the time for my existing friends (not that I wouldn't MAKE the time if they needed me in the middle of the night etc) but new ones do cause more problems than they're worth in many ways.
When it comes to drinks, much as I love wine and tea, it's gotta be good old H2O. Quenches the thirst like nothing else.
Take care all and love to you Chris. I'd guess that your friend (if he's read the blog) will have recognised who he is even though you don't say, so hopefully he'll leave it at that. xxxx
Ted Wood... on the subject of onomatawotsit tracks, you ought to listen to the first track on the 'back to titanic' soundtrack to the Titanic film. (Yes, I'm sad, but it's FAB!)
There's a bit where the music begins to get louder, just after a short horn section, and on the film it shows the ship beginning to speed up. The music sounds exactly like the water breaking and the waves crashing against the ship etc. It's brilliant. xx
Mmmmm, Houmous - can't get enough of its chicktastic houmousness; totally with you on that one, especially roasted red pepper houmous but do have to confess cannot see the point of mashed potato - reminds me far too much of babyfood.
Most important thing to me in the middle of the night is my hot water bottle at the moment - am positively reptilian and am missing my warm rock to bask on, so am glued to radiators, hot water bottles and fires at the moment - freezing!!
Happy Thursday everyone xx
The sun is out. Spring is on the way and I feel the urge to spring clean!!
Who watched the brits last night? Where were the streakers and the drunken behavior. I don't think Joss Stone can't get away with being drunk can she? It all seemed so tame!!
hope you all got some lovely valentines cards!! love missy xxx
Hi Chris
They say by the time your 40 you only have 2 real friends, to be honest I think this is all you need these days with such busy lives or do we wish it was like the old days when you stayed in the village you were born in married the girl next door and everyone Knew everyone...? or is it better to have a few really good mates who no matter what has happened you can count on, no matter where you are or how long it was since the last time you spoke to them....
Me I'm happy with my real friends and aquaintainces just work gets in the way sometimes!
Love the show
JT
To quote Roy Hattersley
"Mash is one of the seven wonders of the culinary world"
Not sure what the other 6 are though......possibly toffee and apple crumble
CLP,
Middle of the night - one upon a time, i would have agreed with you about a drink - these days, it's - oh no, I have to go downstairs to the loo!!!
You're so right about the number of people in your life - I have lots and I'm too busy for myself!
Now then - MASH! I love cheesy mash - lovely with oven baked salmon.... OR mash made with double cream - incredible indulgence (only for very special occasions), but so LUSH!
Hmm, suddenly my tuna roll has lost its appeal - I want MASH!
Btw - Susan S and Hazel - V day yesterday was very, very interesting - was spoiled by both, which puts a completely different slant on things - they are clearly SERIOUS!!!
Out tonight with work - yep on Thirsty Thursday too!
Have a thoroughly enjoyable Thursday,
S xx.
Dear Chris
What is really important to me in the middle of the night is that my knickers are on. No matter how late I went to bed, what I did before going to sleep I always have to have a clean pair of knickers on at about 2am. I will wake up in the middle of night and put a pair on - should I not be wearing any. I put this down to security, fire, earthquake and all that!!
Mash is cak!! I hate milk and butter, so liking mash is not an option, yuck.
When you hit our age range Chris, you do start to actively manage your friendships, becoming more assertive in what you need and who is going to give it to you. As you said time is precious, you can only afford to give your time to the best and most effective of friendships.
So long all of those people I have dropped along the way, hopefully they will have found that my friendship wasnt worth their precious time either.
Have a splendid day Chris.
Hiya Chris and all,
Didn't see Brits, not my thing anymore, I used to have to attend lots of awards 'do's' and after about the tenth one they just become a yawn, that sounds awful but it's true.
As for late night/early hours drinks it's got to be good old tap water, run for a few seconds to ensure perfectly chilled.
