The Bear and Crown Pub

[Thirteen]

"It was practical," she nodded, "In ye olde days we had to make use of every part of the sheep. I think people assume it's gross because they're not use to eatin' the stomach or lungs. How's it any different than the legs or ribs? It's all just meat." She smiled when Aurora offered to bring the whiskey, "Sounds like a deal!"

"Agreed, the beer is worth a return trip through this traffic. Next time, I'll be needin' to try their bangers and mash," the redhead ate some more fish and chips.

"Thriftin' is a great way to find second-hand books. Well, second-hand anythin', really." The Acanthus had a sip of her beer, "Ach, Oprah. My Mum used to watch her show all the time. Pretty sure she read a few of those books."

She hadn't tried accessing the local university library before. It sounded like something she should look into. Getting a card didn't seem difficult. "That'll be interestin' to check out."

[Mateus]

"Well, some wine and company with a topic of discussion set by a good book is one of my things. " he answered the blonde. "Second hand stores for books or anything, eh? Well, in the past I have found real treasures there. Overlooked books or the one missing from my collection. And I won't hide that I am also looking for comics or manga. And there are book-clubs or the like for those too, at least back in Portugal so there are probably some here too but nowdays I am more inclined on real books. And I will acquire a card for the uni's library. Perhaps there are non-Oprah book-clubs there for scientific or philosophical topics. It would do me some good to rub shoulders with younger students again." he said addressing them both.

[Aurora]

“Still kinda practical today. And that is exactly why people think it’s gross, they’ve never had it, but it’s edible, and if seasoned and cooked well, I bet it tastes great.” Shrugging. “I think people should be more open to experiencing another culture, not only for the rich culture and people, but the food as well. You’d be surprised what you can learn and how you can open your mind. I tried as many dishes as I could when I was in Paris. Didn’t care what it was, just let me try it!” laughing. “Great! I have a selection of whiskey to choose from.” Not her drink of choice, but she didn’t mind it.

“I agree, but I’ll be taking an Uber and my car.” That can stay home. “Not sure what I’ll try next time, but I’m sure it will be as delicious as the Scotch Eggs. Though the Bangers and Mash sound good.” She did love a good potato.

She nods along in agreement about thrifting.

“If not thrifting for books, it’s thrifting for some piece of furniture I can tear apart and save. But mostly books or some odd trinket.” But that was more a Mysterium thing. And she usually came up empty. “Can’t say I’ve come across any comics or manga, though I’m sure there are some stores that specialize in them. I believe I’ve seen booths at the Farmers Markets, they have booths for everything, so that would be worth looking into. Or even the art walks in the evenings.” Taking another drink of her beer.

[Thirteen]

"I don't doubt the university will have a literature club. You'll probably be in luck." She gave Mateus a shrug.

"When I'm thriftin', books are somethin' I look out for, but mostly I'm eyein' vintage clothes or some old tech I can tinker with. Found a CRT telly not long ago. Small one with a built-in VCR. Fixed it up and got it workin' better than ever." The redhead nodded proudly. "It was a fun wee project. Also got a radio from a flea market last month, but I haven't repaired it yet." Quite the opposite, she had disabled the radio for magical reasons, but that was not a story she was going to share here, if ever.

She looked to Madison, "The cottage pie is also a British classic. You might know it better as shepard's pie. I think Americans call it that regardless of the meat inside. Back home, cottage pie is beef, shepard's pie is lamb. They only got cottage on the menu."

[Mateus]

As the discussions about food continued, Mateus added his piece. "In English restaurants back in Portugal, we call the Cottage pie as 'empadăo de carne' i.e. 'meat casserole' regardless of the meat inside. "
When the discussion moved to thrifting for old tech and furniture, he again nodded, in agreement with both women that you can find interesting stuff there, but didn't say anything. He didn't hide he was impressed by the skill of both women that allows them to repair furniture and electronics. "Impressive and very useful skills. I mostly repair things around the house or the office, I haven't thought to buy old furniture or electronics and repair them. " he said. "I had a relative that was buying old keys, the big brass ones, from old houses and such things that were in use in the beginning of the century. He has built quite a collection in his garage. " And Mateus has privately checked those findings for anything really interesting but didn't share that with the two women even though he liked both of them, for their help. "You are both hospitable and helpful people." he said with a smile - no reason to hide his good opinion of them.

[Aurora]

Taking a drink, “And if not, then you could start one. Or if they don’t have one that interests you, start one up!” no one says you can’t do that.

Nodding, “Vintage clothes are always something to keep an eye out for. I can sew a little bit, so sometimes I get lucky.” Sometimes. “Now there’s some good skills to have, being able to fix up technology. I either have to pay someone or toss it out.” Laughing. “But good find there.” She knew what find she was talking about of course, and knew a certain feathered friend that liked, kinda, as well. “Is that a hobby you have?” she didn’t quite remember if the Enchantress had said.

“Oh!” nodding, “I’ve had that! Love it, my mom used to make it. Well, when we were in a place long enough to have a stove and to cook. Now I’m gonna have to come back and get that.” Sighing, “They are certainly going to know me now.” Frowning at that.

“The furniture thing for me was a way to try and start a business. Well, get out my current business and into a new one. But it sort of just turned into a hobby more than anything. One of those things you teach yourself on your days off.” Another sip and bite of her meal, “Old keys huh? Hmmm, could turn those into some interesting things. I have some that I turned into handles for various pieces. Some even look great as decoration on bookcases when done right.” But that was her opinion.

Shrugging, “I’ve lived in Sacramento a long time, meet a lot of people.” And that was actually true.