Thursday, December 10/2015

Email from M asking if it would be convenient if she stopped for an hour about 7 pm between Greek class and an overnight visit with a friend. Reply of course she can. Acquire shortbread as a suitable accompaniment to coffee and/or brandy and then eat somewhat earlier than usual in order to avoid awkwardness of meal conflicting with visit. M arrives cheerfully on time and we offer coffee or tea or brandy. Oh no, says M - I shouldn't drink as I haven't eaten. At which point we begin to realise that we've been a bit slow on the uptake. Emailing in the morning was expected to trigger a supper invitation, rather than our eating early. Confirmed when M says innocently that she had thought we usually ate about seven. Redeem ourselves somewhat by reheating a bowl of yesterday's pea soup to precede the shortbread. After which the Cypriot brandy appears to be an acceptable complement to the coffee. M herself amused, though mildly embarrassed: "And don't laugh at me after I've gone."