On the subject of mash, for me it's got to be mustard(with seeds in) milk, butter and topped with grated cheese and black pepper, yummy!!
Chris, your blog made me stop and think (I class that as multi-tasking) I used to have an army of friends, a whole gang of us would go away for weekends etc. Then I split up with my very long term partner (26 years) and Pow! my huge circle of friends vanished virtually overnight. This makes me think they were not friends of the true kind in the first place and felt they had to take sides (even tho' it was him that did the affair thing).
However the Harley and all that involves stayed with the ex, so he could still 'join-in'
I now have the most fantastic relationship with the most gorgeous guy and a small circle of REAL Friends that I can call on any time day or night, as they can me.
If this gets BPd I shall not be a happy bunny!
Take care
Nicki
x
Susan S - we had a lovely meal yesterday, thanks!
Last year I was in NZ for V/Day and missed it by two days but on my return, 'im indoors took me to a very, very nice restaurant on the seafront not far from home. It was one of those places that you go to maybe once a year, if you're lucky! Anyway, I was ready for 7pm as instructed, we got in the car and drove past the two places that I thought we might have been going to and instead, parked on the seafront outside the 'lovely' restaurant again.
Hope you don't mind if I bore you with the details:
Starters: I had a mozzarella, pine nuts & avocado salad and he had chicken satay.
Main course: I had fillet steak in a red wine and can't remember jus, with tiny roasted new pots and julienne carrots/parsnips/courgettes and he had crispy fillet of sea bass with the same.
Dessert was a platter for two: passionfruit halves, a miniature lemon cheesecake, sorbets, white chocolate mousse and two choccie hearts.
A glass of champagne on arrival and a cheeky bottle of Merlot guaranteed a great time.
I arrived home in a very happy and relaxed state!
jillygoat xx
-
MW a - WHAT!!!! How hacked off am I at your news of the 'smith doing Hyde Park on 24th June!? Myself and Mr Diva will be at Donington watching the Moto GP - already got the weekend tickets. Ugh!!! I think I'm gonna drown my sorrows tonight ... but thanks for letting me know. Maybe they'll add another date on?
We saw Foo Fighters in Hyde Park last summer - it was really really good but I thought 86,000 people was a few thousand too many to be honest.
I'm still majorly gutted tho!
Paralell lives eh! Are you in suffolk (or East Anglia) - I agree you can never have too many friends!
Right, I'm off to feel sorry for myself - Valentino Rossi or Steven Tyler .... Doh!!!!
CtD x x
PS: Maybe I'll make a huge vat of mash and drown myself in it on 24th June!
CeryltheDiva - you do have a point about Howard! Also did you see Mark sort of flapping as he was getting ready to sing - brill.
Chris the chap doesn't have to be a full on 'best friend' or even a OAM friend. He could become a go for a long walk every six months sort of friend.
Chrissie S how odd - not liking 'wet' food. do you eat your cereal dry?
I'm making up today for missing most of the week!
Susan S,
Yes I was released back into the community yesterday! Unfortunately I too laughed like a drain (Strange saying that!!) when Chris was reading out my blog (it was much more interesting when Chris read it out) hence my temporary incarceration! Laughing, wrong moment, Mrs DD Right's fist!
MW,a
You didn't miss anything, it was only Arsenal after all!!!
DD out
Hello Chris,
What a strange question but I do actually have two strong requirements.
In the middle of the night I need the window to be open. I feel claustraphobic if it's closed. Luckily I live in silentville so it's not a problem. I also need to feel my cat at my feet as if he isn't untold evil energy will infiltrate me! xx
It seems quite natural to me that a friendship can run it's course - maybe months, maybe years, maybe forever - as I am aware that my requirements of people change as I go through life. I don't see the point in keeping company the same age as me with the same interests as me which is what most people seem to do. You meet somebody and then meet their friends and realise they are just like they are. Of course I have the stock 3 or 4 who have always and I expect will always be there but the other 20 or so people that I see or at least speak to regularly (weekly) are subject to change at any given time for one reason or another, usually because I am not using the same pub or club or because I or they have moved away or changed job or because I sense that I have nothing more to learn from them.
