FOOTIE France 2 - 1 England
What can I say. Before the match I didn't really believe that we could beat France, so leading one nil going into added time I was cock-a-hoop. We were mugged but unlike others, I don't think England did play better than France. They pinned us back in our own box for most of the second half and it was simply a matter of time - even in added time. England played well - but in the end, a lack of concentration and discipline in the last minutes cost us the game. Is this a peculiar English thing, or do other national teams put their country through this agony. Gutted!

Thanks to Ian and Daphs for hosting our anti-climatic night and for a terrific lamb roast dinner - a rare treat!

GARDEN BIRDS
The only thing more important than football is birds, and what an antidote to arrive back home after England's defeat to hear two Quail calling by the house whilst putting the moth trap out. One bird was so close I could hear its pre-singing 'grrr-grrr' call - bloody fantastic! Garden tick no.98.



Quail singing by the house