ChrisTalbot.com

After connecting with Xavier, I got in touch with Bruce Halstead at County Durham Brewing Co., who I'd been in touch with about doing a tour of his brewery. Despite the simple fact that he thought we were crazy to be out and about in the heat, he agreed to give us a tour of the facilities. We headed over and spent the next little while chatting with Bruce and taking a look around.

Bruce seems like a cool guy -- and he has what I'd consider a great job. He makes beer for a living. Come on! How can that suck?

In case Bruce ever comes across this entry: Thanks a lot Bruce. We had a good time, and we hope we didn't take you away from kegging beer for too long. Cheers!

After we left the brewery, Xavier wanted to stop by the Beer Store so we could get a six of County Durham Signature Ale. Thankfully, the Pickering Beer Store on Liverpool had it in stock, so we had some frosty beverages to drink in and around Xavier's pool for the rest of the afternoon.

The lounging was cut a little short, as I had to head off to dinner with Jacquie and her parents.

And now I'm just hanging out at home, not sure what to do next. I think I'll go open a nice beer and sit out on the deck.