Early morning drive to Manchester on little sleep. Amazingly wide awake, and the traffic was good. Will catch some zzz’s on the plane.

My Dad’s anniversary!!

I’ve just had two great trips to Ireland in the last week. However, as much as I like live bands, the limited range of cover songs is a spoiler. #MixItUpABitPlease

Well #MoseleyFolkFestival, that was a great weekend. Some great choices of bands and entertainment. Too may to mention. Bring on 2026!

Overwhelmed today from the love of my now ex-colleagues.so many presents, including 5 bottles of whiskey. That’s breakfast sorted! Absolutely in tears at several points during the day, especially during my speech, which caused several people to cry, including me!

The start of a big weekend for me, retiring today after 45 years, and 1 day #AJobForLife. Then Moseley Folk for the weekend to celebrate!

Just been to a friends family party and upset at the life I never had!

#speirgorm Went to the #FontainesDC in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Great gig with 4 great bands, but was disappointed to see that #Guinness had replaced the bar person with robots

#speirgorm Interesting fact on the BBC programme Union, by David Olusoga. Due to An Gorta Mór, in 1861, New York was the largest Irish city in the world, due to the number of people escaping the famine.

6 and 1, 61.

Went to an open mic evening. What a plethora of talent!

Found my #Blockbusters card (UK) version. I’m off there now. Anyone want anything bringing back? #vintage #vhs #dvd

Candi Staton, #YoungHeartsRunFree came on the radio whilst I was driving. Volume up, and singing my heart out. If, I’d only listened to the advice within the song I could have saved myself a lot of heartache along the way!

Just re-watched #GoodVibrations about Terri Hooley. Richard Dormer plays a blinder as Terri. Superb film

Just found out my world is marked for death. #WhoWillSaveEarth?

Nothing justifies killing more than 20,000 children. Nothing justifies burning children alive. Nothing justifies starving nearly a million children. Nothing. Not self defense. Not human shields. Not a damn thing.

There are times when only a fried egg sandwich will do. See also crisp butty!

Confused, why was there only ever one copy of an ever so important list?

People say that the two part pour is unimportant with Guinness. I am away on holiday in Cornwall and I have just had the worst pint of Guinness for a while. One part pour. No head. Questionably clean glass and what creamy head there was, running down the glass. #ShitLondonGuinness comes to Mind!

#Glastonbury is rubbish. Not enough bins and not enough people with the wherewithal to find a bin!

Tis an ill wind that blows from the long drops at #glastonbury

I’m hearing that #BBC are not going to show @kneecapceol.bsky.social on their Glastonbury coverage. This goes with I can only assume is a blanket ban on #Radio6Music. Plenty of coverage of their court case, but no music played, whereas previously there was loads. #Really?

If PP Arnold and Rod Stewart do a duet of The First Cut is the Deepest at #Glastonbury, I will literally cream my jeans! I know they are playing similar times, but it could happen. 🙏

Happy Silly O’Clock for those that celebrate Glastonbury Festival Beat The Traffic Day!!

Watching Whiskey on the Rocks on Prime Video. I think it is a Swedish TV programme. It’s a comedy drama based on a true story. The telephone scene between Reagan and Brezhnev was very amusing.

Family wedding today. A beautiful day, but I felt like Kevin Smith when Good Will Hunting made the Oscars. Lots of praise from everyone for my role over the stag do, but no mention on the “acceptance” speech. Didn’t do my bit for plaudits, but all the same …

The Hothouse Flowers at Birmingham O2 Academy. The first time I’d seen the band since I’d last seen them way back in ‘88! They were brilliant. Also, their support act was Lorraine Nash, who was equally worth seeing and who joined them on stage for a song as Gaeilge.

88 Miles live at the Birmingham O2 Institute. A cracking gig, first time the band were the headliners.

Tried out a different soda/wheaten bread recipe today. The recipe called for it to be covered with an Irish tea towel whilst cooling 😆 is arán álainn é #speirgorm

I had a great afternoon #HockleySocialClub watching Suntou Sussou Band and JB's Conservatoire Folk Ensemble. 75 people on stage. Superb.

Today marks the start of my pensioner age. The pension of my first company, though the start of my 45 year journey, has started, albeit in arrears, but still a significant day all the same. A lovely day with Ceol Agus Craic!!

My friend’s sister has a venture she’d like to share. www.instagram.com/reel/DJ-BMdA...

Went out for some live music and a couple of beers. Turned into a 5 hugs day. #TeddyBear

Finished #Mobland. The ending was odd, but enjoyable all the same

Why is it in action films, that everyone villain is a martial arts expert!

My afternoon upset, but not spoilt, by a guy who took every opportunity, to me, to be racist. Absolute cnut.

Met up with some peers from my leaving year at school - the class of 80, a couple of weeks ago. I met two of them tonight. So easy to fall back into friendship. On the plus side, we watched a great Kate Bush tribute band.

I hear the Isreal is calling several governments supports of Hamas now. I wonder if this will end up in court.

Sat down at the cinema to watch #Sinners. Looking forward to this film!

Ser Guinness, first of his name. Slayer of inhibitions and dragons!

And just like that, I levelled up to stage 3. #GranddadLevel

Congratulations to Cardinal Benitez. #Conclave

Live Aid is now a musical? Strewth!

The blues band today played Gimme Some Lovin, 250620, and I’m Your Man as a medley. Very cool mix

Bumped in to a small #SchoolReunion yesterday evening. No one recognised me, or remembered me, but 7 hours later I made my way home.

Happy Star Wars Day to those that celebrate it!

Stumbled across this lovely album in my Apple Music library. #SootheMe #Astraluna

Off to do #DublinInADay #ETD

Thoughts and prayers for Ralph Fiennes during the conclave