…to all C&F veterans for being so kind and welcoming to newcomers. I’ve noted this often and am most grateful.
Dale
I’d like to say thank you, too. I was a newcomer once, and most of the folks were friendly.
I’d like to say thanks as well. 
Me too.
I think it’s nice to see a new face in the pub occasionally (unless it’s UP escapee trying to find a wider audience for his/her rants. 
)
Especially if they ply the drunk in the corner, with his flat cap and Jack Russer Terrier on a string, with regular drinks.
In the last year we’ve had a noticeable increase in the number of Brits posting, with Gary Kelly, John Barter, and Steve Shaw, to name but three, all of whom have shown kindness to me in word or deed (or both).
:Basks in warm glow of frienditude:
The Pub is always open and all are welcome. The Management do ask that some simple rules are observed at all times.
A bar is a place you feel comfortable going to (that excludes your dives, unless you are into that).
A bar must have a bartender you can relate to and who will know your name and favorite tipple (none of these anonymous Blarney Stone or railway station type places, or fancy restaurants where drinks are measured out of computerized pourers).
A bar must have other “regulars” you expect to see fairly frequently – it’s usually bad policy to strike up any conversation in a bar with somebody you’ve never seen before, unless you happen to be out of town.
Ambience: not really important – just what you like. A good juke box (to your taste, that is), a dart board or some other games, TV, noise and jollity, loose women, quietness so you can read a book or have an “intelligent” conversation – things like that, take your pick or vary your bar depending on your mood. It is up to YOU, and that is what religions mean when they talk about free will.
Not something one wants to admit, but find a place where you can run a tab when you’re short of money, and if you are perpetually short of money find one where you can keep it running until the place goes bankrupt and you can walk away from the tab.
Along the same lines, treat your bartender very well tipwise; the owner might get cheated that way but with every second drink a buy-back, you are ahead of the game.
Make friends with the waitresses, but don’t get emotionally involved with them.
Never interfere in an argument / fight that might be taking place (especially don’t get caught up in a fight between a guy and his girlfriend, even if she’s beating the crap out of him).
When you are out of town (big city) and find yourself in a redneck bar, do not get into the subject of jobs, religion, politics, or race. You are OK sticking with sports, fishing, or hunting topics (“Saw a big buck on the road tonight, wish I’d had my gun ready”).
Slan,
D.
Everybody now:
“I’ve got friends in low places…”
Missy
… it’s too bad we can’t get a decent pint of Guinness here. 
It’s a little early in the day for me but here you go.
And for your lady companion…
Just don’t let it turn into…
