Hosting Panic!!!

[lagatta]

An old and dear friend is arriving from ... well, he lives in Paris, but he is arriving here from Havana, where it is 30 degrees warmer than it is here. Just stopping off before continuing to another stop in the US (he is an academic, lectures in Havana and Madison, just visiting here.

I am in an utter state of panic, even though he isn't staying at my place - he is staying chez a friend who is away, whose flat is twice the size of mine. I've taken food over there (a minestrone, some red cabbage, both frozen) and will be taking more, but I am very flustered. It must be said that usually, this time of year, I can do everyting on my bicycle - I don't mind cycling in a warm coat and gloves - but after our horrific winter, we had another dump of snow last week and not all streets are cyclable. So it is much slower. Taking the bus is not really much faster than walking to the next arrondissement down. Basically this is the perfection terror.

Arrrrgggghhh!

[mich64]

How frustrating Lagatta for you not being able to be out using your bicycle. Looking outside right now, I can not even see across the lake due to yet another snow storm today. I am sure your friend is going to appreciate the meals you have brought over though. We are going to need all our strength to get through these last few weeks of this horrendous winter. My husband told me that the City outdoor ice rinks are still operational, first time in 17 years that they have still been open this late in the season. Our ski hill is also still thriving. Arrrrgggghhh!

[Deleted]

I have learned to never worry about "dear" friends. They absolutely do not care about things not being perfect, just as when I visit them, I will abide by whatever happens, good or bad. Real friends do their best and when things go wrong, it's not because they didn't try.

The annoying people are the casual acquaintances who judge you on stupid and useless things.

[lagatta]

I know he won't care; it is part of my imprinting, I guess, to make sure everything is perfect. I bought some good chicken thighs from my friendly Moroccan butcher this afternoon, have made a simple chicken tagine (just chicken thighs with red onions and a bit of garlic, with a bit of saffron and aromatic spices - the chicken and liquid have taken on a lovely colour.

Now, does he like coriander, or hate it? I forget.