I studied sociology at uni and we were told of an ancient nomadic group of hunter gatherers called the !Kung who live in the Kalahari desert. The number of the group rarely exceeded 30 as this was considered the ideal number for their survival partly based upon the fact that they thought it difficult to assume strong relationships with a number of people larger than this. There are many other fascinating facts about them including their demonstration of wealth which was to give exceess stuff away to encourage group bonding. As a tribal and nomadic group accumulation of wealth is hardly practical but the sense of freedom these people must know will always be but a wonder to me/us. xx
I remeber a conversation I had with a friend many yeras ago regarding her purchase of a second home abroad. Following seven years living in Goa and being a follower of Baba Khan, spiritual leader, she is curiously very materialistic and planned to have a property in each of her 7 favourite countries in the world. I saw this as a massive responsibilty (amongst other things) and she pointed out that as my ceiling of expectation was so low I would never acquire such wealth because on some level I believed that I wasn't worthy. I explained to her that I'd rather have friends in different countries that I could go and visit rather than own a property abroad that I could spend time in. I'd want to stay in a home not a house. I am fortunate enough to have good friends in three of my favourite countries: I have several in France and Ireland and one in Canada. (I also have family in New Zealand and Austrlia but no desire whatsoever to go there). I am currently urging a good friend to go ahead and emigrate to Norway! I'm still not a millionaire but my welath in terms of friends is masive and long may it contiinue. Friends is what I need to make sense of the world I'm living in so if I group with people who are like me I wouldn't be getting very far would I?
Have a corking Thursday.
TTFN
Debs xxxx
chris, you are spending too much time down South. Get back up North where the people are friendly enough to say thanks for your invite but im washing my hair that night.
great show. xxxx
Leading me nicely to your online dating item on last nights show...
I have found that I acquire 'friends' about as fast as I acquire new shoes and of as much diversity. I am friends with nearly all of my ex's and nearly everyone I've met through online dating...the latter amounts to around 40 people in the last 2 years.. a wonderful and varied bunch and I truly appreciate my good luck in finding them and the amazing experiences I've had because of them.
Variety is the spice of life. Whether in mash (love it) or people (love em too).
However.. it does depend on how you define 'friend'.
One thing about the online community is that contact may be as little as once every 6 months... you may only meet up in person once every 6 years.. but are they there when you need someone to talk to? Luckily for me we're always there for each other. I think that's the crux of friendship, that's what matters to me. Not how often you're out to dinner with them but whether you make their day a little happier and your day a little happier in the process. That's what we were put here for.
I would say that yep, this guy is probably going to be upset if he suggests meeting up but you don't want to do it or are obviously putting him off. How about a compromise? How about you tell him the truth, that you're so busy it would be hard to find time but if he didn't mind it being a very rare thing .. maybe you could do a once a year dinner? You have a once-a-month club.. could this guy fit into your once-a-year club? I have friends in other countries and we'd be lucky to meet up that often!
Incidentally.. I know about the dating site con artists and there's a long but entertaining story involving one Bolaje Adewole I converted from the dark side.
Wyoh.
xXx
And on a totally different tack (though I realise it will have been posted about already) - how awful were the Brits? And especially RB. CLP should be reinstated as host post haste. I was v disappointed all round - have grown up being excited at the very thought of the awards, and on paper last night's were no different - a lot of my fave bands were performing, but it just didn't do it for me. Was also v upset not to see any For One Night Only collaborations (a la Kylie and JT) - surely they are the essence of the Brits? The only non-standard performance was Corinne BR, and even though I'm not a real fan, she certainly impressed last night.
Am I just getting old?
JF, music fan, xxx
PS "you are not allowed to post comments"? Is that my punishment for being slack of late?
