tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24924716670541032042024-03-06T05:32:13.951+00:00For Girls Who Can't Do FootballMy Lover says girls can't 'do' football. Sexist and patronising? Probably. But in my mid-40s suddenly it feels like a challenge. <a name="6497141565"></a>
So I'm learning about football. I'm finding out about the love and the passion. The joys and the sorrows.
And the perils of eating too many pies.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.comBlogger1073125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-15255750734053086972011-04-16T21:41:00.004+00:002011-04-16T22:06:47.310+00:00Fox In Disguise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo5S4ePnFtdM7F0lRM4WdC4ZSLlxgYF-B1Wkcq0KSmLezbPwjrOZpRsq3Pu_L7O6sYBdP62_vjbJrU1LVPjjEpjzwfmrJmpDvWUAQs8IOdywY1FfH-Y3NFkGa4LLXZHN1xUYSh2CZNDmQ/s1600/fox+in+disguise.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo5S4ePnFtdM7F0lRM4WdC4ZSLlxgYF-B1Wkcq0KSmLezbPwjrOZpRsq3Pu_L7O6sYBdP62_vjbJrU1LVPjjEpjzwfmrJmpDvWUAQs8IOdywY1FfH-Y3NFkGa4LLXZHN1xUYSh2CZNDmQ/s320/fox+in+disguise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596305928642437906" border="0" /></a><br />Hello.<br /><br />I thought it was about time I reported in again.<br /><br />Things have been gradually improving in my tempestuous love affair with the beautiful game.<br /><br />And today I reached new heights.<br /><br />I became a Fox <span style="font-style: italic;">in disguise</span>.<br /><br />I went to the Mad Stad to watch the boys live with three Royals fans.<br /><br />So I found myself amongst the home supporters, surrounded by blue and white hoops.<br /><br />The Foxes fans tantalisingly visible but not close enough to connect with.<br /><br />I had prepared myself well, removing all traces of evidence to link me to the Leicester boys.<br /><br />But I drew the line at jumping up when they scored one.<br /><br />Two.<br /><br />Three.<br /><br />And I sat on me hands and bit my lips when we scored our consolation goal.<br /><br />Lovely shape and movement and skills on the ball, but not enough pace or 'tiger' in the box.<br /><br />Steve Howard helped them raise their game when he was subbed on, but it wasn't enough in the end.<br /><br />I wonder what the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4u_M1HTeMI">Svenmeister</a> will have to say about that?Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com249tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-20915689846751229202011-03-01T22:19:00.005+00:002011-03-01T22:42:53.669+00:00Make 'Em Laugh!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_2vmUvRgPwfJqblV5h20sjEXixUze2BxukGr8w42nb73LN_4c7hrew0htosU8yaGZmEVDJmV56KIi4Ks60bAqCRN_Kk-yW3Qlah63gGobWKD9bDGrEuzr8F7tPht2cnPlj35l-OIEGjf/s1600/02-make-em-laugh.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_2vmUvRgPwfJqblV5h20sjEXixUze2BxukGr8w42nb73LN_4c7hrew0htosU8yaGZmEVDJmV56KIi4Ks60bAqCRN_Kk-yW3Qlah63gGobWKD9bDGrEuzr8F7tPht2cnPlj35l-OIEGjf/s320/02-make-em-laugh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579245112888352562" border="0" /></a><br />Well done those Chelsea boys!<br /><br />Yes I know those are not words you would usually expect to see writ large on this blog.<br /><br />But you see, whilst I was away on my ... erm ... sabbatical, my secret interest in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glsaOQka-Mg">this lot</a> has increased.<br /><br />Not that I would ever betray my Foxes for them.<br /><br />When we are playing them in the Prem next season, there is no doubt my loyalties will firmly behind Sven and the boys.<br /><br />I have started to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvOtFsRCDtU">feel their pain</a> though, which is somewhat worrying.<br /><br />And excitement, now the ManUre have given them chance to close their lead at the top of the table.<br /><br />I hope that puts a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Foahtz9xnw8">smile</a> back on my boy's face.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-55455753399880105822011-02-21T21:00:00.003+00:002011-02-21T21:20:29.903+00:00I Ain't No Cinderella<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uoDhdZBq1zWhYFRyvUWsf6D3ckRXfeGz_ega40_vd0ViscaPFliw4gea6PKaJ7GSmTclN5iq-6Ad0IQBYYFreykohntSVwZtjwYmMB4b5raR84y6ler6nlJX4QHmGw7P1oEy2IJfgace/s1600/cinderella-purple.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uoDhdZBq1zWhYFRyvUWsf6D3ckRXfeGz_ega40_vd0ViscaPFliw4gea6PKaJ7GSmTclN5iq-6Ad0IQBYYFreykohntSVwZtjwYmMB4b5raR84y6ler6nlJX4QHmGw7P1oEy2IJfgace/s320/cinderella-purple.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576255497782130082" border="0" /></a><br />I think my post must have <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoeUPsGcAS4">gone astray</a>.<br /><br />Whatever other reason could there be for not having received my invitation to <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">that </span>wedding, when <a href="http://celebs.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979077896">others have clearly received theirs</a>.<br /><br />'Spect you can look forward to something a bit more up market than <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3424699/David-Beckham-buys-pie-and-mash-for-Tottenham-players-and-staff.html">pie and mash</a> there David.<br /><br />Not that I'm bitter you understand.<br /><br />In fact I will be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5rplxjwkpM">here </a>.<br /><br />Watching some of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAc-RdLA_HY">this </a>maybe.<br /><br />Let Posh go to the ball. I'll be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqeggKpML1M">having a groovy time</a> of my own.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-66261822405998653372011-02-20T18:49:00.004+00:002011-02-20T19:05:36.426+00:00Who Banned All The Pies?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCMknUYTfRGG72SYIaTrsu_5B8dNZ-V7KapqQLNk6pnUGoLwx5flGkZ_VVB4-UesbdveXHwEMShqsz-lTzjrdKVV_8O2Yaxg5WoswsXEbmAEr7_6ArJx6He-xzlyUlYqnXQxZgfT0c7AN/s1600/pies.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCMknUYTfRGG72SYIaTrsu_5B8dNZ-V7KapqQLNk6pnUGoLwx5flGkZ_VVB4-UesbdveXHwEMShqsz-lTzjrdKVV_8O2Yaxg5WoswsXEbmAEr7_6ArJx6He-xzlyUlYqnXQxZgfT0c7AN/s320/pies.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575849351266228578" border="0" /></a><br />We're quite <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">green</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> </span>around these parts.<br /><br />Not <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">green </span>as in wet behind the ears.