Random Tree

I didn't expect something like this to be my photo for the day. The forecast was for it to be hot and sunny. Later in the day, it did get warm and muggy but the sun barely came out at all. Not that it mattered too much. A trip out with E to meet up with friends for a walk from Grassington was the first such excursion all year. It was more about the conversation than the temperature or the scenery.

Arrived back to watch the last twenty minutes of England's 1-0 win against Croatia and be filled with hope and some optimism for a good tournament. Perhaps England's cricketers unconsciously wanted to watch the match themselves?

I think there is a big problem in sport when there is little at stake, as was the case for England here in this two-match series against New Zealand, putting out a half-baked team, resting a few key players. It's all about the intensity of the occasion and there was none for us. It was so sad to witness our second innings batting performance, but full credit to the Kiwis. They were invested because of the upcoming test championship match against India and they were superb. I'd love to see them win. Fingers crossed that the weather holds up.

That was what was so good about our footballers. As opposed to their performances in the friendlies, there was a wonderful intensity to their game today. Even skill! Heads seem to be in the right place.