Mildertly funny

11.25pm. I walked down to Grey's bar for 8.45am, found nobody (i.e., not even Paul) loitering outside, so I went inside to the bar. The bar was virtually bereft of custom; had it not been for David Keen playing with a guitar it would have been completely. That corner of the bar was set up for a band to play, and there were two guitars available.

Paul came along with a few minutes, and picked up first the electric guitar, then the acoustic. Although he claimed to be a bad player, I thought he was merely rusty. Frankly the things he was playing were great, and they really want me want to learn the guitar. Imagine if I did that and took singing lessons too! Being musically talented, in my eyes, instantly adds 15% to how interesting people are, and Paul played a couple of pieces that definitely brought a lump to the throat. I am fond of Paul like I would hope to feel about a trusted comrade in arms, and to see that he can play guitar reasonably well just makes me jealous!

Andy arrived, had a fast drink whilst Paul was still playing, and then we found ourselves talking with one of the tutors, Tom I think his name was. He's funny, not as funny as he thinks he is, but still funny. Turns out he lives in Devon, and knows Tiverton well. It's a small world.

We left as soon as Paul had finished his drink, walked along the road that goes past the edge of the Elvet blocks, and out onto South Road. Then we turned left and up a short way until we reached Van Mildert College. A quick malinger outside the security code protected door, and a schmooze by Paul later, we were through the security door and into the bar.

Me, by the Van Mildert College lake.

Paul, by the lake.

The bar is about twice the size of Grey's (not three times the size, as claimed by Paul!), and carpeted rather than having wooden effect floor tiles, but it was still a pleasant affair.

We found ourselves falling in with Katherine from the Grey OU office, and another lovely lady who was an academic adviser, currently living in Luxembourg. Really nice lady, and I believe her partner is also a lady.

I poked fun at Andy during the evening because I'd heard him unselfconsciously use the word 'gay' in the sense of 'lame' or 'crap' etc. I mentioned during the course of the evening that I hated this recent 'reinvention' of the word.

Andy laughing in the Van Mildert bar.

It was clear that none of us were in the mood for a late night, so after we walked back. As we did so, Andy took me to one side with a grave expression on his face, and asked me with an honest expression whether he'd offended me with with his liberal sprinkling of the word 'gay' as a substitute for 'lame'. It was so sweet of him to even think of it that I hugged him without thinking, and he did the same. I hadn't imagined for a moment that he was even considering me when he made the remarks, and I said that in a way I considered it a compliment that he would feel relaxed enough with me. But he was quite worried that he had upset me, and whilst I reassured him, I couldn't help but warm to him a little more. I'd love Alan to meet him.

On the way back, Paul suggested I take a look at his Facebook albums for uploaded ones from this week so far, I found myself back in my room. I am currently listening to Monica Naranjo. As you do!