<br /><br />But <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">green </span>as in environmentally aware.<br /><br />So it has not come as a complete surprise that the owner of our local team, Forest <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">Green </span>Rovers, has <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/article/31926/">unilaterally banned</a> red meat from the diets of the players and fans when they are at the ground.<br /><br />Although I have heard a rumour that Chelsea are considering improving their <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">green </span>credentials with a <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/02/20/2360719/chelsea-could-turn-to-jose-mourinho-as-carlo-ancelottis">bit of recycling of their own.</a>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-11108516144674296972011-02-19T11:00:00.005+00:002011-02-19T16:51:12.642+00:00Come On Baby Light My Fire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPzNlayX46kV8bV2Az8UcSDBlv7BX7ZAx3TKuSnXZMcPmgKnT9yPkc8RlFbxyBaBuWQC-vCF-T0mdhnDv2eRfe19Ovk0gD3-5d_iDqNGtwuyx3NppkltlHtK5b4xiETgpu7FvoWb0OFwE/s1600/remera_fire.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPzNlayX46kV8bV2Az8UcSDBlv7BX7ZAx3TKuSnXZMcPmgKnT9yPkc8RlFbxyBaBuWQC-vCF-T0mdhnDv2eRfe19Ovk0gD3-5d_iDqNGtwuyx3NppkltlHtK5b4xiETgpu7FvoWb0OFwE/s320/remera_fire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575362458883276002" border="0" /></a><br />I've been sick girls.<br /><br />Not in the conventional sense you understand.<br /><br />Sick in my heart.<br /><br />It started back in the summer, <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-becomes-of-broken-hearted.html">in June</a>. My lover was <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2010/07/it-is-now.html">kind and sympathetic</a> as you would expect.<br /><br />And I was <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-ding-ling.html">in denial</a> for a while. Then just got absorbed in a <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2010/08/itll-all-come-to-sticky-end.html">wave of negativity</a>.<br /><br />I was left wondering if football and I would ever love each other again.<br /><br />So I sat. And waited. And hoped.<br /><br />And eventually it happened.<br /><br />Like all great love affairs there was a bond too strong to be broken.<br /><br />And once again I find I have been seduced.<br /><br />First of all slowly. The odd Foxes win here. A visit to Forest Green Rovers there.<br /><br />And then this week, like lovers reunited after a long break, football and I finally jumped into bed together again.<br /><br />Who could resist <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXZ5QppXmFk">this</a>? Or indeed <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zx2uUg0jWo">this</a>?Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-68651003201687136712010-08-19T20:43:00.004+00:002010-08-19T21:10:14.705+00:00It'll All Come To A Sticky End<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmH76u7ogGt19oyMDMwjG8nB7HuJCVT6nqf86Sh9obnG739GqhT03g9QhnP7pAjVBl4N6HVST-BRNHIna7-a7oBKYSWmOa6nchRG1u2v0NK1C03zBuZniM_veuYWUo7k86U6gh137d-Ze/s1600/blow-a-bubble-gum-bubble-300x221.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmH76u7ogGt19oyMDMwjG8nB7HuJCVT6nqf86Sh9obnG739GqhT03g9QhnP7pAjVBl4N6HVST-BRNHIna7-a7oBKYSWmOa6nchRG1u2v0NK1C03zBuZniM_veuYWUo7k86U6gh137d-Ze/s320/blow-a-bubble-gum-bubble-300x221.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507228763537572226" border="0" /></a><br />Is it my imagination, or is there an increasing polarisation between clubs in the football league? There are those seeking to grow at a pace in line with their means, such as Blackpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal. Those who have Sugar Daddies and so disconnected from the real world. And teams which see borrowing on the promise of future return as the road to success, such as Manchester United, Portsmouth and Liverpool?<br /><br />Are the teams working to the more modest approach being over-cautious and risk averse?<br /><br />What happens when the Sugar Daddies move on?<br /><br />And are the gamblers simply reckless and heading for a fall?<br /><br />It makes me think of three people sitting opposite each other.<br /><br />One is sucking an old fashioned toffee.<br /><br />One is filling their mouth with sweets.<br /><br />And the third is blowing a massive bubble gum bubble.<br /><br />Bigger and bigger and bigger.<br /><br />Until<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62HjZ1-LGDo">..................................</a>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-71839236959886966082010-08-17T19:15:00.008+00:002010-08-17T20:47:27.576+00:00Here Come The Boys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0LMraYAr4nzb9QjwPwgNWt0BPxSMq94myRcbe3ly1FBs2OBkFNLk9BvGxaQwucV03sa5ljo2H6yJgaVZ-HzMZOAV0lOuzuCQ7VIdwXTyFKtltNQmHb1WjAltlZEr5Wub_TRa4JvGv8p3/s1600/Image005.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0LMraYAr4nzb9QjwPwgNWt0BPxSMq94myRcbe3ly1FBs2OBkFNLk9BvGxaQwucV03sa5ljo2H6yJgaVZ-HzMZOAV0lOuzuCQ7VIdwXTyFKtltNQmHb1WjAltlZEr5Wub_TRa4JvGv8p3/s320/Image005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506479080689439714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUY1r8ZljHx_P8sDvRuV-eXGH_vAlsOugM59mdKafyb06QfJ_gXyVlmXSil_GXlXyfzzsuJxmRnbeR62lu9djpa13fzGJXEvqkn029XxJhobzfF2iVi3dtNx_TE8mv1nTsIqUau93cBNq/s1600/Image000.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUY1r8ZljHx_P8sDvRuV-eXGH_vAlsOugM59mdKafyb06QfJ_gXyVlmXSil_GXlXyfzzsuJxmRnbeR62lu9djpa13fzGJXEvqkn029XxJhobzfF2iVi3dtNx_TE8mv1nTsIqUau93cBNq/s320/Image000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506478865591837906" border="0" /></a><br />I'm looking at a bunch of Spurs fans on the screen on my living room wall.<br /><br />HD certainly shows up every tiny detail of those miserable little faces as their men get a kicking from the Young Boys.<br /><br />No doubt City's manipulation of the situation with Craig Bellamy to prevent any other Premiership team getting the benefit of his talents, whatever the attitude problems that come with that, feels particularly galling to 'Arry this evening when he could have done with a solid performance from the Boy Wonder.<br /><br />I have mixed feelings about Manchester City.<br /><br />I can't warm to Mr Mancini, but there are quite a few players there I really like - Tevez, Wright-Philips, Hart, Adebayor.<br /><br />And Eastlands was one of the stadiums we visited on our recent travels.<br /><br />Probably my favourite one. Nice design and I really liked the circular external towers. I felt grand, but not too ostentatious (<span style="font-style: italic;">right photo</span>).