Thursday, August 04, 2016

AND THAT’S THE WAY IT IS....

Finger Wharf, Woolloomooloo Circa 2016
Woolloomooloo  Circa  2016


Woolloomooloo Back When....

Harry's Cafe de Wheels, Woolloomoolo, Sydney
Harry


The El Alamein Memorial Fountain in Darlinghurst (Kings Cross) - Jus Across the Road from the Hotel I Stayed At

Gazebo Hotel, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney - above and below

Purposely I fly low beneath the radar, flying so close to the ground I’m considering attaching a set of blades around my middle.  Come summer I’ll hire myself out as a lawn-mower to make extra money on the side...or on my stomach.  I won’t try putting the money in my pockets, though.  I could lose a hand or two in the process if the blades are still in motion.

Mostly I keep to myself.  I like it that way.  I enjoy my own company. I understand and laugh at my own jokes; something which pleases me greatly. I’m easily amused. If I don’t get the joke I don’t feel insulted.  When talking to myself, I listen; so much sense is being made! I don’t interrupt; and I don’t get talked over. 

Those not accustomed to a life lived alone believe one who lives a solo life must be lonely.  I don’t know how to spell the word “lonely”.  I had to look it up in “Spell Check”.  I doubt I’ve ever felt lonely at any time during my years on this earth, when alone or not alone. 

A few weeks ago, an acquaintance lost her husband (as in he passed away; she didn’t misplace him. It’s the second husband she’s lost; perhaps she should consider investing in name tags with a return address imprinted thereon).

Anyway, the other day my acquaintance told me about the empty, overwhelming feeling that engulfs her at meal times since her husband’s passing. She explained how much she misses not having someone sitting across the table with whom to share those moments while chomping on a chop bone. 

Suddenly enlightened as if she’d a light bulb moment, she blurted out; “But, of course, you understand that feeling!” 

Too often people presume to assume. 

Without hesitation I answered I don’t. I never have. And this is true...I do not lie.  I found it to be a strange statement for her to have made...in reference to how I felt, anyway.

If I saw someone sitting across from me at my table I’d be phoning the police to inform them an intruder was in my midst, eating my food, rudely infringing my boundaries; asking them to get here pronto; not to spare the horses!  (Either that or I’d put together a doggie bag and send the uninvited, unwelcome visitor on his way. Needless to say, if it was George Clooney the scenario would be different.  Hold those horses!).

Eating alone has never bothered me. It doesn’t make me feel ill-at-ease; it never has, whether at home or out in the untamed world with strangers aimlessly or purposefully milling about. 

Often I’ve dined solo in restaurants, cafếs etc.  I’ve no idea how many times I’ve dined alone in public - always in an eatery of sorts, of course.  I don’t eat in the streets, if that’s what you’re thinking.  Although, once because I had to; I had no choice; meaning I wouldn’t allow me another choice.  It was when I was doing the Sales/Marketing for the resort on Hinchinbrook Island.   

In Sydney for whatever reason one night I dined with Rosemary, our publicist who was a Sydney-ite.  She and I got on well. 

Rosemary spoke with a distinct “plum in her mouth”; and sometimes her attitude matched her manner of speaking; and to some she came across as being "hoity-toity". But she and I clicked from our first meeting when she’d visited the island to see what was what; to have some knowledge of the subject about which she would be writing at different times.  Rosemary was a “true” city girl.  

We’d dined at leisure and at length in an upmarket Sydney restaurant somewhere near Woolloomooloo, an inner-city, harbourside suburb.  I forget the name of the restaurant.

Don’t you just love the name Woolloomooloo?  It’s derived from the first homestead in the area, built by the first landowner, a John Palmer.  It is thought the name could be derived from Aboriginal place names...either “Wallamullah”, meaning “place of plenty” – or “Wallabahmullah” – meaning a young black kangaroo.

