Sunday, August 16, 2009
Athletics day
Today has been a day to recall all the things I have always enjoyed about being involved in athletics.
We were timekeeping at a well attended meeting at the Horsham track, with the sun shining down.
The timekeepers were of high calibre and relaxed. We gossiped and commented on life, the universe and everything and took pride in giving accurate times to the runners.
There was lots of laughter and comradeship.
The races were good with young people giving of their best and supportive parents cheering them on.
We came home to watch World Championship Athletics.
I wonder why joyous occasions bring tears to the eyes.
There was lots to relish, but the last events of the day were simply joyous.
Firstly, the very sweet Jessica Ennis became a GB world champion in the heptathlon. The multi event competitions are fiercely competitive of course - but always end revealing true bonds between the competitors. Hugs and smiles all round. And those tears of joy - from Jessica and for me too.
But even before these young women could complete a joint lap of honour the men were on their marks for the 100 metres final.
It was hard to see anybody beating Usain Bolt of Jamaica.
And nobody came near to him at the finish as the amiable buffoon stopped the clock at 9.58.
We used to feel thrilled to witness somebody just breaking 10 seconds - so, a time of 9.58 was ...... I can't find the words I need. But I was moved to those tears of joy again.
The time spent at the Pease Pottage car boot sale - pushing my trolley around, seems like a lifetime ago now.
I know the trolley proved to be so valuable to me and all items purchased are now on the dining room table waiting to be sorted.
For a short while Bill had my computer working. It wasn't until the moment that I walked into the room (only a few minutes later) that it froze again - and is now refusing to do anything at all when switched on. There may be a minor mechanical fault or it might be something more major - we know that we will need help to get things sorted; though thank you to people who have come up with suggestions.
Hopefully the PC doctor can come on Tuesday.
We will be out at the shop tomorrow.
Goodnight.
We were timekeeping at a well attended meeting at the Horsham track, with the sun shining down.
The timekeepers were of high calibre and relaxed. We gossiped and commented on life, the universe and everything and took pride in giving accurate times to the runners.
There was lots of laughter and comradeship.
The races were good with young people giving of their best and supportive parents cheering them on.
We came home to watch World Championship Athletics.
I wonder why joyous occasions bring tears to the eyes.
There was lots to relish, but the last events of the day were simply joyous.
Firstly, the very sweet Jessica Ennis became a GB world champion in the heptathlon. The multi event competitions are fiercely competitive of course - but always end revealing true bonds between the competitors. Hugs and smiles all round. And those tears of joy - from Jessica and for me too.
But even before these young women could complete a joint lap of honour the men were on their marks for the 100 metres final.
It was hard to see anybody beating Usain Bolt of Jamaica.
And nobody came near to him at the finish as the amiable buffoon stopped the clock at 9.58.
We used to feel thrilled to witness somebody just breaking 10 seconds - so, a time of 9.58 was ...... I can't find the words I need. But I was moved to those tears of joy again.
The time spent at the Pease Pottage car boot sale - pushing my trolley around, seems like a lifetime ago now.
I know the trolley proved to be so valuable to me and all items purchased are now on the dining room table waiting to be sorted.
For a short while Bill had my computer working. It wasn't until the moment that I walked into the room (only a few minutes later) that it froze again - and is now refusing to do anything at all when switched on. There may be a minor mechanical fault or it might be something more major - we know that we will need help to get things sorted; though thank you to people who have come up with suggestions.
Hopefully the PC doctor can come on Tuesday.
We will be out at the shop tomorrow.
Goodnight.