<br /><br />Unlike Old Trafford, which I think reflects the international nature of its following; big, powerful, masculine but lacking something personal somehow.<br /><br />It didn't feel part of the surrounding environment however.<br /><br />Other than a row of very tacky shops, all painted red (<span style="font-style: italic;">right photo</span>), just around the corner, the stadium sat alone.<br /><br />Anyway, back to the trials of 'Arry. His boys are now back in the game with a couple of goals.<br /><br />Onwards and upwards!Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-16063924951611792102010-08-16T20:49:00.008+00:002010-08-16T21:47:26.208+00:00I Don't Believe It!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX52mB7Em3210FP-F8zRObb_82b2PkUWEcdo9GZrY0niz9A4239RTxjRW2jrqF_vJVutBPkp-PZb8hH2_xeenDUoUreXAtPHLVilMjyngshrJmnlf15aOTDm_TJ15ntjm_jAi2evL4E5l/s1600/Image003.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX52mB7Em3210FP-F8zRObb_82b2PkUWEcdo9GZrY0niz9A4239RTxjRW2jrqF_vJVutBPkp-PZb8hH2_xeenDUoUreXAtPHLVilMjyngshrJmnlf15aOTDm_TJ15ntjm_jAi2evL4E5l/s320/Image003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506124889451336738" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome back for the new term everyone.<br /><br />I have so much to tell you.<br /><br />We are just back from a caravan holiday in the North West.<br /><br />And visits to lots of football grounds.<br /><br />From the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdJuatiLWZI">Theatre of Dreams</a> to <a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/chesterfootballclub/?section=clubnews&news_id=145646">lowly Chester's</a> ground, rising like a phoenix from the ashes.<br /><br />Combine that with the season kicking off, I'm like a pig in clover.<br /><br />So much to think, talk and write about.<br /><br />But of all the drama and stories of this new season - the departures of Martin O'Neil and Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Coppell</span></span>, the change of ownership of Leicester City, the 6 -0 pounding of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBA</span></span> by Chelsea to name but a few - the best has to be the fairy tale start for Hollow Way's brigade.<br /><br />We visited Bloomfield Road.<br /><br />It's ..... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">erm</span></span> .... all looking a bit nip and tuck over there at the moment.<br /><br />Builders crawling all over the place, and the ground exposed to the world due to a gaping hole due to become a new stand. (actual photo from ML's phone-taken about 10 days ago)<br /><br />On Saturday afternoon, My Lover and I listened with one ear phone each to the Five Live commentary of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wigan</span></span> Blackpool match on my mini radio, as we enjoyed a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z2YosL1EFo">lovely cruise </a>across Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Windemere</span></span>.<br /><br />We can both already perform a creditable imitation of IH in a press interview. The trick is to include at least one reference to his wife and one to his dog to sound authentic.<br /><br />And a bit of "<span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Oooo</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Arrrrrr</span></span></span>" going on of course.<br /><br />We cheered when Blackpool scored first, to the amusement of our fellow passengers.<br /><br />We looked at each other open-mouthed when the second went in.<br /><br />The third merited a punch in the air.<br /><br />And the fourth was followed by much chanting and whooping with laughter as we drove back to our campsite.<br /><br />Top of the Premiership, if only for a few hours.<br /><br />I bet Mr H is covered in bruises from pinching himself the next day.<br /><br />It's all about as believable as their ground being finished on time.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-14294942231130669202010-07-29T19:46:00.002+00:002010-07-29T20:24:28.910+00:00Lets See If It's True<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdS69CeGJ45mq9D1_YK9NWpw0juKK5zHoqoyuMd5ijIh6Mt4KyIPDA9oNYqBHPZ0DJ33_fKTKNFyMjXmZm-TXhDLkK6xrQ5iRFAQxjhGNffaYFzAZzkAM9z2jWFG2YQBawjIGc8fyWACw/s1600/summer.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdS69CeGJ45mq9D1_YK9NWpw0juKK5zHoqoyuMd5ijIh6Mt4KyIPDA9oNYqBHPZ0DJ33_fKTKNFyMjXmZm-TXhDLkK6xrQ5iRFAQxjhGNffaYFzAZzkAM9z2jWFG2YQBawjIGc8fyWACw/s320/summer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499426586546306354" border="0" /></a><br />Is a great line from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jmj5Yz0PvY">this song.</a><br /><br />And tomorrow is when it all starts.<br /><br />This time tomorrow I'll be in a field somewhere need Chorley, Lancashire, with My Lover, playing guitars.<br /><br />We are going to explore the local sights of course.<br /><br />Bury market.<br /><br />Old Trafford.<br /><br />Anfield.<br /><br />Eastlands.<br /><br />And maybe even a "Kiss-Me-Quick" in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnIdY5FoMq8&feature=fvst">Hollow Way country.</a><br /><br />There'll be fish and chips.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rKYL0tW-Ek">Banter</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD3deQmyRHw">Beer </a>and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoBkHfs9T9w">Busking</a>.<br /><br />It doesn't get better than that!Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-458120328762849412010-07-28T19:09:00.004+00:002010-07-28T19:50:28.553+00:00Last Chance Saloon?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj97AcxAggKuy6m-33Nde-WMknfiaerKCM9kqfXpKtKdozAUVgXf_sGktES2dUVtC4DVdv9eIVwJZEjJiCN5ZBvvQrwXjqXJ1WBBqnkbDhLDypFJU2GA__j9Y6oGarK46jjaSIDxJeNpRp/s1600/CJ029.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj97AcxAggKuy6m-33Nde-WMknfiaerKCM9kqfXpKtKdozAUVgXf_sGktES2dUVtC4DVdv9eIVwJZEjJiCN5ZBvvQrwXjqXJ1WBBqnkbDhLDypFJU2GA__j9Y6oGarK46jjaSIDxJeNpRp/s320/CJ029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499042817679244850" border="0" /></a><br />HL again this evening.<br /><br />In my opinion, one of the recurring themes of this blog seems to suggest the idea that simple, one dimensional solutions to problems do not work. And that football, like many other aspects of modern life, is often victim or martyr to public opinion, public outcry or public condemnation.<br /><br />Often such open debate is characterised by passion, hatred, biased-opinion, love, gobshitery and outright foolishness.