It's a funny thing, going for a beer with friends and inviting new people into the group. Of course that's the whole point about the Evolution of Friendship, each of us bringing new people into the circle and getting to know others.
This evening could be summarised as "I don't just…" in the following way:-

I don't just have kids
I have seven

I don't just have faith
I'm churchwarden

I don't just like music
I'm writing a biography

I don't just have a job
I own a company

I don't just have old lovers
I speak to them in the street

Telling other people about the way my life works is always interesting and quite revealing.
I am prone to believe that other people's lives are equally as complex and inspiring but in a different way, and it never ceases to amaze me that for many people, my lifestyle and history is a bit unusual?
And there are occasions (now amongst them) that eac one of these statements could blow my head. I have SEVEN children FFS. Is that ridiculous? As ridiculous as wearing my beard only on my chin?

I get excited about Buff -bellied Pipits at Farmoor in Oxford.

A beautiful looking bird. There is a big part of me still gripped of fby last week's amazing rarity. A second for the year too, with one on Scilly a few days early. My heart belongs at Farmoor and the place will always be very special to me. For two years I watched it every day, and dfor a five year period it was my patch. Life-ticked Leach's Petrel and GN Diver there.
But now I do not go birding. I have more to do and life has moved on. But I still yearn for moments like this, and feel a twinge of jealousy ad frustration to have not been able to go and share this unique experience.

Is that arrogant? I hope not.

Tonight we went to the Dolphin for the first time in a year. It is still three doors from Paula, and she was still there, looking out of her bedroom window.
She is still gorgeous and I still want to go back in...

And now, just hours away, I take part in running a Mission Audit workshop.
Life is good.

J.F. D. I.