Rosemary and I lingered long over our coffee and liqueurs. We had a table near a window so watching the passing parade of Saturday night revellers was a fun pastime while we dined and conversed.

The hotel in which I was staying...the same one I always stayed in during my visits to Sydney, the Gazebo Ramada Hotel in Elizabeth Bay (it now is owned by a different hotel group)....was only a little over a kilometre from where we dined.  One time when I was a guest of the hotel an American basketball team was staying at the hotel, too.  I thought I was tall, but I was midget next to those fellows!

After we’d finished our pleasant, lengthy interlude at the restaurant Rosemary and I decided to stroll back homeward. Hailing a taxi seemed pointless.  Having a unit overlooking the waters of Sydney Harbour at Rushcutters Bay, she lived close by.
Woolloomooloo, Rushcutters Bay, Elizabeth Bay and Kings Cross (Darlinghurst) are all within easy striking/walking distance of each other.  In the mid-Eighties it was still safe to walk at night in those suburbs; or, at least it felt that way.  Same applied to Melbourne during those days.  I wouldn’t feel safe doing similar nowadays.   

Finding myself in Woolloomooloo close on midnight I had to do what any self-respecting Aussie would do – even if they had been out dining amongst the elite!  I had to pay a visit to Sydney’s (and Australia’s) iconic venue..... Harry’s Café de Wheels.  Harry’s has been a Sydney tradition since 1938.

*** The story of ‘Harry’s Café de Wheels’ goes back to the depression years of the late 1930’s. With the world on the brink of a devastating war, an enterprising Sydneysider by the name of Harry Edwards opened a caravan café near the front gates of the Woolloomooloo naval dockyard. Word spread quickly with Harry’s ‘pie n’ peas’ and crumbed sausages soon becoming a popular part of the city’s nightlife – keenly sought by sailors, soldiers, cabbies, starlets and coppers alike. Harry operated the caravan until 1938 when he enlisted in the AIF during WWII.

During Harry’s time in the Middle East, he was nicknamed “Tiger” due to his boxing prowess and the name stuck. Upon his return in 1945, Harry realised that Sydney hadn’t changed much and it was still almost impossible to get a good feed late-night, so he reopened and the caravan has been operating continuously since.
The phrase ‘Café de Wheels’ came about as the city council of the day insisted that mobile food caravans move a minimum of 12 inches a day. Harry dutifully obeyed and thus the name was expanded to Harry’s Café de Wheels. Before the councils ruling, the caravan was known simply as ‘Harry’s.’

  “Never-Let-a-Chance-G- By-Lee” those in the know call me!

When I suggested we have a pie, Rosemary thought I’d taken leave of my senses.  I could see it by the look on her face. The look, along with her protests, immediately gave away what was going on in her mind. 

Not to be deterred, I was going to do what I wanted to do whether Rosemary liked it or not; or whether she joined me in the bit of fun.  

 I said I just had to have one of “Harry’s” pies...and, dressed in my dining-out-finery, I had to stand on the footpath, near the gutter to eat it.  That is what one should do when devouring a pie from Harry's Cafe de Wheels! 

Too bad if my diner companion felt ashamed or embarrassed, I said she didn’t have to stick around she could move on; I’d catch up with her after I fulfilled a long-time desire.  I believed I may never get the chance to do so again...and I never did get the chance to do so again.  And, boy, oh, boy...what a great, delicious, hot meat pie it was!  A memorable feast!  I can’t remember what I ate that night at the fine-dining restaurant.

By the way, Rosemary, to her credit...joined with me in having...and enjoying...one of Harry’s legendary pies.  We laughed....we had fun.  And I'll bet she still remembers that evening, particularly the last part.

Never once have I felt awkward, conspicuous or out of place dining alone; except for the time I fell off the table I was dancing on, causing steaming soup to spill over a nearby couple who had been, up until then, enjoying a romantic dinner (I think he’d been about to propose – either that or break-up); or the time when I was animatedly waving my arms about descriptively relating a story. I whacked an unfortunate, shocked waiter in the belly causing him to drop four plates of hot food; but I won’t mention any embarrassing moments.