<br /><br />Never more so than in the current shambles surrounding <a href="http://fansonline.net/middlesbrough/mb/view.php?id=2018312">Marlon King</a>.<br /><br />Ask yourself, is it OK for a man to attack a woman, be found guilty in a Court of law, go on to show little remorse for his crime, serve 9 months in custody and arrive back in the community to the open arms of the good people at <a href="http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-city-fc/coventry-city-fc-news/2010/07/28/marlon-king-deal-or-no-deal-92746-26947105/">Coventry City</a>?<br /><br />Me ? I'm not sure.<br /><br />Let's see what GB thinks...........<br /><br />..............<br /><br />GB here.<br /><br />My view?<br /><br />Well I have a fundamental belief that anyone can make a change if they really want to and have the right support.<br /><br />I also know there are some who don't want to.<br /><br />I don't think there's much doubt about which camp Mr King sits in.<br /><br />What a crazy world we live in.<br /><br />So much better in the good ol' days, when people knew how to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLLaHvwNYNs">deal with a problem once and for all</a>.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-5286564806291685532010-07-24T19:55:00.005+00:002010-07-24T20:30:54.081+00:00Silly Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdrzpd6kbE0867Mk829-1IUHxaMTPavCWYNCELByLf9rIDBzzsaCWN6ajH-FTx7WFVb5RMmjJoPL57ag-lSTKkSbmWUs_Yk99l_zU77OPANtD8RMPk2j7ffqtaAohR-ds_cLnJZIRSBBB/s1600/tv_repair_toon.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdrzpd6kbE0867Mk829-1IUHxaMTPavCWYNCELByLf9rIDBzzsaCWN6ajH-FTx7WFVb5RMmjJoPL57ag-lSTKkSbmWUs_Yk99l_zU77OPANtD8RMPk2j7ffqtaAohR-ds_cLnJZIRSBBB/s320/tv_repair_toon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497572337815839186" border="0" /></a>Football has taken a low profile in this house over the last few weeks. A few brief moments of interest for me.<br /><br />Roy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hodgson's</span> arrival at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Anfield</span>, subsequent welcome to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/jul/22/classic-youtube-sport-clips">Joe Cole</a> too.<br /><br />It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">HL</span> tonight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">btw</span>.<br /><br />GB is still alive and kicking, I've not done away with her.<br /><br />She may have something to say if I prod her hard enough, however. Let's see!<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">OK! OK!</span>"<br /><br />I probably can be coaxed out momentarily.<br /><br />Not least as I have been shamed by <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-ding-ling.html">Sandy</a> for my recent poor performance.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">I looked at your blog</span>", he said.<br /><br />" <span style="font-style: italic;">Oops!</span>", I thought, "<span style="font-style: italic;">I've been rumbled</span>".<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">I've just felt a bit disengaged with it all. After the World Cup and everything</span>", I said feebly.<br /><br />"Never mind", he comforted, "only 3 weeks until it all starts up again. I've <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67SWFJuRsAw">had all my telly's serviced</a> ready".<br /><br />And somehow, I believe him.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-57037118683061321312010-07-15T18:20:00.003+00:002010-07-15T19:00:40.305+00:00My Ding-a-ling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHIRTtZ-8NEYv-n9jOEXAKm1CsU_64bn9N_PKpdkx6BdhJ9sVgZmEKkR22YFApc0bX16ULXEVrAD2cgYUBtcvYQd0QR6CE7oUW_zADh98D2ScPxxo8_YJIO2ClGu33cJIQYRSTwQZyoS2/s1600/bellend.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHIRTtZ-8NEYv-n9jOEXAKm1CsU_64bn9N_PKpdkx6BdhJ9sVgZmEKkR22YFApc0bX16ULXEVrAD2cgYUBtcvYQd0QR6CE7oUW_zADh98D2ScPxxo8_YJIO2ClGu33cJIQYRSTwQZyoS2/s320/bellend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494209795783047426" border="0" /></a><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">You've fallen out of love with football haven't you?</span>", said My Lover a few days ago.<br /><br />I was shocked by his question but denied he was right.<br /><br />It made me think though.<br /><br />Unable to face posting on my blog for days at a time (first time in the 2 and a half years I have been writing it). Not wanting to even think about it.<br /><br />Even <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2010/06/we-thought-it-was-all-over.html">Sandy </a>has not been able to engage me in discussion.<br /><br />I felt the end of my blog may well have arrived.<br /><br />It's been a joyless time.<br /><br />But as I walked to my train this evening, I made a firm decision to write a post this evening.<br /><br />Isn't that what true love is all about about?<br /><br />Fidelity and faith.<br /><br />I would do nothing less for my lover, my children and my guitar.<br /><br />And in my heart I know, football too.<br /><br />So lets get at it girls.<br /><br />And to kick off, what's the difference between Sepp Blatter and a boy's favourite toy?<br /><br />Not much <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/7891632/Sepp-Blatter-given-embarrassing-nickname-on-World-Cup-award.html">it would seem.</a>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com147tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-775117737782802872010-07-04T19:28:00.003+00:002010-07-04T20:26:54.989+00:00It Is Now!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EeMcXe01aqDVBNIwNJ3OAkLCLJLmX7iHqZWp6TfuNSp4AYoR31276dDGjb1-p4vnddPYlSZIOVdOC34_OC2hSJknOP254AlNRQShwAN0DwgTm0ZWnZwNR5VacXkSH2cTA5fIFDEXZPxc/s1600/england_ball_0.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EeMcXe01aqDVBNIwNJ3OAkLCLJLmX7iHqZWp6TfuNSp4AYoR31276dDGjb1-p4vnddPYlSZIOVdOC34_OC2hSJknOP254AlNRQShwAN0DwgTm0ZWnZwNR5VacXkSH2cTA5fIFDEXZPxc/s320/england_ball_0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490147701035263570" border="0" /></a><br />It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HL</span> tonight. GB is still reeling from the aftershock of her first failed World Cup campaign, the loss of <a href="http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/sport/Leicester-City-owner-Milan-Mandaric-looks-future-manager-Nigel-Pearson-s-departure/article-2373063-detail/article.html">Fox's manager</a> ( a man in whom she believed) and, worst of all, living with a bloke who believes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LFC</span> are going to win the Premiership next season.