Very true. Knowing this, I think, is why I tend to let myself babble once I get started. It's always interesting to see where it takes me.

I am ashamed to admit I have never had an orange and chocolate chip smoothie. I shall remedy this at the first possible opportunity.

Being subtle makes it easier to live with, because if you're subtle, you don't know you're being manipulated. My dad has it down to something of an art form, unsurprisingly. Occasionally drove his assistant to distraction, but then, she always did seem to like me a bit more - or maybe I just hope she did. (Look, I'm babbling again. Obviously due for sleep, here..)

You were away when I arrived, yes. Chat over tea sometime this week, maybe?