If I allowed inner insecurities, which at times have a wont to sneak in,to take control I’d be in dire straits without a canoe or paddle.  Being embarrassed by dining alone is not part of my make-up (although, Revlon, Estếe Lauder and Maybelline are. So, you see...I’m never alone...the whole gang are here. One or the other or all come along with me on such occasions). 

Let’s face it...who better for me to have as a dinner companion than me?  There’s never any argument over the menu.  I always get my own way; I eat what I want to eat. I don’t mind sharing with me or eating off the same plate or using the same fork.  And, I do prefer paying my own way.

For instance (or a couple of instances, as examples) - if I’d waited for someone to take me to dine at Mietta’s, the once legendary Melbourne restaurant, or be my companion at various venues in Singapore’s Raffles Hotel those wonderful places would never have had the pleasure of my company; or me, theirs!

That’s the low-down on flying solo, close to the ground.  It’s a lot of fun if you allow it to be.

 So, you see...one isn’t always the loneliest number.

Mac & Cheese for One: Place 1/2c macaroni, 1-1/4c milk, salt and pepper in pot; bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring until pasta is soft and only a couple of tablespoons of milk are left. Reduce heat to low; stir in 1/3c shredded cheddar, 2tbs shredded Colby, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and 1/4tsp Dijon mustard; stir until cheese is melted.

Naan Breakfast Pizza: Preheat oven 175C.  Fry in a little oil a few thinly sliced onion rings; set aside.  Cook one naan or flatbread in pan, lightly, on both sides; then place naan on baking sheet; spoon pizza sauce of liking on top; cover with grated cheddar, parmesan (or mozzarella) and onions; (add finely-chopped bacon, if desired) crack an egg gently on top; season. Bake 8-10mins.

Poached Salmon Salad: Bring saucepan of salted water to gentle boil. Poach 1 salmon fillet, 10mins. (If skin on, score skin first). Dressing – 2tbls Greek yoghurt, zest of half lemon and squeeze of lemon juice; set aside. Make salad with 12 mint leaves, 2-3 radishes, thinly sliced and 1/4tsp capers; set aside. Remove salmon from pan; season; drizzle with x-virgin olive oil; set aside while you cook 1c green peas; drain peas; cool under running cold water; drain. Place a handful of watercress/rocket on plate; top with salad; sprinkle with 1tbs crumbled feta; top with salmon; pour over the dressing.

That’s How the Cookie Crumbles: Preheat oven 200C. Toss together ½ cup fresh/frozen berries, 1dsstpn fruit liqueur (optional) and 1tsp cornflour; put into a ramekin. Combine 1tbs room temp butter, 1tbs brown sugar, 1tbs rolled oats and 1/2tsp cinnamon in bowl; add 1 crumbled chocolate ripple biscuits and a few choc chips. Pack crumble on top of berries; bake 20mins. 

36 comments:

  1. Woolloomooloo is not a name to live by! Its spelling causes too many arguments.
    Harry's cafe sounds good mind!

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    1. I think Woolloomooloo is a great name...it rolls off one's tongue easily. Easy when you know how!

      Thanks for coming by, Mr. Ad-Man. :)

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  2. I keep to myself too, but you already know that. I've eaten alone in public places too, no fancy restaurants for me though. Usually it's a table in a food court, sometimes the one in Chinatown by our Central Market, sometimes the one in the city above Cheap as Chips.
    Harry's colourful Cafe de Wheels would be Sydney's version of our iconic Pie Cart and the pie'n'peas, our pie floater. I've never eaten one, not being a fan of meat pies. I tried them when I was younger and the pastry is always okay, but when it came to the meat, I always seemed to get the gristle. They've probably improved by now, but I still prefer my home made ones.
    Woolloomooloo was often one of our spelling words at school and most of us got it wrong several times. Grade five I think that was.