DD - you're cruising for the feel of my left hook to match Mrs DD's right hook - what do you mean it was only Arsenal - how very dare you, as Derek would say!
Penguin - Mark Owen is real cute, but for that reason, I feel a bit pervy leering at him (a bit like the pics of a topless harry potter in the tabloids the other week - oh how he's grown up!) My long-time bezzie mate and I were wondering how we'd missed Take That's out and out beauty ten years ago ... but my, how they've matured into a fine vista of man-bandness!
Still gutted over 24th June.
Still pining for mashed potato.
I don't like milk (except in coffee of a choc milkshake) so I eat cereal dry. I've also got hang ups about 'white food' - I just can't do porridge, cauliflower cheese, macaroni cheese etc etc. It just seems wrong.
Steve just come on air. Hope he's not as soppy as yesterday.
Leaving work at 3.30 for a nail appointment - we all need treats y'know!
CtD over and out (for now) x x
Just checking in for a wee look!
Jillygoat, your meal sounds just fabulous. No mash, I see.
Penguin - yes, "odd" is my middle name. I can eat cereal with a little milk but it must be consumed immediately. If it's soggy at all, I can't eat it! I terribly particular about what goes in my mouth. Ahem!
Nicki - glad things have worked out for you with your new man and good friends you can rely on. No doubt the female "friends" in your previous life dropped you because they felt threatened that you would run off with their men. Pathetic, eh? You must feel pretty pleased with yourself now!
C xx
Hello Chris
I sort of know what you mean about having enough friends when your life is very busy - but SURELy you can never have too many good people in your life??
Wonderful show
Love to you all
Caroline
CLP you are making some big assumptions here aren't you? The guy might be quite happy to be just a "hello, how you doing?" kind of a mate.
It must be great to have so many friends you don't need any more. I feel blessed that I have so many friends but I think there's always room for more if they're meant to be. Maybe this is one of those not mean't to be friends. Let's just hope he's happy to carry on as you are and doesn't ask you for any more of your time than he takes already.
If you let me know when there's an opening for a new friend in your life I'll put my name down on your waiting list ;)
Luv
Lyndyloo
-x-x-x-
Good afternoon and it certainly is too, Mr Mainwaring!
There has been some BEAUTIFUL birdsong here today. It's a veritable Dyke Male Voice Choir (as in 'Devil's' in case you were wondering)
CtD, white food eh? Interesting, and I expect Prof Plum's mind is boggling as we speak.
I detest prunes and squid. I have been known to look at peas askance, and I CANNOT abide when people mix mint with them. Can't be having with mint on new potatoes either, but do love me mint sauce on me lamb...oooh yes...
Other news
My esteemed colleagues think I am sitting here designing a 'Rampant Hamster' (with extra full cheeks) because I said I keep a hamster in my drawer to keep me sane, and my boss said he was surprised there was room for a hamster as well as a rabbit and so it goes on...
I know I have often said that I am the only person who does what I do, well, you can make up your own minds!
je pense
love
hazel
x
Oh CtD not another Gooner!
I grew up with two Gooners in the family and spent too many hours on the home side of the Clock End listening to 1-0 to the Ar-se-nal, although it was all worthwhile for the tickets to the '83 Cup Semi Final at Villa Park. Villa Park, cracking place if you support a northern red team! Particularly for FA Cup Semi's. Eh CtD
DD out and smiling
DD - That there is fighting talk! Don't get me started, I'll get booked for time wasting.
CtD - Shire of Northampton, so not so far away. Enjoy your nails!
Having a productive day today. I have chitted - thats chitted, before you complain - my potatties, made a beef and veg soup and now job hunting again.
Wish me well,
MW, a!
Hiya all bloggers!
