Life & Times

Starting a new brew. This time I’m making “Stars & Stripes”, an American Pale Ale from The Greater Good. Should be drinking in about 2 weeks. 🍺

The greenhouse is stocked up. It looks like the neighbours will be getting some free tomato plants.

iPhone 11 📷🌱

Sunset from last night

I was presented with this sunset around 8:45pm yesterday when I took the dog out for his "evening constitutional." The colours were amazing and the iPhone did a reasonable job at rendering them, with a little help from Lightroom.

iPhone 11, Lightroom app camera, processed in Lightroom Classic 📷

We drove to the Cotswold Water Park yesterday for a bit of R and R. It was bright, but there was a cold wind if you weren't in a sheltered spot. Didn't stop a few hardy souls from venturing out on (and in) the water, though.

Sony a6300, Sony E 16-70 F4 ZA OSS, processed in Lightroom Classic 📷

We've got new neighbours.

These ladies arrived in the field at the bottom of the garden today. Parker wasn't too impressed.

iPhone 11, Lightroom app, processed in Lightroom Classic 📷 🐕

Another cold Saturday morning ride.

🚲

It's times like this that I wish I'd stumped up the additional cash for the iPhone 11 Pro to get the longer lens. I spotted these two in the field opposite our house whilst walking the dog this morning.

iPhone 11, Lightroom app, processed in Lightroom Classic 📷

The pear tree in the field opposite is full of blossom. We’ll be picking pounds and pounds of fruit in the autumn. 📷

I was pleased to get my Co-Pinter through the post today, which means I can brew one and drink the other. This is a great way to enjoy freshly brewed beer at home. My wife bought it for me at Christmas and it works well. Take a look at The Greater Good Fresh Brewing Co. for more info.

🍺

Currently reading: Hitman Anders and the Meaning of it All by Jonas Jonasson📚

I’ve flipped between both over the years, but currently using Spotify as I got a free six-month subscription when I bought a Sonos sound bar before Christmas. That’s about to expire, and it’s time to stump up £9.99 a month.

The question is, should I go back to Tidal or stick where I am?

I listen to music on my MacBook, iPad, my phone and a couple of Sonos speakers located throughout the house. We also have a Naim streamer in the lounge, which means that I can make the best use of a high-quality source as provided by Tidal’s HiFi tier.

Spotify uses its Connect technology to send music to the Naim, whereas Tidal integrates with the Naim app, making for a more involved experience.

The only way to solve the puzzle is to have a sound off, play the same track on Spotify and Tidal and check whether I can hear a difference between the two to justify paying £20 a month for Tidal.

I’ve signed up for a 30-day Tidal trial. Let the games begin!

🎵

Goodbye Evernote, hello Craft. I’ve done what I thought was unthinkable. After using Evernote for over a dozen years, I just cancelled my subscription and started using Craft as my full time note taking application. I tried to stay loyal to Evernote, but feel they are slipping behind and I really like what the team at Craft are doing. All that’s missing are tables (on the way) and a web clipper, also on the development list.

📝

I love the early morning light.

I took this whilst out walking the dog about 7am today. The light coming between the trees made this shot.

iPhone 11, Lightroom app, processed in Lightroom Classic 📷

It was good to get out on Ruby tonight. Does anyone else name their bike?

📷🚲

Day trip to the coast.

It was great to escape and get away from staying at home for the first time in months. We packed a picnic, jumped in the car and drove to Lymington in Hampshire for some sunshine and sea air — great combination! 📷