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    1. Hey River. Food courts I stay well away from...none up here on the mountain, anyway...and I never go down to the large, busy shopping centres on the Gold Coast. I'm not fond of them. I've never been fond of shopping centres. I stay clear of them. Actually, I never go down to the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast. As I've mentioned often, I enjoy the village atmosphere of up here on the mountain...and there are many cafes, eateries and restaurants here to suit all tastes...and pockets. But I don't dine out much anymore...the simple life for me! :)

      I love a good meat pie...and when we were kids the two bakeries in Gympie and the one at Tin Can Bay make brilliant pies, and pasties...I can still tastes them! Yum!

      Over the years I've made many, many meat pies, but I can't be bothered doing so these days. The local bakery up here makes good meat pies (not too fond of their pasties, though...no one knows how to make a good pastie these days it would seem...unless, of course, you make them yourself).

      I don't eat pies too often but when I do feel like one (I always have two...one is never enough)...I also don't feel like shooting off to the bakery to by them...so, instead, I always keep a couple of packets of the frozen King Island meat pies in my freezer for when the mood strikes. They're a pretty good pie, as are most products from King Island.

      Thanks for coming by, River. :)

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    2. I've had the King island pies, they're pretty good! But not often available here, perhaps they sell out before I get to the shops. I used to prefer pasties, but these days they're all too peppery and make my face burn from the inside out.

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    3. Pasties these days are not as good as they once were...true pasties have to have Swede turnip in them and none of the bought ones do...which is more the pity. They're tasteless!

      Nice to see you again, River. :)

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  3. WOW. Can I borrow a cup of your kick-ass personality? I let others decide what I'M going to eat! Eating out with others makes me nervous. They TALK. I can't talk and eat at the same time, and if Rosemary didn't want a pie, then I'd not get one either.

    You certainly have grit and I admire that more than you ability to cook! The other night I made my own naan, fried it, put thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and grated cheese on it and broiled it.

    It was gooooood.

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    1. Hey Dana. I think you hold your own very well without the assistance of others! :)

      If Rosemary hadn't had a pie...it would've been her loss...I would still have enjoyed mine. Your naan feast sounds yummy!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. Well you said a lot of interest here. I was taken by your opinion of being alone. I was married a time to my first husband then raised our children on my own for 26 years. It was fine for me to dine out alone when the kids were off to college and people were amazed at how well I managed being on my own. But after meeting Ron and having him in my life for 14 years I find that I miss him terrible and even though I can be alone okay I will never stop being lonely. However will help a lot now that I know how to make mac and cheese for one:-)

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    1. G'day Annie....we're all individual...and we each react differently. We are who we are. :)

      You'll be right now with your mac and cheese for one....just make sure you make it in a big container...a small mac and cheese is never enough! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  5. that is really some wharf, and I love the fountain, been ages since I've had mac and cheese, the other day a friend was telling me about cheddar and apple pizza, but have yet to try it, but a breakfast pizza, I don't know why I find that so odd since I have often eaten left over pizza for breakfast. Ha. Most of the time I am alone but dh and I are good friends and I know I'd be lonely if he weren't around, they say you don't know if you'll miss someone till they are gone but as we get older we have discussed this and we both would miss each other. Sometimes I miss others, even some relatives who've left my life for their own reasons but no sense dwelling on that because I can't change those circumstances. There is a series here where folks are left on an island to survive (if usually lasts no more than a month so not that long in the scheme of things) and most decide to end their stay mostly because they miss their families, but the reward is $500,000 and I think I could stick it out for that amount of money just to help dh's and my life be easier. And the TV show is called 'Alone'.

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    1. I guess there aren't many of us who've not had...and enjoyed...left-over pizza for breakfast sometime or other! I know I have! :)

      I miss my late brother, mother and Nana...but as you say, there's nothing that can be done about their passing. But, I still don't feel lonely, even though they're gone and have been gone for a long time now. Missing and being lonely are two different emotions/feelings, I believe.

