This evening I attended my first Cardiff Devils ice hockey match since about 1986. Last time I saw them the stadium was located in Cardiff city centre, now they play in a modern stadium in Cardiff Bay. I understand the Devils currently lie in 2nd place in the league, whilst their opponents, Fife are about 8th and at risk of relegation. With both teams needing points for different reasons it led to a very competitive match with Fife taking the lead three times before being pegged back each time ending 3-3 after the third period. This led to 5 minutes sudden death during which no one scored and then 5 penalties each which saw Fife run out winners. Man of the match went to the Fife keeper, which was well deserved as he stopped quite a number of Cardiff shots. I found the use of the sin bin quite interesting with both sides finding themselves a man down at various stages. Good atmosphere generated by the sold out crowd, including a contingent from Scotland. I think capacity is about 3,000. Big reliance on music to encourage singing and chanting. Some of the tunes were those heard at football grounds, without the rude words of course, as it is very family orientated with lots of youngsters who were clearly enjoying the experience. Many of the supporters were wearing Devils shirts and other regalia, including devil horns (makes a change from daffodil hats, I suppose. Quite a few also wearing City shirts, obviously fans of both sports. Played in good spirit with only a couple of 'fights', although I did smile on two occasions when the ref/lino (there are four of them) twice found themselves on the deck having been unable to escape the combative opponents. Finally at least one fan was escorted from the stadium by security, clearly the worse for wear and having tipped a couple of pints over the ladies in front of him (sounds like the egg chasers). Would I go again? Maybe, if I am at a loose end, but I don't see it replacing the Bluebirds as my first love.
Ah! The Lawless years. Really exciting to watch the new venture as it was then. I have a signed Devils shirt from that era boxed up somewhere.
Yes they were exciting times then. I took my father in law, Vernon, to one match. I don't remember who they played but it was a good bonding experience. He passed away only 4 or 5 years later, so I always associate the ice hockey with him for some reason.
Is it morning, evening or afternoon? It's getting a bit hazy. Lambed one ewe about 4pm before coming home for tea. Then on the night shift tonight. Turned up to feed the cades with a set of twins already being washed by their mam. Before I could set up a pen, a ewe marked as having a single was showing toes. Finished rearranging pens, put ewe and twins in, then back to the single. Hand in, feet out, head close behind. Quite a lump of a lamb. Everything finally got fed and watered an hour late. Time for sleep now.
Better than our daughter. I got to bed about 2am, but had a lie-in until 8. When she does it, she's up at 6 for work. A day off today, its our wedding anniversary. 36 years ago today, Wales played France in a grand slam decider. France won 10-9. Fortunately it wasn't a bad omen.
Congratulations to you and Mrs Remote It's 39 years for me and the Mrs this year so keep up the good work!
Only went once. A corporate day out with Coopers Lybrand. But what a day. Can't remember who they played but the Devils went 5.0 down. Then came back to win 6.5. The first time that had been done in the UK Ice Hockey top league. Not been back since though. A high that was unlikely to be repeated.
Used to go to the ice hockey regularly back in the 80's... Fab fun, even did a few away trips and Wembley once for the playoffs (from memory we did the "double" that year. We were never well liked being the "new kids" on the scene and often got teased for the lack of Welsh players in our team (Nicky Chinn being one of the few). Do need to go again some time. I actually think the Bristol team (Bulldogs I think?) have some kind of affiliation/player loan link with the Devils as they are in a lower division.
Went out for a meal last night. On the way back, Mrs Remote decided it would be good to check on the sheep. So, (relatively) well dressed up, in to the shed. One ewe lambing. Did the prudent thing and called daughter rather than get mucky ourselves. Anyway, while she was there she noticed an issue with another ewe. It appeared to be 'twin lamb', a condition where the developing lambs drain the life out of the ewe. They are taking more out of her than she's getting in. Big call. C-cection or not. Save the ewe and risk premature lambs or risk all 3. Daughter got the vet out. C- section done, 2 healthy looking lambs but ewe in a bad way. Not out of the woods yet.
We city dwellers don't know the half of it do we? Apart from the backbreaking work, the decisions that have to be made on a regular basis, are so difficult. I hope you, ewe and your daughter get through it all.
If the decisions stop being difficult, it will be time for me to call it a day. Being blasé would mean I'd stop caring. Hopefully all 3 survive. Commercial farmers may make different decisions. Get the two lambs to market and it may cover the vet's bill. We try and do right by the animals irrespective of cost, though there has to be a limit.
Ben is keeping an eye on things. 4 hourly feeds, so sleep will be in short supply and the bathrobe will need a wash tomorrow.
I've heard of scampi in a basket but not sure I've seen lamb in a basket before Make sure the iron is on a cool setting when you get around to finishing the housework!!
