World Cup and Bridge Ups and Downs

Here we are playing Germany in the round of 16.  It's tense.  The problem is that it isn't the final, nor the semis, nor even the quarter final.  One of these teams will be going home after today.

Yet, I think the World Cup is better for all that.  The Europeans no longer dominate as they once did.  All five South American teams made it through to the round of 16 and one each from Central America (Mexico) and North America (USA).  There are two teams from Asia (South Korea and Japan)!  Only one team from Africa (they probably deserve better) and six from Europe.

It's half time and already it's the usual heartbreak for England.  An erroneous offside call in the first few minutes robbed Rooney of a chance to score and then there was the equalizing goal that was disallowed even though it was obvious from all angles that the ball went into the goalmouth.

Meanwhile, we had a great time at the bridge tournament in Sturbridge.  Some of the highlights were culinary.  A great dinner at Bocado in Worcester on Friday and then a terrific picnic at a lake cottage (no mosquitoes!).  Pixie was in her element.  Who knew that she was a party dog?  She loved it.  With 30 people, you'd think she'd have plenty opportunity to bark.  But she never did.  She let everyone pet her.

There were also some highlights (Kim/Donna won a side game simultaneously with my and my teammates winning a single-session Swiss).  On Thursday, I was part of a team that placed in an open Swiss.  But yesterday's bridge was unfortunately one of the low-lights.  I had a good time playing with my partner Peter but the bridge gods were definitely not on our side (see my bridge blog: Sometimes You're the Windshield...).