Is A Mirror A True Reflection?

Inevitably, and whether properly or not, we do rely on first impressions and these are formed in most cases by looking at someone before we approach or speak. We are most likely to look first at the face before moving on to the things which matter to us individually such as nails, teeth, hair or perhaps other features depending on our leanings. I have noticed that a simple thing like the angle of view can change the impression one receives. Sometimes, from a particular point of view, one can appear to see someone as they might have been years ago. There is an oft repeated but nevertheless interesting experiment whereby the photograph of someone's face is viewed in two halves and seems almost to portray two different people. Similarly a photograph taken in a mirror can alter significantly the appearance of even someone you know well especially if typically they favour one profile. Possessing a certain degree of vanity, albeit significantly diluted with self-deprecation, I am amused by some of the results I have obtained.

If I am rambling it is because, bathed in contentment, I have little to say but am enormously flattered that people read my blog and do not want to leave my audience (readership?) hungry. In truth I need some form of emotion, sometimes excitement, often somewhat negative to stimulate my best writing and, as I say, I am currently calm and happy. In three weeks or so I shall travel to Palm Springs and enjoy (as much as I ever enjoy parties) our Halloween bash. The owners of Inndulge book a local restaurant and, at about 7.30pm about 30 homosexuals mince (or in my case, stride manfully) into the dining room in costumes ranging from full drag to my rather more Freudian Jason outfit. It's worth going just to see the reactions of the other diners. While I am thinking about it, would anyone like to see my machete?

The media would have us believe that food shopping is becoming disastrously expensive but this is not reflected in my current baskets. I must say that both Tesco and Asda seem to have prices under control and, having recently done both my Mum's shopping and our own, I have been astonished by how much we got in each case for only £60. I am also once again going to sing the praises of Asda (whilst not condoning WalMart's alleged working practices). Over the last few months we have had some really good food from there and they continue to come up with new things. When you get to my age - 54 next week - you can use a bit of excitement and if the excitement is edible then so much the better.

We'll be off out on my days off to get Greg's costume as we are arriving in Los Angeles a bit late this year. I look forward to posting the photographs and getting the reaction from Matt et alia. Any publicity........