First Day of Summer

Today is the first official day of summer, so naturally it is raining. Grey, miserable typically English weather. Of course, Wimbledon starts next week so it's bound to rain for the next two weeks, at least!

The summer solstice brings the longest period of daylight today. The solstice is always tinged with sadness, because you know that from here on in the days are going to gradually get shorter and shorter as we approach winter!! How depressing!

Lets hope the weather breaks and we can have some good summer days to remember when the darkness comes.

Fuel Price Increases

The cost of fuel keeps going up. I got these in an email this morning:

Euro 2008

It hasn't been a great tournament so far for the Italians, but hey, we're in the quarter finals!

Although I was born in the UK, my father is Italian, and I always follow Italy in every tournament (Just as well, seeing how well England do!)

In the recent World Cup, which Italy won, I had a feeling they were going to do well. Solid in defence, workman midfield with a touch of class from Pirlo and we scored goals. The goals were well spread out in the tournament with midfield, defence and attack all chipping in. There isn't the same feeling of quality this time round, our defence looks vulnerable, our midfield is huffing and puffing without producing and up front, Luca Toni has to be the unluckiest striker in the tournament! What does the man have to do to score!?

We've struggled so far, and unless we really find form we will struggle against the Spanish on Sunday. It will be extra difficult as we will be without Pirlo and Gattuso, who are both suspended as they have picked up two yellow cards. Still, there's always a chance, it's a one off game and the Spanish are known for choking in tournaments. I can hope!

Forza Italia!

My Patron Saint

Today is the Feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua. He is my patron Saint, my middle name is Antonio. Thinking back, St Anthony was probably my first real contact with the Catholic Church. I love his nickname, "The Hammer of Heretics".

You can find out so much about the life of this great Saint, a Doctor of the Church, by visiting StAnthony.org

This prayer is from St Anthony:

“Sweet Jesus, is there anything sweeter than you? To remember you is more delightful than everything else. Your name is joy; it is the true gate of our salvation. What else are you, Jesus, if not our Savior? Be our Redeemer. Give us the virtues of hope and love, just as you have given us faith, our primary joy. Give us the words that we need to praise you always. With the help and through the prayers of your mother. You who are blessed throughout the ages. Amen.”

St Anthony, Pray for us.