our local golf course is a nine hole course that is used as much by neighbors to walk their dogs as it is by golfers. luke likes to play in the bunkers and steal the flags. so far we haven't been scolded but i'm expecting it.
there are four pubs within sight of each other and within walking distance of our flat. one of them was closed when we arrived, and this one has since shut down.
our local provides a lovely place to spend a warm evening, enjoying a pint and some quiet. we get this for a few seconds before...
...our view turns to something a bit noisier and more familiar.
Tim has shared with us his system for making friends. When he sees a kid, he goes to him/her and says, "Hi, my name is Tim. I'm five years old." It's not what I would call the best way to make friends, but it seems to work because Tim is rarely without a 'friend.' Last week, this system resulted in us meeting the parents who are in the process of purchasing The Greyhound, one of the pubs within walking distance of the flat. We hadn't been there yet. The couple has no experience running a pub and are taking a risk, but they are enthusiastic and seem to have a plan. They have two young children and the whole family will move into the quarters above the pub this month. They are going to sand the floors and refurbish the toilets, and then open for business. We went for a pint yesterday so we could do a before and after comparison. It's a beautiful old place that will easily become our local. We've never had a personal relationship with a pub owner. Could be a good thing...