Throwing my comments in to the fray:
mash - it has to be sooo soft that you can use an icecream scoop to get it out on to the plate, mixed with a bit of butter, milk and cheese. Can't beat it!!
friend - like others, surely he is gonna know who u r, so therefore he may or may not be enamoured with who u r, so he may not feel able to ask you for more anyway - just saying hi may make his day!!! It would make mine!!!
finally, referring to a brief comment made a week or so ago with hazel love, i note today that em26 is back - cool and welcome back em26, u have been missed.
thats all, mjg
Jason Orange - yes please!
so there i was , sitting in a bar on my own just thinking about Mash (the tv series i mean. i am still officially in love with Margeret Hoolahan...x) when this young lady came up to me and said...
is it true that older men like yourself are better lovers?
i have no idea said i. i've never slept with one.
cheesy mash is best!
ChrissieS with you on the soggy cereal - has to be eaten in quick time. As for mash - what about bubble and squeak - just too nice. baby food for me - memories of my Dad
As for perving over Mark Owen CtD - totally I'm old enough to be his mother - only just - but I'm only looking. Also on the Dan Radcliffe thing - well it is aesthetics isn't it - ahem. Germaine Greer did a thing about apreciating the young male body - well I'm one with that. xx
Hey -
I just had another thought, about the would-be-friend scenario.
You haven't specified where, or when you meet them, and probably several people who you speak to on a kinda general random basis, are all now thinking that they are THE one you don't want to be friends with. Oh Oh.
I smell trouble.
DWNB
Hey -
I just had another thought, about the would-be-friend scenario.
You haven't specified where, or when you meet them, and probably several people who you speak to on a kinda general random basis, are all now thinking that they are THE one you don't want to be friends with. Oh Oh.
I smell trouble.
DWNB
Good evening, you loverly bunch!
Great show, Christoff! I love scallops! Made me so desperate for scallops and mash! But tonight it was roasted Mediterranean vegetables with a layer of mash on top, cauliflower cheese with bacon bits, carrots and Brussels sprouts! Sounds bizarre, but it was so yummy!
Well 鈥. took Moc Dubh (Charis鈥檚 black Guinea pig) to the vet yesterday for the snip, so thought we鈥檇 get him a wee friend today. A cute wee girl, white with tan and black head. Introduced them lowly and Moc Dubh started making this rumbling noise I鈥檇 never heard before! So hubby went online to check out what it was - I had visions of them ripping each other鈥檚 throats out! Turns out he was doing the mating ritual!!! Dirty boy! No do-dahs, but that鈥檚 not stopping him! 2 hours later and he鈥檚 still making rumbling noises! Ann, of the Clan MacLeod, says it reminds her of a babbling brook!
JF#40 glad you agree. have put a post about it on my blog!
Man I love mashes potatoe!
me and the mrs are thinking of having a mash party..why not..
What an interesting range of views about friendships.
It usually seems to work out (round my way anyway) that whatever group of people is together is right at the time for whatever-it-was.
Friends may come and friends may drift off but keep in touch, some fade away, and a few go on for ever, but all the encounters - however close or occasional - are enriching.
By-ee... but only for now.
Jill xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx000000000
The light quality changd today.... it is begining to be light and warm and the sun will need his hat soon... my caravan is waiting to live ... we are waiting to live...
Morning all!
TFI FRIDAY!!!! - at last!!!!
DD - it's a hard life being a Gooner, esp. when one of your best buddies supports Ipswich Town (quite common in this part of the world, y'know!) - every time we see him - and I mean Every Time with Capital Letters, he asks me if I want to borrow his DVD of the 1978 FA Cup Final. We Gooners have a sense of humour, but very soon, that blessed DVD will end up somewhere that only a nurse or doctor should have access to on a grown man!
MW, a - you're now really freaking me out! Chitting potatoes - are you an allotment head too? We've got 2 plots and grow tons of lovely organic stuff - pretty good at jam making too. You're also job hunting - snap! Freaky or what!? What type of job are you hoping to snare?
