I met him on the internet. We always smile, look at each other and pause a minute when somebody asks us, but it's true. It started with talk of my dearly departed Weimaraner and then I fell in love with his words, his witty, intelligent way of putting them together. He could always make me laugh and when I wrote him, I took a little extra care with my words. The man gives good email, what can I say?

We talked about movie stars and biting friends. We drank bellinis in blue rooms and scarfed down scrambled eggs with white cheddar cheese for brunch. We've shared great bottles of wine and even greater conversation. We've survived several large intervals of time apart. He throws exciting parties that I always mean to attend and always miss. But when we make it face to face, we play or we comfort each other, try to pack six months into an evening. And we can, 'cause we just get each other. It's an easy friendship because it's a good fit.

And last night, after yummy crepes and a cup full of insighful, comforting words from him, I fell asleep thinking how lucky I am.

I love ya. Yes I do.

January 9, 2000