Currently in the Borough, in Sunderland. It may look wrong, but it had to be done.

I don’t gamble or play on machines in pubs. Or other places. I gave in today, however.

Didn’t have a clue though.

Big Al once broke a chair at a party. It was Peter’s housewarming (after divorce) party. And also the first time I’d met big Al.

Tonight was Al’s 50th. Upstairs in the Central. A decade and a bit later.

I had a pretty good time, with Mick and Mr R. And it was good to see Al, who is truly one of the nicest blokes ever. And I even bumped into a common acquaintance, a bloke I ‘d worked with on a project years ago.

Anyway, me, Mick and Peter.

Some time was spent discussing Peter’s shirt.

We is currently in the Head of Steam with Erdinger and Timmermans.

Yesterday afternoon, my second in command and I went for a walk to the Schooner.

We only stayed for the one drink, but I’m sure we’ll end up losing an afternoon there one day.

Then we walked along the Gateshead side of the river. Just for a change.

That’s the Tyne Bar over the other side of the river.

Needing a rest after our long walk, we stopped at the Central, where we lost several hours. The buskers session on a Sunday afternoon there is pretty good. Yesterday, a bloke was doing requests; he was way better than you’d expect to see in a pub and was one of the main reasons we stayed longer than planned.
We returned home late with a takeaway. And, thanks to the manager in the Central, the foundation for my next project. A new coffee table.

Liverpool were playing Newcastle this afternoon. In Newcastle. And I’m in town with two ladies wearing Liverpool shirts.
Still, the Tyne Bar has Paulaner.

After walking across the high level bridge with my expensive batteries, I felt the need to rest. Fortunately the Central has seating and a rather nice range of refreshments.

So I stopped, bought some Sam Smith’s oatmeal stout. And settled down to watch a man play a saw.

I ‘ve just spent £22.75 on batteries and a roll of film. That’s the equivalent of six pints of decent beer.
I’ve had to have a sit down to get over it. Erdinger is easing my pain.

I’m now in my local. My second in command isn’t too impressed with the time taken to consume four pints of Mr Smith’s stout (three of which were the chocolate variety),
I’m with Double Maxim right now. There are signs that I may be forgiven.
Anyway, a lingering memory of beauty.

This evening, my second in command …

… decided that we should visit Mr Smith’s house in Durham.

Always an excellent host, Mr Smith served us his delicious Extra stout.

And, of course, his most delicious Organic Chocolate Stout.

And some strawberry beer.