I wandered into the New Inn in time to watch England playing Switzerland. Piggy was in, who I haven’t seen for ages, and I noted a big cut on his thumb where he did his best to amputate it with a saw, but has since hasn’t impacted his ability to hold a pint of John Smith’s. Good to hear he is coping well, however.
The bar was pretty full and the big screen was out as we all waited for the game to start with the boyish enthusiasm only seasoned England supporters have prior to the all-to-frequent disappointment of things not working out. As reported elsewhere, we did get through the game so all was good. It wasn’t all riveting stuff, though, so we were entertained by a local farmer throwing sweets across the bar to a group of exuberant young lasses to try and catch them in their mouths.
I was sitting next to Rog the Oil, who was in fine form having just had a successful check up at the doctors. He also sorted out some admin work needed for his HGV licence by walking the doctor through the process, finding an envelope and leaving it with the secretary. I would imagine the poor old doc just gave up and let him do it, it was much easier. Rog was a very good footballer and century ago and was also a high level referee (I don’t imagine there were many arguments) so it’s interesting to hear his side of the events if the match, at least until the Carlsberg took effect.
It was one of those lovely days - a few scoops, good mates and a good result for England. What could be better in summer (whenever it starts). Even better, I got home to note a small parcel on the patio. Tom explained to me is was a hedgehog dropping, he said “a hedgehog has been meddling about on your patio” and that’s a lovely surprise.
• Fred Knobbit is a nature blogger. He grew up in the Pennines in Lancashire on the edge of an industrial town but is now safely in Cornwall. You can read his archive at www.bodminblogger.com