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The disappointment of Tuesday is only slightly eased by the realization that even if Scotland had won they wouldn't have qualified for the second round. Only very slightly. The lads played poorly after the promise shown in the previous two games. The big question is where do they go from here? A large part of the squad won't see another World Cup, and we need new players coming through. Where is the new Dalgleish or Collins? I don't see them coming through in the Scottish Premier League as more teams turn to foreign players. The next few years could be a lean time for Scotland.

I went and bought a scanner this weekend, so I can start getting some of the older photos digitized for the web-site. A new toy to play with...

The kids haven't been up to much. Went to the pool this week and spent their allowances. I've been spending my time watching soccer, either on video or in the sports bar in Salem at lunchtimes. Costs a fortune eating out every day...

I'm still managing to play soccer on Saturday mornings, and I've the promise of a team for the fall signups. I manage to get the odd goal (and some of them are very odd) but mainly play in defence. The legs aren't what they once were and I'm still having problems with my arches. Good fun all the same, and I'm looking forward to the fall soccer. It'll be a bit more competitive, but still not serious stuff.

The Saturday morning sessions serve to convince me even more that soccer will flourish here. We are having to turn away guys on a Saturday morning who are there just because they want to play soccer. No organized teams, just a kickabout of a Saturday morning. There is a mix of all nationalities there, but the point is that they will be teaching their kids soccer. I think the limitations of the franchise system in MLS will hold back the development of the US at the international level, and they need a more open system as seen in other countries.

Colin has signed up for the Recreation Plus (Rec Plus) program, which means he'll be playing most Saturdays and Sundays, and practicing twice a week. I've been asked to coach in the Rec Plus, and plan to take some classes to get my 'E'-Level certificate. The coaching of the soccer teams is quite structured and organized here, to ensure the kids are taught properly. Indoor soccer is not viewed seriously here, although I think it teaches some important skills because the ball moves so much faster and control is more important. They are certainly building a following for soccer here, and the claims to be challenging in the 2010 World Cup have to be taken seriously when you see the grass roots support.

Work continues to be, well work, really. Nothing exciting to report on that front this week. I'm still expecting to finish on the Salem project around the end of the year. What's after that we'll find out then.

We're fast approaching July 4th and all the celebrations. There are loads of places that have popped up selling fireworks. We'll have to find a public show and go along. I did think about getting some an keeping them for November 5th, but it might look a bit out of place...

Hard to believe that Wednesday will mark the start of our ninth month here. Time has really been flying past. The other day we (Cath & I) were discussing what we wanted to do come November when we'll be clear of the one year committment to CPI. Sorry guys, but we both agreed that we're happy here and don't plan to head back to Scotland. We'll get back for a visit, maybe next year, but it's good here. To fly the whole family back will cost about $5k, so we might leave it for another year.

Well, that's enough for this week. I'll catch you all next week.