How Two Blokes from Northbridge, embraced being Bold and Beautiful
Ian
John and I met when he moved in next door and introduced himself. He invited me over for a few drinks before I had the chance to invite him. We had an instant connection. The thing I like most about John is he is very generous, easy going and likes beer, a central theme in our friendship over the last 27 years.
We get on very well, however he does have a habit of disappearing on weekends to go to Hawk’s Nest, leaving me without a drinking buddy. Very inconsiderate! Apart from that and his rather odd fondness for wheat beers( which I think are overrated) given the amount of time we spend together, it’s calm seas.
When I think about the John, it is always the funny stories that jump to mind. John has an endless capacity for beer, and although I have never seen him legless there was one strange occasion. But once when we were out having a few beers, he inadvertently ate a yet to be ‘formally identified cookie’ (not knowing what they were), he turned into an instant zombie and I had to take him home in a taxi. He threw up the moment we arrived home, fortunately, not in the taxi.
We have been ‘management at the B&B for nearly 6 years, I like to think of my self as the ‘brains’ of the outfit and John the enforcer! JK is a great mate and if I had to sum up our friendship I would say it’s enduring.
John
I first met Ian outside our houses 1991, he looked normal at the time, times may have changed. I like a lot of things about Ian, to many to name, but by far and away I like his choice of friends. Ian and I used to swim with another mate down at Manly once a week. One day they didn’t turn up and I went without him . That morning I was spotted by “OUR Julie” without a cap and the rest they say ‘is history!!
Ian has a few bad habits most famously regarding the signing in of newbies and infact that is about the only thing I can think that we disagree on. Ian and I have shared to many occasions to mention, however the funniest story is known as “The incident of Bligh Street” which was not about Ian but involved him, however due to legal action, that may or may not be pending I can say no more.
We have been ‘management’ at the B&B for almost 6 years now and we see ourselves as joint Minister’s so to speak – his portfolio is administration and due to my loud voice mine is “Minister for Let’s Go and any other shouting required”.
Ian, is just Ian to me, we are great friends, when I think of our friendship I think of “beer”.
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I am blogging from beautiful Patonga today, some gorgeous, local photographers have taken some glorious photos ….thanks to Jen from Cammeray and Marg from Neutral Bay …go team !
Jen : Beach arrival and post swim shot of the day
and a few from the lovely Marg
Gorgeous people………………..everywhere
.. our sailing friend
You can follow their progress by downloading the app YB Racing or on the link
https://www.worldcruising.com/world_arc/world_arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx
| Note their rally involving Matt and the Influencer team starts in September from Darwin.
Safe sailing and may the winds be in your favour. Management news: Temperature: 15.9 degrees WINTER BADGES: The Winter swimming season is finally here! Although the water temperature may be a little colder than you might like, there are several advantages of swimming in winter, including flat seas, good visibility and no bluebottles. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you can also qualify for a winter badge by swimming a minimum of 20 times between 1st June and 31st August. You must also swim in at least 7 different weeks. If you manage to do all of your qualifying swims without a wetsuit (or other thermal enhancing equipment), you will also qualify for the coveted WWW badge (Winter without wetsuit). |
14 comments
Simon
14/07/2018 at 10:41 am
Thanks Barb, a great idea for ensuring we give Ian & John the accolades they both deserve.
Barb
14/07/2018 at 10:55 am
thanks Simon and I couldn’t agree more, we are lucky to have the two of them.
Jenny-Sue
14/07/2018 at 12:10 pm
Love it Barb – what a great blog and what a great job they do!
Annie
14/07/2018 at 1:59 pm
Great to read about Ian & John’s friendship. You really are two old codgers! And a much welcomed sight every morning, always cheerful whatever the weather or the temp. Thanks for being there, guys. Ax
Jackie
14/07/2018 at 2:16 pm
Great blog barbie. Enjoy the rest of your weekend in patonga.
Shelley K
14/07/2018 at 2:44 pm
awwww you guys are so cute together
Bold & Beautiful Swim Squad
14/07/2018 at 2:59 pm
Thank goodness you guys are beer besties, (any coincidence that that is B&B too 😜😅). We are all so lucky to have you.
Thank you for everything you do for us all !!!
Top blog, thanks Barb
Roger
14/07/2018 at 3:40 pm
Looove the interviews!!!!
(Whose cookie was it?)
Barb
14/07/2018 at 5:39 pm
😍💜thanks lovely you …x
Barb
14/07/2018 at 5:40 pm
Thanks Jac …. swam in 14 degrees … Toby played John Bond and took the temp !!!
Barb
14/07/2018 at 5:41 pm
Thanks Jules… good spotting all those years ago 😘
Barb
14/07/2018 at 5:41 pm
Unnamed source Roger… thanks for the note 😘
Lainey Loo
14/07/2018 at 7:43 pm
What a great blog Barb. Loved reading about Ian and JK’s friendship. Well done on putting together such a lovely blog from Patonga with help from Jen and Marg. Our sailors are in Queensland now and heading to Lady Musgrave. Sid reports “lots of whales, 1 shark, a few dolphins and no spewing!”
Barb
14/07/2018 at 8:01 pm
Thanks Lainee … for your kind words and the sailing update 😘