06.17 STOCKING UP

You'd think we were driving across the country. Oh, wait, we practically are, only England is just a fraction of my native land and a cross-country drive is like a trip up the 401. Like from Windsor, say, to the Muskokas.

We're going to the Lake District, national parkland and home of the Cumbrian Mountains, for a weekend of ambling, rambling and paddling in the countryside.

But first things first and to be certain we get there stock full of energy for the weekend's walks we're stocking up on food for the drive up. Enough to feed a carload, but its just the two of us. We deliberate juice flavours for a few minutes, contemplate wasabi peas then pass, don't hesitate over wine gums, and land some Reggae Reggae nuts just because we're curious. We've soon overloaded the basket with (mostly) healthy snacks and some crap. Sorted.

05.29 DEX

Dan hung up the headphones, in his words, around the time we met. He used to DJ regularly at a few local joints, but wanted his Friday nights back. Retirement ensued.

Perfect timing, more time for me.

He still does the odd gig for friends and special events, and tonight is a big one - not just because its a well-established Bank Holiday event hosted by his music guru housemate with a guest DJ known nation-wide. But also because its my first time in the audience.

His set is wicked good, and gets the dance floor going by the end of the hour. Embarassingly, I couldn't name a single track, err...plenty room for learning. But I got up for a boggie and observed Dan in his element - crowd pleasing, music hugry, energetic vibe.

05.13 AUDIENCE

We are in for a blockbuster tonight. Robin Hood - yet another remake of the legendary tale - this time a more swashbuckling version than the Costner flick, and with a less jovial undertone than Men in Tights.

We seat ourselves for a hurried bite before the show. Already in 'audience' mode, we are side-by-side, bumping elbows and people watching from a cozy corner (but for the nearby door swinging open and shut, letting in a chilling breeze form outside) as we wait for our food to arrive. We're pushing it for time and Dan is more interested with the traffic through the kitchen door, waiters bustling in and out with drinks and dinner plates for other guests. He is hungry. I'm fussed about feeling rushed.

We sip slowly on our drinks and at least enjoy the moment before we find ourselves scarfing down dinner with little time between bites for natter. We up and hurry ourselves to Theatre 1, which is somehow dark and still - are we in the right one? Why hasn't the film started, or at least the previews already? We're late!

We resume our adjacent arrangement, this time eyes to the screen, waiting yet again. Playing audience again. The previews begin, just as we're doubting ourselves a second time - but the show is late and we're just in time.