Much of tonight was spent in the delightful company of
frandowdsofa and Julia-Winolj, with assistance from grandad42 and cardboardnewman, with interventions from flick, nerosmaster and redbrown.But the most entertaining part of the evening was still to come. Following my two ten-hour days earlier in the week,
lproven and I were discussing Microsoft Exchange 2003, contrasting it with various Linux-based offerings. the_major's eyes were looking a little distant. Resolving to involve her more fully in the conversation, and knowing her fondness for the topic, I decided to educate Mr Proven on the difference between certain kinds of carburettor. I'd covered the mechanism underlying the variable Venturi in SU-style carburettors and was just moving on to the precise way in which the needle tapers when he said "You're making this all up, Spencer." "Oh no," replied the_major, "it's all true."I'm very much afraid that if, during their bedroom activities later, she dissolves in a fit of giggles it'll be entirely my fault -- I used a very specific analogy when describing the operation of the dashpot.
So I enjoyed delivering a little lesson on carburettors. Some would claim that this teaches us a great deal about my personality. I think it's the simple fact that I can out-geek Liam, who ought to know these sorts of things, in his girlfriend's specialist subject.
Much kudos to those fine people who drive London's black cabs, and without whom I would certainly have missed my last train.
