The Words Came Just Like a Hard Rain

The week had begun with a whirlwind of activity, so I purposely under-scheduled last evening so I could have a respite before everything that I have going on this weekend.

Naturally, it turned out completely differently than expected, which is always great fun.

Theater Goddess friend and I began at Six Burner; this is the week they've devoted to introducing new chef Phillip Denny and new manager David Martin to the public.

Since I've already enjoyed drinks and conversation with both, it wasn't so much meeting them as once again enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Actually, it was Boys' Night at 6B, with Dave, T and Josh working the place and each offers a different kind of conversational pleasure.

I hadn't talked to Josh since he'd seen "It Might Get Loud" and been to the U2 show, so that had to be addressed immediately.

Dave told me they'd been talking about me just the night before (my absence, no doubt).

T recommended an excellent wine and we drank at least our fair share.

Theater Goddess had never tasted pork belly and I couldn't let that unfortunate situation go on for another minute.

The irony was that she had to be home at a reasonable hour because her loving boyfriend was making her Beanie Weenies for dinner.

You read right; not many people start with pork belly and move on to beanie weenies...now that's eating from all over the pig.

I'd planned to attend the opening of Matthew Damien Ritchie's show at Cafe Guttenburg, so I stopped by the house to walk the dog, not sure how late I'd be out.

Neighbor was porch sitting, so I waved hello, we started chatting and since the temperature was dropping, we moved the conversation into my apartment.

Hours later, the opening was over and I'd missed it completely.

On the plus side, I had company when I finally got around to walking the dog much, much later.

Now I just need to get down there and see the Ritchie show I missed.

I'll let you know how it is.

If Ever There Was Someone

My tall friend Thomas and I finally started spending time together the last six months, after years of not. Back in his bartending days, I was able to worship at his altar bar twice a week and made a point to do so. I was rewarded with smart conversation and killer wit, not to mention the occasional backhanded compliment or dig; I thoroughly enjoyed his company (and book discussions). Actually it was devotion to the pleasure of his company that led me to meeting someone I eventually became daft about but whom he tried to warn me against. Then life and circumstance (not of either of our own doing, btw) intervened and we only occasionally ran into each other.

Happily, that's all been corrected since February and we meet regularly now for lunch at the most varied of eating establishments (821, Mojo's, Bistro 27, The Village...are you getting the idea?), usually to eat fattening, fried or greasy foodstuffs. Today's destination of choice was Cafe Gutenburg (PBRs, Leo Hillinger Welschriesling and platter o' fries) and I'm just now home.

We always have plenty to talk about cause we know lots of the same people and yet hear different gossip. Even better, he's shared some of our conversations with his smart wife, so I get the added benefit of her take on the people and happenings we discuss. Naturally, there's also the topic of music. At the moment, I'm very much looking forward to a mix CD he's making me featuring some of his current favorites. Friends who give me music are the best.

When we finish our marathon lunches (luckily we both have flexible schedules), we amuse ourselves. We got to Carytown to shop for vintage clothes. Thomas takes pictures of my legs. He drives me home so we can discuss jam-making.

As usual, today's pithy discussion and analysis reminded me again why I have had a friend crush on him since 2002. Shh, don't tell.