<br /><br />So, it's all over; the big 4 yearly adventure, Fabio's Folly or, as it's become known in our house, the cultural event that must not be talked about.<br /><br />For it is like a death of many cuts. The TV adverts are still in place. Red and White displays proliferate supermarket shelves and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BBQ's</span> have become fashionable again. Every foray outside the house brings one into contact with our national failure. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjMUfIKktWU">Broken roads</a> and public <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG7Xg6EWv0U">cut-backs</a> to (now) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-vXs-7tXcA">sporting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">disaster</span></a> and<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4msYqoNch68"> broken hearts.<br /></a><br />Those in charge (as ever) say lessons need to be learnt. Fresh blood, new structures and a different approach called for.<br /><br />Frankly, I'm bloody fed-up with it and I have<a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5htW-2_nHxO3U6-1gqRN4yqpUn0AQ"> other fish to fry</a>.<br /><br />Until the <a href="http://www.euro2024.co.uk/">next time</a> of course.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HL</span>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-60867046588378683452010-07-01T20:34:00.003+00:002010-07-01T21:25:56.541+00:00Sure As Eggs Is Eggs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5mq9mrgMyQ63cAQBXW4JHTecmBM1THA63517hzWzPh9Nu3oRT0SCEc9j5-wF8gg82i7OfXehnvUUeeTSlH4E5nqgfEuQYo029VuczZ0NW42AV3uIRW1W4zrqxZtM8x3qnfaQDEMWo39V/s1600/eggs.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5mq9mrgMyQ63cAQBXW4JHTecmBM1THA63517hzWzPh9Nu3oRT0SCEc9j5-wF8gg82i7OfXehnvUUeeTSlH4E5nqgfEuQYo029VuczZ0NW42AV3uIRW1W4zrqxZtM8x3qnfaQDEMWo39V/s320/eggs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489052087407418354" border="0" /></a><br />I feel the need to indulge in a little <a href="http://www.bild.de/BILD/video/clip/sport/wm-2010/wm-newscase/wm-news/2010/06/27/fans-suedafrika.html">self flagellation</a>.<br /><br />That's better.<br /><br />Meanwhile, back with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5TWtOm1iTM">Laurel and Hardy.</a><br /><br />What's that?<br /><br />Time to move on?<br /><br />You're right of course.<br /><br />Time to start thinking about My Lover's simmering excitement at the appointed of his royal Hodgsonness to his beloved Liverpool.<br /><br />He hasn't yet said the immortal words "I think this will be their season. Georgina, prepare to witness the renaissance of the Liverpool football team".<br /><br />But he will.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-14944504745908331202010-06-30T20:42:00.005+00:002010-06-30T21:32:08.010+00:00What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlZ_EcTLyGATHQPrJLHiv6zYI-zY2m6XqlJw87i2KRD_8nqcH8t8GtFDoe_8xk9cnEfsNV8GNL_tK-yJ3gT2nWuoC85633QpuGNje4lIZeWfLbwD-qrZkXd2De1E_9SuoV_33JuqG5Vzk/s1600/broken+heart.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlZ_EcTLyGATHQPrJLHiv6zYI-zY2m6XqlJw87i2KRD_8nqcH8t8GtFDoe_8xk9cnEfsNV8GNL_tK-yJ3gT2nWuoC85633QpuGNje4lIZeWfLbwD-qrZkXd2De1E_9SuoV_33JuqG5Vzk/s320/broken+heart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488681433279671762" border="0" /></a><br />"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.", <span style="font-style: italic;">Martin Luther King, 1963</span><br /><br />"The ultimate measure of a football blogger is not whether she posts in times of triumph, but the quality and frequency of her writing in times of trouble", <span style="font-style: italic;">Georgina Best, 2010 </span><br /><br />One of us managed to live up to our ideals......................<br /><br />To be fair though, (<span style="font-style: italic;">as they say in footballing circles</span>), I do have good reason to be miserable.<br /><br />Like English fans everywhere, I am left feeling cheated and somewhat bewildered by our dismal performance. Which we watched <a href="http://www.electricpalace.org.uk/">here</a>.<br /><br />Which reminds me;<br /><br />Q. What's the difference between a tea bag and the English football team?<br /><br />A. A tea bag stays in the cup for longer<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObV_fHTMa2s">Boom Boom</a>!<br /><br />Then, woe is me!<br /><br />Our beloved <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/hullcity/7861324/Nigel-Pearson-named-Hull-City-manager.html">Nigel has deserted us</a>.<br /><br />It's all <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0GcXV2njY">enough to break a girl's heart</a>.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-25533129462976931412010-06-24T19:02:00.005+00:002010-06-24T20:42:46.738+00:00We Thought It Was All Over............................<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyGy7zdXDapVSvcbOP0ypUJRyXqfXaJ4Xj9bAHEIbDvcBkaQc4ykVJNTcmpE38iaNSd-kiO4zOJrq2SCIg2f2iDgdugDMM92-SkGYIBM7w34Y0urZrxtvFbs4lzFJbmHbZY9lHX-CSYZC/s1600/cover_my_eyes.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyGy7zdXDapVSvcbOP0ypUJRyXqfXaJ4Xj9bAHEIbDvcBkaQc4ykVJNTcmpE38iaNSd-kiO4zOJrq2SCIg2f2iDgdugDMM92-SkGYIBM7w34Y0urZrxtvFbs4lzFJbmHbZY9lHX-CSYZC/s320/cover_my_eyes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486431512874708482" border="0" /></a><br />Apologies for being absent for a few days.<br /><br />For the first couple of days this week I found I just couldn't bear to dwell too long on our World Cup prospects.<br /><br />I had to work yesterday afternoon so was not able to watch the match live. The truth is, though, I wasn't that sorry. I watched the match when I got home, in the safe knowledge that we won. I think the anxiety of watching it live would have been just too much!<br /><br />My friend <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2009/07/football-fairy.html">Sandy</a>, despite being Scottish, has been very understanding and supportive of my pain.<br /><br />Every day we discuss the recent matches, the England gossip and forthcoming ties.<br /><br />He rang me <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">immediately</span> after yesterday's win.<br /><br />"I think England will go on to win the World Cup now", he said.<br /><br />Who am I to argue?Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-42153129220820074102010-06-20T20:23:00.005+00:002010-06-20T20:46:02.764+00:00How Very Dare They<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDUD4worzeOEWEoRorJHytIZj6dgiYgQSg5yymt9rcTd5r8MDwJMA8_HVa10FqTxIFpkq48f5IoasFBfgJdxhqzRIi-dbF5OWsXkxyZ17ujKHYcQOX8ZwP5EbBbHsNzTXVm4IjGcSVvHd/s1600/how.