It was a day that the Westpac card had been bracing for – after weeks of discussions an IPOD, a body hair exfoliator and some kids PS2 games were clocked up at Fry’s in north Houston. It’s an electronics shop that puts Bunnings to shame for size and facilities – I counted 12 fridges of drinks alone and that didn’t include the ones in the eat-in restaurant. I’m continually blown away by the sheer range of products available here – my local supermarket has its own full time Sushi chef and an aisle of pain and sinus tablets. For indecisive types it’s probably a nightmare. Speaking of nightmares, the black beast of my dreams (road bike) hasn’t proved itself the comfortable tourer that I’d hoped – I ride it each week and play with the adjustments, but it’s basically too big. So, I ordered an expensive short stem online today in the hope that I can put in 70k without feeling like I’m stretched as far horizontally as possible. Finally, I’ve found myself drinking Saint Arnold beer over the course of my visit and happened to notice that they brew the stuff just outside the 610 loop in northwest Houston. So co-worker Dave Owens, close friend Dawn and I went down there on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon for the weekly tour. This proved to be nothing more than a boozefest where regulars turned up each week with picnic hampers, last nights leftovers and huge packets of Tostitos and gulped down 4 tokens-worth of some lovely ales (Lawnmower, Essie, Xmas, Amber, Brown). It was a total party atmosphere and it was free. I bought a glass and a t-shirt and took some video footage of the 300 people that had rocked up wanting to grog-on. The company doesn’t advertise themselves in any way but word of mouth, so I’m passing on their message. If you find their stuff, go for it because it’s delicious.