Stranger #15
Hosting a dinner party
Don’t take it too seriously – and don’t be competitive. Some people will just not be beat when it comes to culinary triumphs.
Don’t be stingy with volume of food. Leftovers are great.
Do a really good dessert – it’s the final impression.
Set the table, have candles – ambience is half the success.
Don’t make people wait too long or they’ll be half hammered with a diminishing appetite before first course arrives.
Travelling
Use those plastic bags to keep knickers and socks all in the one place, and for dirty washing. If, when you’re packing, your instinct says you might not wear this dress/trousers/jumper much but it could be handy, don’t take it.
Go with a friend – a good friend – who loves organising itineraries.
When your child tells you they are gay
Be observant and know he/she is gay before they finally get around to telling you.
Don’t say triumphantly, ‘I thought so!! Ever since you used to dress up in my clothes when you were five.’
Arrange your face very quickly so it looks nice and normal – because that’s what they are.
Just listen.
Dealing with ageism
I’ll let you know when I’m old.
Would like advice on
How best to keep abreast of new technology. I so don’t want to turn into an old girl that shakes her head in bewilderment at the next whizzbang Apple whitegood
Best advice received
Don’t be afraid. ‘Faint heart never won the fat turkey.’
Life experience:
63 years
Location
Sydney, Australia