 MY husband has a theory as to why I am such a loyal companion to my girlfriends. According to him, it's not my wonderful ability to empathise, or my tendency to give good advice - even when they don't ask. Apparently it's because I never finish a sentence. And I suppose he's right. If I don't finish what I'm going to say, I know I've got to make an effort to meet up again and pick up the conversation where I left off. Sarah and I started meeting ten years ago over coffee, progressing to wine when our four children had given us a particularly stressful day, and we now meet up regularly for a meal out. Tonight it was the Castra Brasserie at the Dene Hotel in Hoole. It takes an awful lot of organisation for two mums to meet at 7pm on a Friday night, but it's worth it. As an example of our dedication, a bit of background might help: Pick up son and two friends from school, unload dishwasher, cook tea for three fussy eaters, nag them to get into football kit while doing ironing, pick up daughter and her friend staying night, cook husband's meal, take boys to football, wash hair and open door with no make-up on and one shoe missing. My friend doesn't look as calm as usual. Her day was also frenetic. There's half a day's work followed by: Visit mum in nursing home, pick up youngest son from school, cook tea for him and brother, pack bags in preparation for their weekend with ex-husband, vacuum lounge, ex is late so arrive hot and flushed having just got out of bath. It's a wonder we start a sentence, never mind finish one.. 'Haven't seen you for...' I say, as we look up at the Dene Hotel. 'Tired,' she replies and I realise she isn't making a comment on her well-being, but a statement regarding the outside of the hotel. Window frames requiring a lick of paint and tatty plastic awnings do not make a good impression, which is a shame, because the Castra Brasserie is a very pleasant and airy room once inside, but plenty of visitors could be dissuaded from even crossing the threshold. | 
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