I met Peter Loffredo for the first time yesterday in front of the Food Coop. He was with his partner, The Love We Make, who I know from another context.

I heard her say, "There’s Louise…"

I was standing there with my sister. Of course I recognized Peter’s face from the photo on his blog, Full Permission Living. It was really nice to meet him. But I wasn’t sure what to say standing out on the street in front of the Food Coop.

It’s always awkward to actually meet someone, whom you’ve been corresponding with but don’t know in person. At first, we smiled. I think we shook hands.

"Really nice to meet you," is what I hope I said. I know I said something like, "It’s been such fun…" What I meant: it’s fun to get your interesting emails and post them on the site.

I think I told  The Love We Make, that I love to link to her blog, as well. What I meant: I think your pieces are unusually thoughtful and lovely.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Seeing Green.  Loffredo and Seeing Green have had interesting and heated arguments on OTBKB comments.

Then I had a moment of panic. What if they start arguing right here on Union Street. I could tell that The Love We Make knew what I was thinking. But they’re both way more classy than that.

They shook hands. Peter said something like, "I’m the one with the big mouth." That seemed to neutralize any tension.

Peter and The Love We Make wished all of us a happy holiday and continued toward Seventh Avenue. Seeing Green went into the Coop with his snazzy little cart.