An Invernessian in America By Diane Knox: True friendship stands the test of time – plus there’s so much to talk about!
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If you read my column last week, you’ll know I’m embarking on the caffeine-free journey of misery. I am being dramatic, but it’s hard to go cold turkey from the buzz!
It’s so funny how some things resonate with your “audience”, and I’ve had more of a reaction to this than anything I’ve written about or posted on social media for a long time.
A lot of questions as to why I’m doing it (fertility benefits to be totally transparent), what the differences have been (less jittery), a lot of moral support from fellow former coffee addicts and some natural alternatives to help aid the transition.
I’ll be honest, decaf is my saviour right now and quenching my thirst for the bean. And it gives me something to order at the local coffee shop as I do some work, like writing this column.
Last week I took a short trip to New York City and went to a beautiful wee coffee shop called Ralph’s Coffee, owned by Mr Lauren himself.
I’d wanted to pay it a visit for months, and safe to say it didn’t disappoint. And neither did the decaf. But it was maybe the most expensive “coffee” I have, or ever will, buy.
I flew up to the Big Apple to see my friend from Glasgow, Cassi. Cas and I worked together at Clyde 1 and became firm friends right away.
Our friendship has stood the test of time, and over 4000 miles of separation, and, if anything, only gets stronger. Whenever we see each other it’s like no time at all has passed – the true sign of lasting friendship.
She had booked a trip pre-Omicron with two of her friends, but after they cancelled Cassi decided to invite her fiancé instead, and I gatecrashed their romantic getaway for two days. We hadn’t seen each other in two-and-a-half years, and it was truly amazing to be reunited.
Covid has been a right pest for many, many reasons but the unwelcome void it’s put between family and friends is the worst.
It was the first week of January so I was straight back to work – did I want to take a few days off and travel as the number of positive cases was soaring? Not really, but the opportunity to spend quality time with one of my best friends was too special to pass up.
We all have those friends around whom you feel completely at ease, can say and do whatever you like without giving it a second thought. Those friends who listen to your moans and concerns and say just what you need to hear because they know you inside out. And those friends who make you laugh…and laugh. That’s Cassi. She’s a golden soul who’s one in a million.
Since we were last together, a lot has happened – two engagements and a wedding to be exact! So we got to celebrate, albeit slightly belated, but that didn’t matter one bit. Time is pretty irrelevant when the bond is so strong.
When we’ll see each other again, who knows, and I’m certain a lot more will happen in our lives before then. But it just gives us even more to talk about…over decaf coffee.
