Took the new camera on its first work job. Having eye detect for the first time that works is just a joy. Nailed it every time. Nice to shoot at high ISO and still get clean images too.

If you see this, post a concert photo you took.

Hmmm, I seem to have bought a new camera. Just had a look at Nikon Z glass. Oh boy, looks like I’m still using the F mount for a few years longer.

Overheard at the vets. And what’s your dogs name? It’s Oscar Carlisle. Oscar Wilde? No it’s Carlisle. Not like the famous actor. I am in Southport so this should be expected.

There’s the boy reaching the heart racing speed of up to 50mph on a young drivers hour taster at Oulton Park. He enjoyed it but even he expected to go a bit quicker than that.

@richardhawley.bsky.social was on fine form last night at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Coles Corner played in full & a nice treat to hear For your lover give some time which was mine and Mrs B’s first dance. Excellent evening.

Happy Slow Horses day to all who celebrate.

Had an enjoyable evening watchingThe Bends go through the greatest hit of Radiohead. A nice mix of young and old seemed to have had a good time too.

57 today. So I’ve done bugger all as is my wish. Slap up meal tonight and home to start on this tasty looking curio. 57 though. How the fuck has this come round so quickly?

Lovely wedding shooting yesterday in the Lake District. Managed to dodge the shit weather that was expected. A win for all of us.

Daughter has passed all the GCSEs she needed to. Off to 6th form to do politics, geography & history. Very proud dad parents today.

Bumped into Daft Punk chilling out on their hols in Albania. #daftpunk

Not a bad BnB for our second destination in Albania. Lake Shkodër is lovely. Soooo peaceful. #albania #Lakeshkoder

Really enjoying the new @willcarver.bsky.social book I’ve picked for my holiday read. Realised I always pick something dystopian when I’m in the sun. #nothingimportanthappenedtoday

On my way to Montenegro. Got up at 03:00. Grumpy tired mode currently usurping holiday mode.

Got to say that made me a bit emotional. Well done you fabulous lionesses.

Daughter has made a bacon butty. Teenagers are just the worst.

Went to Halifax Piece Hall last night to see Paul Heaton. Absolutely wonderful gig & venue. Caravan of love at the end was perfect with everyone joining in. Gig of the year up to now. #paulheaton #halifaxpiecehall

Another pleasant afternoon watching Mrs B singing with the Liverpool Indie Choir at The bombed out church. Nice memories as 14 years ago we were married there. #liverpool #liverpoolindiechoir

It may look like some flimsy bit of tat you pick up for a fiver & that’s because it is a flimsy bit of tat I picked up for a fiver but I have a nice breeze & no flies puking up in my butter dish. Recommended.

Went for a canal walk yesterday & met a couple living their best nostalgic life on BMX bikes. A couple walking their cats, a giant Tonka dumper truck and unsurprisingly found myself in a pub at the end of it.

Daughter has gone to her prom tonight. She made me take some photos with her goofy boyfriend Jake. Worked out putting all the dress, hair, nails etc together it’s cost us nearly £500. Madness!

I seem to have found myself at a charity tennis tournament. Booze seems to be free. I seem to be out of my depth.

Sorry, what?

Daughters 16th birthday party on Wednesday though actually birthday not till July 5th. 30ish yoofs descending on our little terraced house. Not looking forward to it. Black balloons are so now apparently.

Callan & Will Hay films. Thanks Dad.

Thanks to @vinyloffers.bsky.social I’ve just got this gem through the post. Lost mine at some house party decades ago so nice to have back in the collection. #vinyl

Cheers Ange, you played some bonkers all out footyball and it was great. It all went a bit shit but you brought us back a cup. Couldn’t have asked for more this season. You deserved better but Spurs will be Spursey. #COYS

Chloe & Joe. Shot recently on their pre wedding shoot at Southport botanical gardens. Some challenging light to deal with but I think they’ve come out alright. #southport #southportbotanicgardens

If going to Belfast you should take one of the black cab taxi tours. Absolutely fascinating visiting the area of the troubles and getting an in depth history from a local. I’ve learnt so much more than I thought I knew before. #Belfast

They love a mural in Belfast. Bright colourful and inventive. Scattered all over the city they add to the urban charm of an already architecturally lovely place. #Belfast

Spent the last few days in Belfast. Absolutely cracking city to visit. Obviously sampling the local beer was high on the list. In no particular order, if you’re going, these are the best pubs. Friendly, fun & full of character.

Front & back garden sorted. Windows cleaned. Well deserved afternoon booze.

Ahhh, that’s nice. A house near mine all decorated for someone’s marriage.

Just been mocked, spoken to in a rude patronising manner, belittled and made to question every life choice I’ve ever made. Other than that enjoyed the first half of this Stewart Lee show.

Been a bit North & had a faff around the River Irwell. It’s only an hour away from home and just lovely countryside.

Mrs B singing with the Liverpool Indie Choir today day at Liverpool Sound City. Excellent time had by everyone.

Not been to Leeds in about 35 years. Went today for the Photo On exhibition. Really enjoyed it and boy hasn’t the Corn Exchange changed. Not a goth in sight.

Lovely day out with Mrs B. Visited the Holly Johnson exhibition at Liverpool Museum & sat in the glorious sunshine necking a pint. More like this please weather gods.

Just finished these Two books. Pure chance they were together on the TBR pile. I can’t recommend them highly enough. The same subject of grief & dealing with its aftermath. Heartbreaking & funny in equal measure. Superlative writing.

The boy dog looking very tidy after his shave. They gave him a bandanna too. Very Snoop.

Just can’t get the staff these days.

Afternoon pint whilst serenaded by classical guitar. Now time for a nap.

Took the kids to Manchester yesterday to see The Wombats perform an adequately serviceable indie landfill anthem singalong. First time for them in the mosh. Got ourselves a useless massive blue balloon too.

Red or Dead at the Royal Court Liverpool was brilliant. Can recommend for non reds too. Catch it if you can.

It’s always a joy to see a @happytoast.bsky.social post and this is just brilliant as usual.

An excellent stroke of luck that I parked the car just near the pitch the boy is footballing on this morning. I get to tut at his ineptitude from the comfort of the car. #parenting101

Alternative universe OMD.

Dog had an iffy tum from eating something in the park. Came home to find a shit in the kitchen which is fine, he can’t help it but there was no need for him to wipe his arse on the furniture too.

The sun came out so went for a three hour romp round Parbold. Found a napoleonic shed and a pub. A good day.