JEDI July: Day 9 - The one where it was Grandad's birthday

Gosh, today has been shattering, I've been running around like a headless chicken for most of it.

OK, so it's not like I have achieved anything of great magnitude but I honestly have barely paused for breath since I woke up this morning. And now I am obliged to see out the day with this ninth JEDI July entry before tidying my room, which has become, by my standards, very messy as a consequence of having no time in which to clear up.

This morning I had arranged a cricket session with Jonny and James, so after getting up late (even after setting the alarm - curse that snooze button!) and wolfing down a quick breakfast, I went to collect James in Jalopy. He had also invited Jamie along for the ride.

We practiced for nearly three hours, with everyone having a go at batting, bowling and keeping wicket. With church cricket lined up for the evening, I tried hard to smooth out some rather rough edges with both the bat and ball, though not always with great success. This was in general really good fun, though consequently towards the end I got a bit tired and frustrated at a lack of progress and was pleased when, after some cacthing practice, we decided to call it a day.

Having dropped the boys home I set about making Grandad's birthday card, which ended up taking a good couple of hours. This year I have been illustating my cards - drawing out the picture in pen, then scanning in to colour in paint. I feel the technique works well and gives the finished article a more 'glossy' appearance than if I coloured by hand - you can judge for yourself...!

Once I had finished I had to quickly wrap the presents I had bought in Lymington on Tuesday (several different bags of nuts), then it was straight down the Boilos with Lydia to celebrate with Grandad, who is 74 today. Unfortunately, due to the later cricket match, this would be the only chance I would have to see him, though we still had a good hour chatting about recent and upcoming events and taking some group photos in the garden. Grandad seemed delighted with his cards and gifts, while Grandma catered for us all marvelously, with juice and biccies in seemingly constant supply.

Sadly, I had to be round the church for 5.15, so we had to make a speedy exit, though the Boilos were due up at our house later in the evening for cake and more prezzies with Mum, Kaye and Eddie. Dad and I loaded up the car and, after meeting other team members at the church, we convoyed to Bramshaw, where our opponents, Burseldon, were already ready and raring to go.

Having been narrowly beaten at Burseldon earlier in the month the team were keen for revenge, though captain Gareth lost the toss and we were put into field first for the third time in as many games. I was slightly out of my comfort zone, having been directed to mid-off as opposed to my usual square-leg, but at least it meant I hardly had to move between overs!

The team made steady progress, taking a wicket from the first ball and a couple more soon after, however the wickets then dried up and Burseldon battled to 116 off their 18 overs. I was put in to bowl for two overs and, despite being a little disappointed with lack of pace (delivering to the batsmen what Dad would call 'pies'), I wasn't clobbered about the park which can only be interpreted as a success.

Next it was our turn to bat and I was allocated the no.8 slot, which I can't deny being a little disappointed about after all the practice put in earlier in the day. Nevertheless, the team were off to a flyer, with Dad reaching the maximum score of 25, as did his opening batting partner. However, after this the run rate slowed, one of our players got hit in the head with a ball off his own bat, and we struggled on to 97 off the 18 overs. As suspected, I remained unused. The good news, however, is that I am in the team for Wednesday, so more frustration no doubt beckons!

Drinks were then downed as both teams stayed on at the pavillion bar for some time. I helped to wash up and tidy the clubhouse and we finally headed for home at around 9.30, dropping Gareth back along the way. Unfortunately our late finish meant that we just missed out on seeing the Boilos and the Teddies, though Ernest was still around (of course!) and Mum was kind enough to offer up toast and birthday cake as neither me or Dad had earlier manged any tea.

SIGH! Gone midnight again, plus I still have the room to tidy AND an uncomfortable 'popped' ear. Not fair!

At least tomorrow looks quiet...twenty to twelve again, anyone?!