Had the nails done last night - now painted black - and then got home and smudged one. Ugh! So I now have to buy some black nail varnish as I can't face going back into the chinese nail bar in town for one nail to be re-painted.
Feeling rough today - the hex of being a female has landed with avengance, also got sore throat, puffy eyes, headache .... but at least my nails look nice!
Will check back later - in work v.early to get HUGE mailshot in today's post.
CtD x x
PS: keep getting told that I'm not allowed to post on this blog - CLP - what's going on? ?
Dearest Penguin...Once upon a time, I worked at a theatre. During that time I had many adventures and met many famous and yet-to-be famous people.
However, I will NEVER forget the expression on my friend's face when I asked her 'Who is Jason Orange?'.
This was about 20mins after I had wished this charming young chap (who had come backstage to watch a friend in a play but hadn't wanted a seat in the
auditorium) good bye and a safe trip home, and she came running up to me screeching 'DO YOU KNOW WHO THAT WAS!!!!!!!'
My answer, was somewhere along the lines of 'He said his name was Jason.
More than that, no...'
I'm sure you can take it from there...
aaah well, them's the breaks...
Em 26, to echo mjg, hi hon! If you need us we're usually here xxx
mulbartonboy, you should be proud of yourself...we like the story A LOT!
DWNB, methinks you may have been at the ruby vintage again...but hey, who are the port police?
boa dia
hazel
x
Mash is tops!!!
If it's good enough disguised as Champ on Masterchef - it's good enough for me!!
Mornin' all
Has anybody heard from Tracey-Anne or Sallycat lately? If you're out there laydees, give us a holler xxxxxx
Yay, it's Friday, which means ARF on the drive home, a quick snifter in the pub while waiting for our ruby to be cooked and then back home to eat said curry whilst watching the Top Gear episode recorded on Wednesday - utter bliss!!!
jillygoat xx
Hi Penguin,
Seems I too have committed some unspeakable act having also been banned from posting! What it is I have no idea.
Andy C
Hove
What's going on today ... I blogged hours ago and it's not appeared.
CtD x x
CLP
I understand now why you wanted Friday's off when you were at 麻豆约拍1.
You just don't handle them very well eh?
DWNB
Just before you serve the mash stir in a huge handful of finely chopped parsley ...yum & a clove or two of garlic in with the spuds when you cook them .. must go and eat some
Hi all,
Happy Friday to you.
Just thought I'd see if things were working ok, they seem to have been decidedly 'dicky' of late.
Oh well here goes hold nose jump in!!!
Take care
Nicki
Hmmm ... very quiet in blog today.
Theory ... do the BP go down the pub every Friday so no blogs get thru?
Have a great weekend bloggers!
CtD x x
Hi all,
Well, I tried to post a little note and got the very cross response that said I may have caused offence so had therefore been witheld.
I only said happy Friday all and mentioned that the blog has seemed a bit 'dicky' of late.
Oh well, preparing to jump in, hit that post button!
Take care
Nicki
You are not allowed to post comments.
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Ad infinitum.
Boring, isn't it?
I follow the theory that you have a maximum of five friends and everyone else is an acquaintance. You're friends are people you would phone in the middle of the night when you're in trouble and really need them.
Hello Chris
On the subject of mash I notice that nobody has commented on it's healing properies. In the case of the runs it acts as a polyfilla and is invaluable. To be taken orally of course. It is also the most settling food for the stomach and can calm nausea. It causes no pain to sufferers of stomach ulcers and can be eaten by anybody of any age. In hospitals it used to be known as the survival food as most patients who could eat little else would eat mash.
Do let me know when you're having a mash party. I'll have my own in support of the great British mash! I host many dinner parties so I'm always looking for new ideas for food themes and I love this idea! As a carrier food you can't beat it so the possibilities are endless.
have a great wekend,
Debs xxx
i what to interveiw you about you how no radio two i love you show very much chris get in touch no my web cam you fan stephen