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDUD4worzeOEWEoRorJHytIZj6dgiYgQSg5yymt9rcTd5r8MDwJMA8_HVa10FqTxIFpkq48f5IoasFBfgJdxhqzRIi-dbF5OWsXkxyZ17ujKHYcQOX8ZwP5EbBbHsNzTXVm4IjGcSVvHd/s320/how.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484958237034072850" border="0" /></a><br />As I write this, I am somewhat distracted by the sight of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Adebayor</span> on my 42", looking very hot.<br /><br />Surrounded by a very much less hot - indeed positively <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">luke</span> warm, Alan Shearer and Alan Hanson.<br /><br />Talk about a rose between two thorns.<br /><br />Emmanuel, the man who managed to do well at Manchester City, no less.<br /><br />Unlike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Robinho</span>, who is clearly performing much better at international level.<br /><br />And spare a thought for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaka</span>. Victim of an outrageous disgrace.<br /><br />Talking of outrageous disgraces, how did Graham Taylor ever get to be manager of the England football team?<br /><br />I heard him on the radio today.<br /><br />The best he had to offer was a one-dimensional analysis of the England team's performance to date in the World Cup.<br /><br />And then I hear the English FA have announced that they expect <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Capello</span> to resign if we get knocked out at this first stage.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2sySORDLjo">How very dare they?</a>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-6343549277403126002010-06-19T20:46:00.002+00:002010-06-19T21:23:24.854+00:00Keeping Up Appearances<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IJD8eMAqhDptVPz23fdhQldN1_7xS9_rgNjw0uHHQVvFmY6QnOPtVhL1Z8RI-gbjYUEg9xsnXUK5nsUGIZ2YC4rh9dR7g50AeyE1ghRJ8uxbLxnZK2iWD1QPJ5EBUqIIi7eIxHwMEIVL/s1600/appearances.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IJD8eMAqhDptVPz23fdhQldN1_7xS9_rgNjw0uHHQVvFmY6QnOPtVhL1Z8RI-gbjYUEg9xsnXUK5nsUGIZ2YC4rh9dR7g50AeyE1ghRJ8uxbLxnZK2iWD1QPJ5EBUqIIi7eIxHwMEIVL/s320/appearances.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484598335506251906" border="0" /></a><br />Is what GB and I have been doing since last night.<br /><br />Regular readers will be aware GB has, at times of worry and stress, the capacity to think about other things. An almost obsessive compulsion to be cheerful, bury her head in other issues and to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8NInYPgofI">carry on</a>. Very English indeed I'd say.<br /><br />England, by common consent, were bloody awful? Off the pace, lacklustre and seemingly <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I9dg99ATnA">out of kilter</a> with playing a team game. The consensus in this house? A team frightened to express itself and be creative. A team not willing to take risks, yet creating risk situations by very clunky football indeed.<br /><br />After the match, GB and I just sat on the sofa a bit stunned. After a while she said to me, "I'm going upstairs to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l71UXPtBng">read my book</a>.<br /><br />Sat here, Saturday evening, watching the footy again, she's sat beside me, still ensconced with Stephanie. A radio show behind us this afternoon on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Stroud</span> FM has not dented her distraction.<br /><br />The girl is not happy, dreading the next match, but (as always) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uquSW3NEuio">keeping up appearances</a>.<br /><br />I feel the same. Sometimes, it's hard being an England football fan.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HL</span>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-32236939026658249682010-06-18T18:20:00.006+00:002010-06-18T18:38:08.368+00:00Feeling Lucky?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6dL4YxZAngbYTQhqcFii-BMeXcy41PCnkLqXY3KoLsiqZpNO8db_-TWPMOUxuA0fU7tgjpobbVGc0gyBSTIu2kxLSeUPjJUaGZ2rxgfl3eun9qo1hifTYPAB4B3YgtqN75F3Dr1Dn0fI/s1600/harry.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6dL4YxZAngbYTQhqcFii-BMeXcy41PCnkLqXY3KoLsiqZpNO8db_-TWPMOUxuA0fU7tgjpobbVGc0gyBSTIu2kxLSeUPjJUaGZ2rxgfl3eun9qo1hifTYPAB4B3YgtqN75F3Dr1Dn0fI/s320/harry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484183408743306082" border="0" /></a><br />I have a good feeling about the match tonight.<br /><br />Why?<br /><br />Well it all started this morning, when I went to the dentist.<br /><br />I received a letter a few weeks ago, informing me the dentist I have been to for the last 25 years, has retired, and I would be seeing his replacement.<br /><br />Anyway, I was very impressed when a very handsome man called me into his room.<br /><br />I entered to find another man, equally handsome. And looking quite similar.<br /><br />I was handed a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">goggles</span>, and put on a rather undignified blue plastic bib.<br /><br />Then they worked together to give me a nice little polish.<br /><br />And a tissue to wipe away the spit.<br /><br />Not forgetting the mirror so I could see to wipe away the little bit of polish on my lips.<br /><br />I think its going to feel a long six months until my next visit.<br /><br />So, now you can see why today <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laE3sj678so">feels lucky.</a><br /><br />I wonder why I'm still <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsBDEiJFrws">feeling scared </a>too?Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-41014367932569578832010-06-17T20:52:00.005+00:002010-06-17T21:13:55.920+00:00Out Foxed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHU3qme8WljYZ7VH4W29eLe7O5wCFEve-WXJ9oNFJIV3YiZxbVGjW2j24boXXHD5mxLPDDEw-1sR6c4LXD4vybmEaNdl2aYxlvXNEQzfowLBXeofxZ8p5EIEFxgQycO_B4_Xffw1tJQBZ/s1600/red-fox-sleeping.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHU3qme8WljYZ7VH4W29eLe7O5wCFEve-WXJ9oNFJIV3YiZxbVGjW2j24boXXHD5mxLPDDEw-1sR6c4LXD4vybmEaNdl2aYxlvXNEQzfowLBXeofxZ8p5EIEFxgQycO_B4_Xffw1tJQBZ/s320/red-fox-sleeping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483853277732268018" border="0" /></a><br />Tonight, girls and boys, I have been taking part in a football tournament.<br />.<br />At an event entitled 'Nosh and Becks'.<br /><br />An evening of lager, nibbles and a round robin table football competition.<br /><br />My Lover and I only managed 1 win out of 5.<br /><br />We were encouraged to wear our home strips.<br /><br />Surprisingly, I was the only Leicester City fan there.<br /><br />Anyway, there was a photographer there, and she gathered all those wearing footy shirts together for a photo.