Rennie and I had a rare night out without the children yesterday, going to Ask for Fern, a cosy music club and bar above a florists.  One of our Sri Lankan friends had told us that the live band would be accompanied by Jerome Speldewinde, his smooth voice being perfectly matched to lounge jazz.  As well as being a nice change, it turned out to be a surprising evening for two reasons.

The first of these was that the band was the same one that we have come to know well at Barefoot Garden – so not only would we be enjoying their music again over a pre-arranged lunch the next day, but as it turned out Jerome would be guesting the next day, too.

The second and more notable reason was that in over twenty one years together, I\’ve never known Rennie order an alcoholic drink for herself.  She avoids pubs and bars and might have a sip of my wine over dinner, but that\’s it.  A nice cappuccino and a glass of water are the usual order of the day.  Last night, not only did we enjoy going out to a bar, but Mrs. Robinson was ordered from the cocktail list!  Vodka, elderflower, raspberry and mint.  Life is full of surprises, and it was my turn to be the one having a sip of their partner\’s drink!

Steve