Things didn't stop for me after the Convention ended. You see, I haven't seen my mate Vince, who was my room share, for a long time so before the Con I asked him if he'd like to come and stay. As we were both off this week directly following the Con, it seemed the perfect time and perfect bookend to what we hoped would be (and was) a perfect 4 days

Here's what happened. It may get long. After I was up last night until 1:30 re-assembling my Con report, I'm just going to post this with no fancy cuts or other arseing about.

Monday
Directly after the Closing Ceremony, we said our goodbyes and collected our luggage. I'd proposed that we go over the airport and eat there. We decided on Frankie & Bennys and started with a platter of Ribs & Wings that were lovely. Then Vince had Pizza and I went for Pasta. It was lovely.

After a great meal, we headed for the train station and got lucky. The direct train to Manchester was leaving in 5 minutes and was waiting on the platform. The train ride home was lovely and relaxing and we pulled into Manchester right on time and got a taxi back to my place. It was a good trip home.

You'll know how it is. You run yourself ragged for four days and you get some sleep but not enough because you're too busy having fun and in any case you never sleep properly anywhere except your own bed. And for those four days, it's the adrenaline and energy and fun (and sheer bloody mindedness) that keep you going. And then it's over and you get home and it hits you like running into a wall.

It hit Vince and I as we sank into the sofa. 20 minutes later, I was asleep almost as soon as my head touched pillow.

Tuesday
Shopping happened as I had no food in.

I decided to introduce Vince to Firefly. I put Disc 1 in the player and we watched the pilot and I turned to Vince for his reaction. He just said quietly with a touch of incredulity, "They cancelled this?" And that was it. Another recruit to the Browncoats.

After that, the whole day turned into a Firefly Marathon. We paused for dinner. I cooked Quorn Tikka Massala (thanks for introducing me to that esmeraldus_neo) although I deviated from the recipe by adding mushrooms. This was followed by Angel Delight

Wednesday
I asked Vince if he wanted to look up his train times.

He gave me a funny look

But it's Thursday, I said. You said you were staying 'till Thursday.

Vince thought it was Wednesday. I was sure it was Thursday and for a minute, I even convinced him until we got clarification from the calendar. Personally, I blame those pesky History Monks for screwing about with timeline.

After reassuring Vince that I didn't want him to leave just yet, we decided to watch the last Firefly disc.

Following lunch, we went into Manchester by way of the Lowry (there was an accident in town that stopped the trams so we decided to get off) where we went to my pool club and played a few frames. It was good to get out the flat and relax over a beer.

Returning for tea, Vince became Chef and prepared his signature dish, Sausage Teriyaki - I'm going to steal that recipe too. Then with bottles and glasses of cider and ale and bags of crisps we settled down for the Feature presentation, Serenity.

Thursday
A great day with some nice surprises. I rang B who works near the train station as I had something I had to give to her and thought it might be possible for me to drop by on the way to get Vince's train.

She wasn’t working that day but offered us both a lift into Manchester and arranged for us to drop Vince's bag at her place of work, as he wanted to have a look around the City Centre. In return, I asked her round for a cup of tea. This turned out to be an error as she and Vince got on really well and formed an Unholy Alliance against me. The Michael was extracted in great quantities.

Completing his Indoctrination, Vince bought his own Box set of Firefly. I spotted the Director's cut of Donnie Darko. We were browsing in Waterstones when we bumped into D, a friend and sometime actor and director with my dram group. We got chatting and decided to have lunch together. There's now a little Food Court in the new Arndale Market with loads of little stall selling every type of food imaginable. It was great - apart from the Second Unholy Alliance that quickly took shape.

Sometimes it just ain't fair.

After lunch we said goodbye to D, Vince collected his bags and got his train.

And that's what happened yesterday

Except that Vince forgot his camera so I had to post it to him.

Friday
The fun is not yet over. This evening I shall again dress in my best to attend a wedding reception.
Congratulations to the happy couple, Miss Katherine Shore and Mr Alfred Howard who are getting married today. (No it’s not obvious – sometimes receptions are held a few days afterward)

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