<br /><br />A mass of red descended - two Liverpool fans and a Manure loving girl. Plus a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheltenham</span> Town fan, a Hereford supporter, and a man wearing a shirt with a picture of a rowing boat, suggesting he supported <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crewe</span> Alexandra (??).<br /><br />"Leicester City?", said one of the Liverpool fans. "What have you ever won?".<br /><br />He then proceeded to reel off a long list of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">trophies</span> and championships won.<br /><br />"When did they last win something?", I asked, quietly.<br /><br />"5 years ago", he responded, apparently expecting me to be impressed.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Time for some Fox action</span>", I thought.<br /><br />The photographer gathered us together.<br /><br />They decided I should go in the middle, being the only one in blue, and because I had a scarf.<br /><br />And that's when Foxy struck.<br /><br />I gave each end of the scarf to the two Liverpool fans, and they were forced to hold it in front of us stretched out.<br /><br />And smile.<br /><br />Leicester City 1 Liverpool 0<br /><br />Game over.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-91234121617407459722010-06-15T18:48:00.005+00:002010-06-15T20:09:44.896+00:00This 'N' That<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZcxt74yZWDV4QxjZ3wnp_6vWCS_ng3cMM42rC7owbBoFWcYUPr0y7raR8qccnCyTjU-x0jRnjyT6TUAiCqC7rmhuGTGyTB7ED5SGSFKHMqBRagW5wYB6OKl8dK_VZIUQpUYjj5OpGft3/s1600/South-African-boys-blow-t-006.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZcxt74yZWDV4QxjZ3wnp_6vWCS_ng3cMM42rC7owbBoFWcYUPr0y7raR8qccnCyTjU-x0jRnjyT6TUAiCqC7rmhuGTGyTB7ED5SGSFKHMqBRagW5wYB6OKl8dK_VZIUQpUYjj5OpGft3/s320/South-African-boys-blow-t-006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483094845042152146" border="0" /></a><br />Someone sent me a great email today.<br /><br />This is how it goes;<span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ladies….Imagine you are in Primark, queuing in single file ,the girl in front of you doesn’t have her purse. To your dismay you then realise that you don’t have your’s either.</span><o:p style="font-style: italic;"></o:p></span> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span>A solution is that your friend towards the back of the queue is offering to throw her purse to you. You can’t queue jump until the purse has been thrown to you….once the purse has been thrown, you can quickly dodge the lass in front then confront the assistant on the desk.<br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span>That’s right Girls……that’s THE OFFSIDE RULE in a language you understand….</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Good huh?</p><p class="MsoNormal">I've got Brazil vs North Korea going on in front of me.</p><p class="MsoNormal">My lover by my side.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Oh and I'm pleased to report my tinnitus is better.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Drowned out by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwia97ot3yY">the vuvuzelas.</a></p>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-68313657279484954602010-06-14T19:27:00.004+00:002010-06-14T20:53:43.702+00:00World Cup Fever!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77us5CQULXPjB6MCFuBCBRaj1Ukyi4Kl4mD7BPWzbVLfcy_Zy07GF2tIzp4Fgyi4bwB9xtdysnHH61pFqWVqo3qaFzkYX48RIJMZzx8Jg4xyTdU2jWFx06QkHTR_ps2fUL-7YX7SJ1XQG/s1600/sp30438.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77us5CQULXPjB6MCFuBCBRaj1Ukyi4Kl4mD7BPWzbVLfcy_Zy07GF2tIzp4Fgyi4bwB9xtdysnHH61pFqWVqo3qaFzkYX48RIJMZzx8Jg4xyTdU2jWFx06QkHTR_ps2fUL-7YX7SJ1XQG/s320/sp30438.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482735115254968306" border="0" /></a><br />My interest in football goes back to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkS3FQnaMxI">late fifties. </a>Liverpool were on the telly a lot and so I supported them. 1966 came and went. I was thrilled we won, but I was just a boy.<br /><br />(it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HL</span> tonight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">btw</span>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCQ9N-aT4U">She's out doing good works promoting young talent ? in the community</a>)<br /><br />Anyway, a boy who had a crippled Father. A crippled Father who, before his physical abilities left him, was a County standard footballer and cricketer.<br /><br />So my attempts at joining in with other boys, were not always successful. Confidence in myself was not always high. My eyesight was poor. Measles caused it.<br /><br />I joined the military, still supporting the reds. Lots of men played football but didn't really talk about it to me that much. My life was taken up by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-L-thsn2cU">one of these</a> for a while.<br /><br />And, for nearly 15 years, my head was turned by blokes <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v41YR37RYtA">who did this.</a><br /><br />Then<br /><br />I left the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCRIsjJFRNo">boys in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Airforce</span> Blue</a> behind and became a.........<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVVxMXflHD8">Probation Officer</a><br /><br />Gradually, through being a bit cerebral now, I got to thinking about the idea that football is actually a really important sociological thing.<br /><br />A way for people to come together in conflict (with rules) without killing each other.<br /><br />About 4 years ago. GB and I, fell in love. She didn't know very much about football but a chance conversation about Theo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Walcot</span> confirmed she was interested in the soap opera side of it.<br /><br />I filled in a some of the early gaps and now, 48 months on, she's made herself a reluctant expert on the modern game.<br /><br />As I've said before on here. I'm glad now to proclaim Girl's can do football. I was wrong. GB has proved this so.<br /><br />Meanwhile, and a few years on, I'm retired now. I'm basking is a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJS8j9YYB9w">new-found freedom</a> from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2MQ04ESSx8"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tyranny</span></a>,and have enjoyed most of the games on our media system whilst GB slaves away being a CEO.