The Day After

We lost. Chelsea reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the third time in four seasons with a convincing win over Coventry City. I think it was a fair result and the boys can be proud that they've only lost 2-0 to the second best team in Europe. Both goals summed up the difference between the championship and premiership teams.

From the casa, I could hear the traffic build-up. Fans fully camouflaged in the Sky Blues colour can be seen making their way. I walked to the bridge opposite the Ricoh to get some photos. The pub was bursting with fans having a drink and singing, warming up for the event. 2 police cars at the end of the lane keeping an eye on things.

At the bridge, I was surprised to see the road below me clear. Perhaps the traffic was redirected to a different route where it can be easily monitored. The police helicopter was seen hovering close to the stadium. I didn't take any photos with the police and fans out and about.

At 12.30pm, I took my place in front of the big screen. The door was open and I could hear the fantastic atmosphere from the casa. The Ricoh looks amazing and I'd goose bumps when the fans held up the blue cards. Everything was perfect even the sun came out. Hard luck we lost.

Chaos erupted as soon as the game was over. Imagine 32k people trying to leave at the same time. I could hear the police helicopter hovering above the casa and police siren everywhere. I was in the back garden when I saw a police van parked across the junction and policemen dragging several men in. Oh dear...

It took nearly 3 hours for things to get back to normal.  Imagine if the Sky Blues had won...

Before all the above began, we'd already made an early dash to the playground. We thought we were the first, but a few cars were already there. The reserve was already in full volume. We went straight to East Marsh hide for bittern spotting. We waited and waited but it decided not to say hi.

It was not even 8am but the lake was in full swing. The usual culprits were there but a hybrid goose, a reed bunting, a pair of oyster catchers, several Common Snipes and lovely Shelducks caught our attention.

We left about half eight when we saw this beautiful pair of male pheasants being territorial.They were so absorbed in their squabbling that  they didn't notice us. They continued chasing each other into the undergrowth.

Along Brandon Lane, I asked Babe to stop. I spotted these lovely carpets of snowdrops in the woods and along the banks. They are celebrated as a sign of spring has arrived. Aren't they beautiful?

Today, I went for an brisk morning walk to the newsagent. For breakfast, I tried another new Malay recipe called Roti Jala. You can either eat it plain, with a curry or fillings. I'd mine plain and some with my carefully-reserved beef serunding which I brought from Malaysia.

This is the first time I made it. Quite a lot of trials and errors but I managed to get it in the end. It's quite tedious especially when trying to fill the batter into the container (with holes at the bottom) and lacing it on a hot pan. Very pleased with myself :-).

Babe was in bed the whole day with a migraine. I kept him comfortable with lots of hot water bottle and drinks. Get well soon, darling.

The weather today can only be described as mercurial, lovely one minute, horrid the next! There was glorious sunshine especially in the morning, and then the clouds and wind return, bringing wintry showers and then the sun triumphs again... Its been like this all day, and I kept rushing out/in to bring the laundry in/out. In the end, left them drying in the casa.

Anyway, wishing my lovely sister in Malaysia, a very Happy Birthday from both of us. Also all the best for her hubby who will be undergoing an operation for his joints. And to all Muslims, Happy Maulidur Rasul for tomorrow.