New Friends.

When I went onto the blog yesterday I got a bit excited (steady on Lynne) we had actually got a comment on Fridays write up. Now we don't often get a comment so this was a new occurrence. the comment was from Alan and Francis nb Lazy Days letting me know that Buckby was now open and as they were coming our way they would look out for us. As the time went on and we didn't see them we assumed they must have passed when we were walking the dogs. Well blow me if about 10 mins later they appeared so there was a bit of frantic waving and I thought well that's it. I quickly went on to Alan's blog and left a comment saying it was good to see them in passing and hopefully we could catch up with them some time in the future.

About an hour later there was a knock on the boat and it was Alan and Francis. Within 5 mins Paul and Alan were in the engine bay and Francis and I found out we had a very similar taste in reading matter. As Alan and Francis had booked into the Narrowboat for a meal they very kindly asked us if we would like to join them silly question really but we readily agreed. Paul had to talk nicely to his wallet as it isn't used to being opened two nights on the trot.

We got to the pub first and all the staff were dressed in their PJ's and dressing gowns, for comic relief we presumed. The one guy behind the bar in shirt and tie was a bit lacking in the normal social skills we were standing at the bar and he said"yes" we gave our order and the next three words were " four pound eighty" gone are the good old days when you were greeted with a smile and "good evening what would you like to drink and would there be anything else sir" and a "please and a Thank you" it seems to me that these people have the attitude they are doing you a favour just for serving you no wonder there are 19 public houses closing a week for what ever reason. Perhaps he had a strop because he wasn't in his PJ's. We found a seat and with 5 mins Alan and Francis arrived in slow motion Paul made his way to the bar bought them their drinks, we were given the menus and after ordering our food were shown to our table by a waitress. The food when it arrived was very nice and the waiting staff very pleasant and attentive, it was a bit disconcerting to be served by a 6ft tall lad in a pair of paisley pyjamas and trainers. But we had a very pleasant evening getting to know one another, we then retired to nb Lazy Days for a quick cup of coffee before returning along the tow path to our boat. As we left Alan and Francis we arranged to go for a Sunday lunch pint in the Plume of Feathers (are we becoming wino's).

Sunday morning Paul spent about 3 hours chatting to the guy called John on the boat in front of us goodness only know what the conversation was about but I kept hearing snippets like, solar panel ....amps.......batteries........charge the engine, so I knew they wouldn't miss any input in the conversation from me, I noticed John's wife kept a low profile as well. Around 11.30 Alan and Francis came along and we headed for the Plume, just like Friday night the place was very busy with a completely different atmosphere to the Narrowboat which is a more upmarket place with different kind of clientele. We enjoyed a couple of drinks and a bite to eat, Paul spending most of the time winding the landlady up, however it was taken all in good jest on her behalf. Paul hasn't been banned so he didn't upset her too much.
During the short time spent with Alan and Francis we have had lots of laughs, light banter, discussing various topics and generally finding out about one another. It is a shame we are going in opposite directions, but no doubt we will catch up with them somewhere. I hope we will remain friends.