<br /><br />At half-time in one match, I changed channels and was fascinated to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcutOU8m6Og">this guy </a>teaching people how to sell personal treasures for the most money they could get.<br /><br />My personal treasure is the fact I have a girl who loves football, plays guitar <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzr4xDFl15w">like this</a> and understands the importance of a well-cooked meal.<br /><br />I wouldn't sell that for the world.<br /><br />She's gonna be linked to a big site soon. Watch out for further news.<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">HL</span>Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-10051177883141735172010-06-13T20:30:00.004+00:002010-06-13T20:47:08.366+00:00The Many Heads Of A Football Fan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkSz68a9zka2lZXHDP5GY7alVpwKhZReRBoLtWiCuinb5iNkxmtCQQHn2_tvwVX_Wo_TpB3Dy5PwtmmMD1Ogjb9Hf7w7T_2CAsqTvp7_hUHsP3SOAidA7kNXEf0sPEO11NsLphS-zGX4w/s1600/hydra.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkSz68a9zka2lZXHDP5GY7alVpwKhZReRBoLtWiCuinb5iNkxmtCQQHn2_tvwVX_Wo_TpB3Dy5PwtmmMD1Ogjb9Hf7w7T_2CAsqTvp7_hUHsP3SOAidA7kNXEf0sPEO11NsLphS-zGX4w/s320/hydra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482362247282505970" border="0" /></a><br />I've had a day wearing a number of heads.<br /><br />This morning, donning overalls with My Lover, to take building rubble to the local reycling centre.<br /><br />Then back home for beard-trimming, showers, plaiting hair with ribbons (My Lover's), and putting on makeup (mine).<br /><br />Afternoon tea <a href="http://www.newlandscare.org/">here</a>, with the odd Knight and Dame of the realm.<br /><br />Home to water the garden and sing a few tunes.<br /><br />Moules and frites with our fingers at the dining room table.<br /><br />And watching the Algeria Slovenia match we had the foresight to record earlier.<br /><br />My favourite role?<br /><br />Football fan, of course.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-2509990548866692892010-06-12T20:26:00.004+00:002010-06-12T20:58:57.234+00:00Letting Off Steam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFg3ciQxVzJ71chAnftnhmSrO0WaSsFvcwVUfJf7EOrRjgBrEtDGFi9FFxBGn4efiNkuomhjNMegzESqBOCxsVuuczUlH5YWZnhhEP-qOLr5ablphjPDlqA-wh9DCymRyZP6b-n-zABRY/s1600/BUTTERFINGERS_w.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFg3ciQxVzJ71chAnftnhmSrO0WaSsFvcwVUfJf7EOrRjgBrEtDGFi9FFxBGn4efiNkuomhjNMegzESqBOCxsVuuczUlH5YWZnhhEP-qOLr5ablphjPDlqA-wh9DCymRyZP6b-n-zABRY/s320/BUTTERFINGERS_w.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481989045570254050" border="0" /></a><br />It's a melange of emotions in our front room this evening.<br /><br />Delight at My Lover's return.<br /><br />Laughter at the ridiculous bunting and flags adorning our house.<br /><br />Frustration and amazement that ITV managed to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/12/itv-england-world-cup-goal-gaffe">miss a second critical goal</a> - <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2009/02/there-once-was-ugly-duckling.html">this </a>being the first.<br /><br />Horror and compassion for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U6GIRSVks0">Rob Green.</a><br /><br />Pride in the way our team performed.<br /><br />Stunned that their great display did not result in a win, which in my view they deserved.<br /><br />Yes I know there were mistakes.<br /><br />And I heaved a sign of relief when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Heskey</span> went off for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crouchy</span>.<br /><br />But overall I thought they did us proud.<br /><br />What to do with all that emotion?<br /><br />I need to think of a way to let of steam.<br /><br />I'll see if My Lover has any ideas.Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2492471667054103204.post-15226552311686125612010-06-11T18:19:00.005+00:002010-06-11T18:47:29.887+00:00Faith, Hope And Hearing Clarity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ehE-76ejJ_AgqexVKlpWcJ02QRgnm6bxFfUqw6Tnvn5A0G15R9Fg3bZltbmuMwjc6J4rG_BOkN_3sTh2h1UfEYBEIr79gJ2EdJV-NhuDCXX2kOFaEE44-ADsiP4KXMLkG1qrdNk3kzNn/s1600/faith-hope-and-charity.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ehE-76ejJ_AgqexVKlpWcJ02QRgnm6bxFfUqw6Tnvn5A0G15R9Fg3bZltbmuMwjc6J4rG_BOkN_3sTh2h1UfEYBEIr79gJ2EdJV-NhuDCXX2kOFaEE44-ADsiP4KXMLkG1qrdNk3kzNn/s320/faith-hope-and-charity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481588219494849218" border="0" /></a>I am bedecked!<br /><br />The house is suitably festooned.<br /><br />Our front room bears its own decorations.<br /><br />We have flags. We have bunting. We have badges. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I have</span> my shirt (<span style="font-style: italic;">My Lover does not consider himself to be a football shirt wearer!</span>).<br /><br />I am ready.<br /><br />Plans in place to have my hair done tomorrow morning, then collect My Lover from the airport, visit my father for his 70<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> birthday, then home to beer, bubbly and a night of passion.<br /><br />Football passion I mean, of course.<br /><br />Oh and I have been back to see <a href="http://forgirlswhocantdofootball.blogspot.com/2010/05/football-saves-day.html">my hearing clinician</a>, whose equipment, I am pleased to report, is now working.<br /><br />So I now have nicely balanced, (<span style="font-style: italic;">if slightly pointed</span>), ears to listen to all that wonderful commentary.<br /><br />And the Match of the Day team.<br /><br />Which means I have all the time in the world now to concentrate on the only thing that matters for the next few days or weeks.<br /><br />It's like I said to a work colleague today; I am so excited - so looking forward to it. Even though I know it is almost certain my heart is going to get broken sometime in the next 4 weeks.<br /><br />Just imagine that pain lying ahead.<br /><br />Where does the pain come ?<br /><br />It's a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bereavement</span> of course.<br /><br />A death.<br /><br />The death of Hope.<br /><br />A test of Faith.<br /><br />But we are not there yet.<br /><br />We are watching those two seedlings grow and flourish.<br /><br />Every game won will be food to their roots.<br /><br />So I think it's time to water those plants with a couple of beers.<br /><br />And put me feet up to watch France struggle against <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Uruguay</span>.<br /><br />Have a nice evening!Georgina Besthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544336084639705172noreply@blogger.com0