Sunday 28 May 2023

stylus records

 



This is my second visit to 'Stylus Records' in Lichfield, which opened its doors to the public in December last year.
 
It's always great see a new record shop open and this one is a real gem! The owner, Tim, has a fantastic and very varied selection of albums. It's like going back to your mate's house after a good night out and searching through his record collection. 
 
Currency parted hands and I left the shop bearing two substantial box-sets, one containing film soundtracks by Ennio Morricone and the other the collected works of Jane Birkin. I'm very much enjoying exploring both at my leisure.
 
If you're in the area I really do recommend a visit. Tim is both knowledgeable and friendly. His passion for music is clear and it's a joy to behold!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
  



 


Thursday 25 May 2023

faces in the crowd

 
 


I'm an inveterate people-watcher and I love to see the expressions and gestures supporters make at football matches. The glorious game provides an excuse to let go and celebrate joyously ... or not, depending on the result.
 
It's a privilege to be part of the crowd and many of the supporters I photograph I've stood beside for many years. That doesn't stop me enjoying each new game though, there's always another picture to be taken.


 

 
 









Wednesday 24 May 2023

cat amongst the pigeons ...

 
 



With time on my hands as I continue to recuperate from surgery I've turned my attention to catching up with the many photos that lie unseen on my Mac. 
 
Here's another trip into Birmingham capturing a Hitchcockesque moment as the pigeons descended...
 
 
 






 

Tuesday 23 May 2023

it's not just a game ...

 
  


'Always different, always the same', as the late, great John Peel used to say of his heroes, 'The Fall'.  Football's like that in so many ways. 
 
It's a ritual. The trip to the ground, buying a programme, sampling the rich greasy food and slurping down over-priced watery lager.  It's always the same, yet always different.
 
Watching the game on TV has none of the magic, none of the hopes and dreams as kick-off time approaches, none of the shared experience wedged in a constantly moving throng of people.
 
The whistle blows and we're off on yet another adventure together ...





 

 
 




Friday 12 May 2023

the eagle has flown ...

 
  
 
 
It's just over four weeks since my hip-replacement and I'm delighted to report progress is being made. I've driven my car twice this week and am now walking predominantly without the use of crutches.
 
My gait remains resolutely bizarre - picture a geriatric Bambi on ice - but progress it is!
 
I'm so glad I had the operation. I have no pain in my hip at all now. It's just the residual pain as the tissues in my leg continue to knit together and the last of the bruising works its way out. 
 
 
 


 

Monday 8 May 2023

coronated barbecue


 

 
 
Over a hundred tickets sold, a gap in the rain to let the sun shine in and lots of super food!
 
Many thanks to Carole and Mike, Jackie, Dorothy and Mark, Margaret K, Margaret and Richard H, Sally and Peter (and anyone else I may have inadvertently omitted!) for such a lovely day.