In the town of Wray every year they have a Scarecrow Festival. All the inhabitants of the town make their own scarecrow. Their is a competition as to who's scarecrow is the best.
The theme this year was "Read Me." Many were from books that were of ancient times and others were from today's world.
I'm a fond one of pansies, but most of all I thought of my mother-in-law when I saw it. Her first name is Pansy, but saying "I'm no pansy" made me think, "yes she is!!!"
St. George has quite a history behind him. Reading his stories of how he stood up for those being persecuted for theirs and his faith made him a great warrior of England.
Here are some of my friends who I walked with through the town of Wray. From right to left, Delores, Candy and Celia.
Much is written on the royal family and if you can imagine, this is Prince William and Kate discussing her pregnancy. Below, is the stork presenting the royal family with a new heir to the throne.
Finally, thinking of my husband with his PhD work, here is some computer person that knows the terms and letting you know how to remember them. ;0) Writer's block does happen at times!! Yes he is a stuffed scarecrow!
It was unfortunate that there were not enough from the UCLAN Women's team to play our women, but, the Lancaster University Men's Basketball Team played the UCLAN men before a packed crowd of people.
They played hard, making shots inside and free throws. The first half of the ball game we were down by one point.
The referees had the daunting task of calling the fouls. It's not a job I'd want, especially if the guys thought it wasn't right!!
Free throw shooting takes much practice.
Hard work pays off with the final score in favor for our Lancaster University Men's Basketball Team. Great work men!!
With the cold we are not seeing all the daffodils coming out, but some have ventured out for us see their beauty.
The Purple/White tulips including the yellow ones are across the road from the photo above. This entrance to the University is picturesque.
The daffodil on its own reminds me of the scripture, "The grass whithers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Is. 40:8)
They only last for a period of time, but beautiful while they are out.
The plethora of daffodils on the road into the University are enjoyed.
Belen (from Spain) is checking out what has arrived to eat. Lots of discussion went on about the game and what to anticipate for next year. There were a few more to arrive. We just had to wait.........
In the photo below, from left to right, Steve, Belen, Yona (from Germany), Maria (from Portugal) and Stella (who is from France). Meet our girls :)
While waiting, just taking photos and watching the conversation was quite intriguing. Of course, Maria (photo below) is assessing the food situation. FYI- the guy on the right in the photo to the left, Carlos (from Spain), assisted Steve with coaching for part of the season.
Finally, the rest of the girls came and we ate!!! We all enjoyed the different dishes made by the girls (and me).
Claudia (girl on left from China) loves her scotcheroos. Supplying them with scotcheroos after every game was something Claudia looked forward to. She eyed one and ate it! :)
Anya (in background from London) and Nickie (from Vietnam) exemplified what a wonderful evening we had together. We have a unique team of girls.
Vas (from Greece) is chatting with Damla (from Turkey) and her boyfriend Arnott (from the Netherlands).
On the left in the background, Nazli (from Cyprus), Yona (with her back toward us) and Deborah (on the couch to the right of Yona, from London) with Anya, Nickie, Maria, Claudia and Stella, were enjoying delightful conversation.
Before leaving, Maria showed Steve some funny games the girls had played together after our last get together having pancakes.
Was it a fun evening? You bet it was!!!
Here we are in Preston at UCLAN (University of Central Lancashire) before the game to win the Cup. This photo was taken for the newspaper.
We haven't had to deal with injuries much this whole season, but poor Nickie twisted her ankle. It was not a pretty sight for her, as even the next day it is turning colors.
Sitting next to the score table helped me a lot, as I could keep the stats much better. The girls from Leeds Metro Carnegie are pictured in the background.
The game was quite intense! This team was our toughest competition and the girls had to really want to win. Coach Steve was in there encouraging the girls, "Do you want this win?" YES!!
The final score board showed the vast excitement of the Lancaster Women's Basketball Team.
The girls that played and the ones on the bench all were thankful that they could represent their school and win!!!
Here are the girls and Coach Steve with their medals for winning the Cup. Do you think they are excited?
Yep!!!!
Referee Mansoor had officiated all our home games. He encouraged the girls and let them know of their integrity in the game and he was proud of them, even if he had given them fouls during the season:)
Now we have a small break, but need to get ready for the 'War of the Roses,' which is Lancaster University (red rose) against York University (yellow rose) in May.
This game was the final game to win the Conference. Liverpool University played with intensity but still didn't have as much desire to win the game in comparison to our Lancaster girls.
Toward the end of the game Coach Steve wanted them to slow the game down. At the buzzer, right at the end of the game, Damla shot a basket from 3-point range and "made it!!!!"
What excitement at the end of the game.... You can see the final score for Lancaster was 67 and Liverpool 46.
After the game Coach Steve congratulated the girls on their performance. If you had ever seen such excited girls it was the Lancaster Women's Basketball team!!!
Can you tell how excited they were? Even the coach got into the craziness of the photo!! From my perspective, it was a sweet victory!!
Congrats girls!!!!
The bus ride to Sheffield was about 1 hour 45 minutes. We arrived with just a small amount of time to get changed and practice for about 10 minutes.
Before the game was to start, Steve gave his strategic plans for the game. The girls have the intent on wanting to win.
Sheffield definitely had a good defense, but we did tire them out with all the running up and down the court.
The final score at the end of the game, Lancaster 75 and Sheffield 39.
The excitement of the girls winning this semi-final game was quite evident!!! They will be playing the final next month!!!
GREAT JOB GIRLS!!!
