When you know your time has passed.
When you had a 40 year career and played it safe, even though the last decade and a bit was pretty exciting.
When you embarked on something new (after a brief something new that didn’t work out).
And then found/made something pretty cool. But, then you’re too old to take it to its full potential.
It’s a bit shit really. And good at the same time.
I’m probably good for a couple of years, so let’s see where this goes.
I was on TV yesterday. I couldn’t bring myself to watch it.
I look quite startled.
There’s a new brewery in Gateshead. We really loved the look around Black Storm brewery, earlier in the week.
The dog had a great time too.
Most people know I don’t bother with birthdays. I haven’t done in decades.
But, with my birthday falling on a Monday this year (and the fact I’ve worked the past two years on this date), I really wanted to have a day somewhere with the dog.
So, I made plans for next Monday. I was really looking forward to it.
And then my beloved broke her wrist.
I might reschedule. Back to 70 hour weeks for a bit then.
With a bunch of guys and the hound, I had a day in York yesterday.
There was beer and the dog seemed to have a good day.
We also got bumped into Gav from Lord’s Brewery and got to try their new imperial that we’d ordered for our place.
I’ve not had a lot of luck in catching the Hold Steady on tour. Mostly because they don’t often have dates beyond London.
I did once see them in Newcastle, at the Riverside, a few years ago; they were silly good. Last January, i had a ticket for a London gig, but there was a lot going on in the bar, so i ended up not going.
I actually made it yesterday, though. Sort of. I couldn’t stay over, since I needed to be home this morning for the dog. Train times didn’t work out (eight hours overnight), so that left the bus.
Unfortunately, with a late-ish start to the gig, I had to miss half of it. Next time, I’ll find someone to watch the hound.
Still, they were ridiculously good.
And, since we have a keg of their beer in the bar right now, I did squeeze in a visit to Hackney Church’s tap room. It’s well worth a visit.
Nouvelle Vague, St Luke’s, Glasgow. Silly good.
It already feels like a long time ago, but we closed the bar for 10 days, so we could have a break and do some work in the bar.
Beginning in Peterborough, we visited familiar places.
A walk along the river was quickly abandoned due to an insane amount of flooding.
We did find a new (to us) micropub though.
After two nights in Peterborough, there was a day/night in York (which was also flooded).
Then, after a day at home, we were off to Edinburgh. We met up with a brewery rep for a couple of drinks; he introduced us to The Guildford Arms, a lovely old pub.
Another discovery was the Fierce bar, which had opened since our last time in Edinburgh. Fortunate, since we’re quite fond of their beer (we’ve had a few kegs in the bar). Weirdly, the bar person had been in our bar.
We spent the following day mostly in Leith.
It was good to fit in a couple of brewery taps, as well as some bars we’ve previously visited.
Of course, we took the customary picture of the cool T3 in Leith.
Yes, we went to see her a few months ago (feels like ages) in Nottingham. And she was great.
And we saw her again last night. She was greater.
CMAT.
Watch out, she’s going to be huge.
We want to be a cowboy, baby.
I’m currently reading a novel written and set in the US in late 40s. I should probably say 1940s in case someone reads this in 30 years time.
There’s a reference to someone living in a flat. Not an apartment, a flat.
The main character also, on one occasion, dined on fish and chips. Not fries.
I found it interesting.
I’m not finished the book yet, so who knows what remains to be discovered.