My Life's Ingredients

… Was a bit worried that the whole situation with the Wolves would have soured my passion for the sport, but being with the Stirling Clansmen yesterday at training camp Day 1 has taken those worries away. It is really good to feel appreciated, the guys have been asking me how the summer was, how I am etc, the coaches are great as usual … Yes, it might be that it’s because it’s only season 2 for me with the Clan, there might be still the “bribery factor” of cake & photos (but then – the Wolves got that as well!), but we’ll see… ;) Anyway – I had a great time with them, and am pretty sure I’ll enjoy the rest of the weekend taking photos for them as well. Let’s hope the weather plays along though – driving to Stirling yesterday felt like driving through a veeeeery long car wash (M9)!!!

Now that I’ve attended the Clansmen (Uni Football) Vets training camp, one training session, 2 scrimmages and my first game I am getting to know the Clan better and that’s nice. :) What suddenly hit me though, is the fact that I may not see all of them again next season … because some of them finish their degrees over summer. Huh! Granted, we have players coming and going with the Wolves (Senior Football) as well, usually the guys I get along great stay … we still have quite a quota from our affiliation season in 2002 and the first season in 2003 … believe it’s a total of 5? Cavey, Ali, Alan M, Allan P & Pete (only coaching from 2010 onwards). Situation with the Clan is worse though… While the Wolves players usually stay in Edinburgh or at least Scotland, these guys are from all over the place … the joys of a Residential Uni!! :o Feeling a bit like when I was fostering cats back in Germany … don’t get too attached to them – might have to “give them away” in between 1-4 year...

After the awards night yesterday I really could have done without getting up early, but I managed - and it was a wonderful crisp sunny morning! :) Enjoyed the drive up to Stirling (40 -45 mins instead of 60! ;) ) and love Love LOVE the campus!! Arrived about half into the QB training (which was about 30 mins earlier than most of the rest of the squad) and got some nice shots of Cammy going through the motions. Got quite a lot of shots during the full team training session, too. A total of 200 pics ... :o That's usually average for GAMEDAY, but I don't get them at training ... but then... I usually don't take photos at Wolves training, and have to do some catch up for the Clansmen pics. ;) After meeting only the vets at training camp it was quite interesting to see the full team - and it was even better to see one of the ex-Wolves Juniors kitting up again. FAB! :) The team seems to come along well, and it's really nice to work with a total different set of coaches. :)...