He survived - and hasn't grown feathers, or anything. But...
In the faraway Land of Expat, he was a friend who mainly dropped by in the evening for drinks and nibbles - and of course when I cooked for people there I tended to make a variety of dishes Arabic, or Indian, or Chinese style, so there would be a lot of choice anyway, if he ever did join us for a meal.
Having learnt my lesson, last night when Jacks came over, we got a Thai takeaway from The Lemon Tree (still excellent), and got lamb, beef and tofu dishes as well as chicken.
We watched Margaret Thatcher's funeral in the morning, as our visitor wanted to. I wouldn't have bothered otherwise, but it was a historic occasion, and was interesting. And very well done. She was our first, and so far, only, female Prime Minister, and I think she is the only PM in the last century - ever? - to have been re-elected three times running.
The actual religious service was quite chilling though and I went off to make us a sandwich lunch during much of it. (No, not chicken sandwiches).
The granddaughter, Amanda, read some verses from the Bible. And did it wonderfully well. Daunting enough to stand up and speak in St.Pauls, but with the world's eyes upon her... I could no more have done that at her age than fly.
She looked lovely while doing it too. Which has enthralled the tabloid press.
However, I was amazed at the verses that had been chosen. Did no-one notice what was actually being said?
Strange, and powerful, to have these words read there, then. We have a wrestling - not against blood and flesh - so we, the children of Adam, must not be fighting each other. And who is identified as the ruler of the world?
" Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil; because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God, that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm. Stand firm, therefore, with your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and with your feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles. Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones."
Ephesians 6:11-18
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