September Younger Member's Drinks

This evening was the September Younger Member's drinks.  After being out of town for the August ones and really dropping the ball on planning, I didn't do much better on these, only sending out the invite on Monday morning for Wednesday drinks, and hence I was expecting a very small crowd.

Much to my surprise, when I arrived there was already a sizeable crowd, that only grew as the evening went on.  In the end, I would easily estimate that there were some 40-odd younger members crowded into the bar.  The Wild Welshman turned up for his first drinks in over six months, and seemed absolutely stunned at the crowd.  "How did you do this?"  I like to imagine that it's my incredible charm, but I really think it's more just one of these things that snowballs.  The more people that come, the more people want to come, and hence it all works out.

I was also grateful to see Amelia, who I had spoken to about joining the Younger Member's Committee, and so I was able to introduce her to the Wild Welshman, who welcomed her politely, although I think he was mostly just stunned at the large numbers of people.

The Tall South African had said he would call me this evening, and I'd hoped to be home early for that, but when I felt my handbag buzz, I realised it must be him.  I went to the phone booth to chat to him, but he said the connection was bad, and I had to admit I was sweating to death in there.  So I finally gave up and went outside, and spent nearly 45 minutes pacing up and down on the pavement outside talking to him.  I just needed a breather, and it always makes me smile to talk to him.

We talked about our concerns about mutual friends, the challenges of relationships, and just all of the usual nonsense that makes the both of us laugh when we talk to each other.  Finally though, I realised I needed to go back inside, and so bid him a goodnight.

When the Wild Welshman was leaving at around 10 PM, I took this excuse to leave with him, as I had also promised the Portsmouth crew that I would call them, as apparently everyone was home sick this evening.  Had a great time talking to my niece, and occasionally my brother and sister-in-law too (although let's face it, I mostly chatted with my niece!)  Always a great way to end an evening!