"Wow- cool bottle, with the paint flecks and all" said a guy I just met who claimed to be a sculptor. My nerves relaxed a hint.  An hour earlier I had bumped into a friend on the street who informed me that they were having a birthday party for her beau and that I "must come by.  He'll be so happy to see you there."  I was flattered, as this fellow was one whom I liked but hadn't, for myriad reasons, been able to spend much time with.  Our meetings seemed limited to brief chats on chance meetings at bars or about the neighborhood.

That said, I was edgy- it's a party, what to bring?  "Oh, if you can pick up a bottle of wine that would be great," his lady said.  "we're having ice cream cakes."  Needless to say, this made my task considerably more difficult.  We needed a wine worth sipping before the and during the ice cream cakes.  Gads.