Happy Gotcha Day, Diego!

Diego, our chihuahua, came into our lives on this day many years ago. He’s a little older now, and maybe a little wiser too, especially when it comes to treats and getting cuddles.

He loves playing with toys. He has a strong fetch instinct, and he will run back and forth across the kitchen to fetch those toys for you. For at least 5 laps anyway, and then he gets tired and looks at you as if to say, “What? You expect me to get that toy again?”

Like many small dogs, Diego is very reactive. Don’t rub him. Don’t be that person who says, “It’s OK, I know dogs.” He’ll just snap at you, sorry. But, earn his confidence and trust, and he will adore you for it.

Recently, he’s slowed down a bit. A trip to the vet confirmed a bulging disc in his spine, but pain medication and taking it easy is helping him recover. He has his own buggy for longer walks, and well, he loves when we carry him up and down the stairs too.

This is Diego. He’s a tiny dog, but he’s all dog. He’s full of life.


Apertureƒ/1.8
CameraSM-G998B
Focal length6.7mm
ISO50
Shutter speed1/390s

Llafranc at Night

The Spanish coast of the Mediterranean is a sea of artificial light, making astrophotography pretty difficult to do, but it does make for interesting panoramas.

The original merged image is over 9,000 pixels wide and full screen, it’s great to zoom in and scroll around.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length48mm
ISO400
Shutter speed5s

Making Plans in London

A woman, deep in thought, wondering what she’ll buy at a market in London a few years ago.

I only noticed she had her glasses sitting on her head. Ingenious! I hate wearing sunglasses while walking, as I have to replace them with my glasses when I go somewhere dark.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length89mm
ISO125
Shutter speed1/200s

Sweep away the old year

2023 is almost over here in Ireland. How’s 2024 in Australia? Let’s say goodbye to what has been a mixed year and hope for a better 2024.

Happy new year!

Edit a short while later: I shouldn’t have asked about Australia. They’re suffering from a terrible heatwave of 49.5℃!


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO1600
Shutter speed1/500s

The Chauffeur and the Rolls

I was waiting for someone to come out of a shop, so I did some street photography while I was in London. I found a chauffeur standing in front of his Rolls Royce car, waiting, too. I wonder who owns the car?


Apertureƒ/9
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length112mm
ISO3200
Shutter speed1/500s