Hi

News of a new Samantha Murphy album came in my inbox this morning was very welcome.

I was her well in her new pad too!

May was changable with both sunshine and rain.

There were a few stand out events for Paula and I... A visit to Birdworld taking Sister Pederson & Sister Eyre of the Church of Latter Day Saints - the Sisters are from around Salt Lake city, USA. Well we had a great time-shots on www.flickr.com/photos/colinbp as usual.

We had fun and Ivor was a delight! As were my company!

Chelsea vs Manchester Utd gets an unusual mention here -following the dissappointing Liverpool loss. The Champions League Final was held in Moscow and a suprisingly open game comenced. We tuned into the radio but soon decided to watch on tv. The best move I was soon to witness; Roony coming from right back up to half way a delicate delisously delivered 50 yard ball to Ronaldo on the left wing , controlled centred met by Treves who's shot was just saved then coming to Carrack who shot was saved by the excellent Chelsea goalkeeper who was dressed liked a "Cone" -Apparently the distinct bright orange makes you aim for him psycalogically.

I thought Utd were the better team -there were several close calls. But Chelsea came close with superb on the turn shot by Lampard that beat beat Van der Sarr only to crack against the woodwork.- better than his equalizer actually! And Drogba shot which was breathtaking again beating the keeper but not the woodwork. Utd goal was a free header by Ronaldo beatifully stepping back to lose the defender. Extra time then penalties. When Ronaldo did his little cheat-stop that the Chelsea goalie had seen on previous video didnt work and saved-I thought Chelsea had it in the bag but John Terrys foot/leg slipped and his shot went wide -agonisingly for all concerned! Anelka then was predicted and saved. Utd were Champs!

Deservedly so! "When Bobby Charlton went up 1st with the players it made me remember when Sir Bobby and the late George Best won exactly 40 years ago- I was in my formative years and there were peers who were all Utd fans -enjoying life at the top-they would not let me join -I'll always remember being a failed Rag fan but eternally greatful in life's lesson that I support a better more sporting City team -for the last 41 years! Football wise I thing the 2008 team going forward were on the night equal to the 1968 side but the 2008 defence lacked a bit or was it that Chelsea were just that good??

I enjoyed both Chelsea and the Rags that May evening -the first time i've seen them play open football without little cheats and proffessional fouls that frustrate usually.

A great display of "the English Game" as a team and something to be proud of......Morning after Blues ..did I really cheer the Rags and enjoy them...a sobering thought for a grumpy old man!!

"Rainy day dream away ..let the sun take a holiday" -Jimi Hendrix

Electric Ladyland must be 40 years ago!

I'll leave you with a couple of portraits; Paula in our back garden and the lovely Sisters Pederson & Eyre.

Bye for now
Colin