Chatter and chicken pie.

As we were expecting our friend Chris to visit today we started a few jobs that would fill min the time as we waited for our visitation. We first of all popped back into town to get some supplies from Coates the Butchers. We ended up with some sausages, bacon, stewing beef and a pork pie. I couldn't see any black pudding or I reckon I would have had some of that too.

Coates makes buying meat a pleasant experience. It seems strange to see meat not in polystyrene trays covered in cling film. Everything looked well presented and the beef was nice and dark and well hung. I hope it all tastes as good as it looks.

Once back on the boat Helen started a baking session and set to with some almond biscuits and a Victoria sponge. I on the other hand set to on to do another window double glazing job. By the time I was well in to it Chris arrived, and with him the rain. Well at least the slight bit that fell. As always Chris very quickly brought us up to date with all his news, and brought us gifts of a home made brack loaf, a jug of cider, excess chocolate (he is on a diet!) and a tea towel. He also brought us the Loc8tor kit for keeping track of our cat Macy. The detector had failed on the one we have at the moment so I got a replacement and so can then take the current one to bits to see if I can fix it and have a spare. Mind you she isn't looking to go out much at the moment. The tow path here is heavily used by do walkers so no sooner has she poked her head out of the door than she is dashing back in.

Alrewas is a nice village and obviously was quite a well of place at one time as there are some lovely house, half timbered and thatched included. It seems that there is a lot going on and they have a yearly show and carnival procession and an arts festival every two years. Most folk say hello as you pass on the street and all in all quite a pleasant place to be. They are currently waiting to be judged for the best kept village too.

Thatched cottage in Alrewas.

The old mill at Alrewas that was run by a water wheel from the Trent and is now apartments.

Chris doesn't live too far away, and had been passed the village several times travelling to the National Memorial Arboretum but had never been into the village it's self. We decided to take him to the newly refurbished Crown Inn. We called in at the William IV pub for a pint last night and the beer wasn't up to much, so after trying the three pubs only the Crown really came up to scratch on the beer front. The Salopian Darwins Origin had just gone off so I had a Doom Bar from Sharp's Brewery whilst some thing else was put on. That turned out to be Golden Glow from Holden's of Dudley. The Holden's took the days prize. We ended up having a pie of the day, chicken and ham. I must say it was extremely nice and a good portion too. I succumbed to a pud too and had white chocolate and orange bread and butter pudding and custard and that too was well worth finding a corner for. Helen was pleased as she wont need to cook tonight now.

The Crown Inn. Well worth a visit. The staff were very friendly and the whole experience was a good one and I would recommend it.

Back to the boat for more chatter and a coffee before Chris set off back home about 1700. I lit the fire as it is now feeling damp and cold and we are settled in for the night now.