'It's back', he said. 'What's back?' she inquired. But when she saw his smile, she knew.

The pitch is set. The stick is shiny. The competitive spirit is eager.

Which means only one thing: the mixed hockey season has officially started!

I usually feel really great on Monday nights. I used to think it was because I was still rested from the weekend- a kind of positive hangover.

Then the hockey season ended and I wasn't so buzzing on a Monday night...

So I was left with the conclusion that it must be the hockey that makes me feel so well.

I think its all those en-dolphins flying around my body...

We won tonight (I think) which was good. I played in what is fast becoming my favourite position of right sided winger.
Zooming up the flank, and then flicking it in to the D for a striker to score.

That is, most of the time I pass it in. Sometimes I try and shoot- seeing the headlines: WYLIE WONDER GOAL SEALS VICTORY, STAR WINGER IN STUNNING HAT TRICK...

:-)

Adios.

Missing a spring? It must be Spring, sprung

As I sit here tired, slightly bloodied and with sand in my feet (from hockey) my thoughts turn to Spring.

Have you noticed the tiny buds on the ends of the branches on the trees? Little teardrops of potential which will burst into colourful brilliance in just a few days.

One tree I saw today had already bloomed. Pink flowers flowed over into the road, a sure sign that Spring is here.


The other thing that shows we're into the second season of the year is the lighter evenings. This was particularly noticeable tonight as we started hockey in the daylight. Lovely.

On another weather related note, have you ever looked straight up into the sky when its raining?

If the rain droplets are coming straight down it looks beautiful. In particular if you look up under a streetlight the light creates a beautiful effect. Something worth doing next time you think of it.

Health warning- your face does end up getting pretty wet however!

Well, I'm not far from home now on the metro but just have time to tell you that this is my 60th post- my diamond post!

So, until next time, the slightly less momentous 61st post, adios.

It's Monday, so it's hockey.

4-3 to us. I'm clocking up the wins! That's two (or three, the press association doesn't keep a record of Monday night newcastle matches) wins on the spin.

England will soon be calling. :-)

My Monday night adventure

It's a bitter night here temperature wise. I'm waiting to go to hockey.

Birmingham was so good. (See previous post) It was great to see Jono in his 'natural habitat' - at least his natural habitat for half the year.

On the metro train now. Yesterday I was on a metro that would more accurately be described as a sauna on wheels. The heat was intense!

I'm going to be late for hockey which may mean I miss the 'run round the pitch jumping up and down' section.

This is followed by the 'dynamic stretching' section and then drills and then THE GAME. :-)

THE GAME is generally my favourite bit. If you've ever played a game - of any type- with me you'll know I'm very competitive.

And so in THE GAME I put all of my effort in to haring up and down the pitch doing my best to tackle/pass/shoot/block.

----

It's now two hours later.

THE GAME's result? 3-2 to us. :-) With me on the score sheet!

I did miss the run around and stretches but did plenty of drills followed by THE you-know-what. Started off in defence and made a couple of goal line blocks.

Later I switched and went into midfield, collected a cracking pass and whipped the ball into the goal!! :-)

Very pleased.

Off home now to iron some shirts...

Adios