World Cup Soccer 2010

Ok, so you knew I would do it.  I could not let this series of World Cup Soccer go by and not at least put my two cents in, could I?  As most soccer fans, I have been anticipating this event since the end of the last series four years ago, and like most Italian soccer fans, I have been disappointed so far in the Italian teams performance.  I also haven't been too impressed with Slovakia's performance which is my second favourite choice since my husband's paternal family is from Slovakia.

I'm not really sure what's wrong with the Azzurri this year but they haven't lived up to their reputation at all and run the risk of being eliminated in the second round since they tied their first two games against teams which were ranked much lower than they were.  And to make matters worse, on Thursday, 24 June,  both my teams will face each other and unless one wins the game they BOTH run the risk of being eliminated!  Paraguay currently is leading them both having defeated Slovakia in a 2-0 win in last Sunday' game.  For Italy to advance to the next round they need to win their next game.  They can still advance if they tie the game if Paraguay ties or loses to New Zealand - which is not probable but anything is possible, right?  Then again, Slovakia could also advance and send Italy home.

Thursday should be an interesting series of games.  What are your predictions on this one?

Písečný - Surname Saturday

Been out enjoying the weather that last week and doing some much needed gardening and repairs around the house. The heat and humidity have been brutal but honestly, I prefer it over winter any day. I have been doing a bit of research on my husband`s paternal side of the family this week. My father in law passed away at 33, when his wife was only a few months pregnant with my husband so we know very little about him or his Slovakian family but with the help of facebook I have been able to connect with some of his relatives and have learned the names of my husband`s Slovakian grandparents, Anton Pisecny and Ann Skanderova and their dates of birth. I also learned that my father in law first visited Chicago when he arrived to the US at about 18 years old and lived with an Aunt before he moved to Ontario. Now to find the ship manifest which is proving to be quite difficult since I believe he was a stowaway.
I am also grateful that many of my husband`s distant cousin do read and write English so communication has not been so much of a problem as I first thought.
I have nothing much to share at this point but as I learn more I will post it.