      I do think some on those reality shows over-dramatise the "missing" at times...it makes for interesting viewing one way or the other. :)

      I reckon $500,00 would be a good salve to the hurt.

      We're all different. Hey! I'd miss my two furry rascals terribly if I had to leave them or something happened to them. The thought I dread...as well as the reality.

      Thanks for coming by, Linda. :)

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  6. Hi Lee, love this post. I've already copied your recipes and plan on making them the first chance I get. Some of us do better alone than others obviously, I don't mind being alone at all. My husband is away on business frequently and these recipes will come in handy as I often find myself eating less than wonderful things, just because I don't want to make a huge batch of something! Anyway, you're right we should never presume how others feel about things as we are all so very different. Thanks for sharing your delightful recipes!

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    1. Hi CC....I'd hate to have someone living in my pocket all the time...and vice versa. I guess, too, I've been living alone for so long now, living with someone would be a hell of a change for me...a massive disruption I'd have difficulty getting used to...I probably wouldn't be able to get used to living with another person. I don't want to get used to it! lol But that's me...it is who I am and what I am like.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. I am much more likely to feel lonely in a crowd than on my own. I like time alone. I need time alone.
    And yay for broadening Rosemary's horizons.

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  8. Same here, EC. I hate crowds; and I stay well away from them. I cherish and protect my time alone...so far I'm doing very well! Top of the class I go! ;)

    Thanks for coming by. :)

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  9. I am a lone traveler, eater and go-outer too.
    I love my weekends with my own company ~ and I am very selfish because I don't share my brilliant company with others .. LOL

    BTW, love all the different team uniforms in the Olympics.

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    1. The Opening Ceremony with all the teams of the world is/was just wonderful, Carol.

      In the past three or so hours I've been around the world and back again...a world in which happiness and harmony flowed freely. A colourful, happy world filled with friendliness, pride and dignity....a truly wonderful world it was....

      I shed tears and I've smiled through the tears...truly inspiring to see humans acting as they should always act.

      I love my own brilliant company, too. ;)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. I've lived alone for so many years now I honestly don't know how I'd cope living with anyone else. I doubt very much if life would be as peaceful as it is now, it would be a rare person who gets on as well with me as I do. I'm so glad I've never know loneliness. I lie, I have felt it twice during the nights when my father and my sister were dying. But there were so many emotions at work on those occasions I don't think I need to count them really.
    I've been watching the Olympics opening ceremony, too, while chatting on FB with my son who lives in Brasil. Lovely to be able to watch the same thing at the same time. I do hope they listen to their own advise about the environment. But I won't get on that hobby horse today.

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    1. G'Day, Pauline. I know I wouldn't be able to cope if I had to live with another. I've been living on my own now since 1986...30 years. There were a couple of brief interludes in those 30 years, but not surprisingly, they didn't last long. I'd go insane within a week!

      Of course, when we've helplessly stood by watching our loved ones pass...as I did with my mother, grandmother and brother every emotion takes over.

      I can imagine who wonderful it must have been for you to be watching the Opening Ceremony while chatting with your son. What a thrill...for you both. I enjoyed it as I said above.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. Those cookie crumbles sound yummy!
    Good for you for being comfortable with yourself and people around you being an enrichment.
    This was a great post!

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    1. G'Day Sandra...when it all boils down...to face this world we live in head on, we really only have our own self...it's who we are and life is difficult enough without one being comfortable with one's self...even if at times it is a battle and we sometime pretend to put on a strong front.

      Thanks for your comment and for dropping in. :)

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  12. I always hate when people assume how you feel or do. I remember too well when a fellow employee made the statement about my being single that I did not have that much to do. I corrected her and told her I had everything to do at my house. It was just me and like you I found my days and nights not lonely but I rather entertained myself with my favorite activities and also the much needed work that had to be done all by myself. I grew up when a person did not get bored as they made their own fun so I was not lonely in my life style. After getting married I have had to cope with endless time not alone and secretly wish to run away sometimes to be by myself. To do whatever whenever I wished would be a true vacation and fond time for this girl. I guess we both like our own company and I do not see any harm in that. Peace

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    1. Hi Miss Kitty...People love to assume and when those assumptions are directed at me I become pretty annoyed.

      I, too, am of the generations who never understood the word "bore" unless it meant boring a hole in a piece of wood! We made our own fun and games when I was a kid...and what fun we had!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. Woolloomooloo! sounds like something you'd say when the shower goes cold whilst you are standing in it.

    There is nothing wrong with being on your own. I think that many people are fearful of their own company. They seem to require constant approbation. I like to walk on my own. Many is the mile I have walked with only myself for company. It gives me a kind of inner peace which I can never achieve when there's someone else yakking in my shadow.

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    1. I agree...there is nothing wrong with being alone, which is just as well, I guess. I've been living alone for the past 30 years...something must be right, for me, anyway. I've not yet buckled and am not likely to do so. I enjoy my own company, space and privacy...and I don't get annoyed when I tell myself to shut up!

      Thanks for swinging by, Yorkie. :)

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  14. Your dishes are always so beautiful. If I had not just had fresh corn, cucumbers and tomatoes from our garden along with a chicken dish I would be drooling.

    Thank you for your kind words. It will work out as it should. I should not complain since I am really very blessed.

    Mom had a true ability to "see" things. One time she grabbed her shoes and her purse and told us to be good that she would be gone with Dad for a while. Ten minutes later he pulled up severely burned from a bulldozer's radiator explosion. That was before phones. She did not think it was a gift but rather a curse.

    When you have the responsibility of the family's land there is always much to do.

    It is a peaceful spring fed valley we live in. All the animals and nature appear to be balanced and happy. Trying to keep it that way is the hard part.

    Thank you for your kind comments.

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    1. Hi Gail...I think your fresh produce sounds more delicious!

      I didn't feel you were complaining in any way. Just soak in the ambience that surrounds you when things start to try to get you down. I say "try" because try as they might, you will always stand tall. :)

      Take good care...and thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. The plants are happy with the rain. I am doubly grateful that the amount Louisiana has had did not reach here.

      Have a blessed evening

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  15. I feel exactly the same way - I don't mind being alone or dining (at home) alone. I don't often go to restaurants to eat by myself though.

    And I would have eaten that pie right then, too. Sounds yummy!

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  16. Forgot to mention - I was with my sisters for the last few days and dining out with them was fun. I noticed we seem to attract a lot of attention - must be all the laughter.

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    1. Hi Lynn....Hi Lynn! :)

      It's great to sit around over a leisurely lunch laughing and have a great time. Those looking on probably wished they could've joined in with you in the fun!

      Thanks for popping in....twice! :)

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  17. Interesting. When I was younger and living by myself I would never consider dining out alone. I would have felt such a pariah. Now I often do dine out or go to the moveis by myself, particularly on those girls' nights out my wife enjoys. And I shake my head at the attitude I had way back when.

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    1. Hi Dave...we're all different...some folk just enjoy being around others all the time...but I've never been like that. I have friends up here where I live who see each other two, three, four times a week for coffee or whatever other reason. I'm just not that way and have never bought into it. It's just the way I am...who I am.

      Some people just can't be alone. I'm the absolute opposite! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  18. I don't mind dining alone, but I also like dining with others. Although I like food, dining out is not something I tend to do for entertainment, I don't know why. It's just, like, eating food, hopefully nice food :)

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    1. Oh, I enjoy eating with others, too...but eating alone doesn't worry me; which is just as well, I guess! I don't dine out much these days...but when I do, I enjoy doing so. But I think I prefer my own company with me and my two furry rascals within my own four walls above everything and everywhere else.

      Thanks for coming by, Jenny. :)

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