End of the road...

... for SaiPa this season.

Having, as tradition demands, been tipped to be clearly last in the SM-League, and having, as tradition also demands, confounded the pundits, SaiPa were in the last play-off position with one game to play; SaiPa-Ilves. Two points behind SaiPa were the millionaires of Jokerit Helsinki.

There was a full house of 4825 in Lappeenranta Kisapuisto, and the Willimies fan club made a big effort to arrange a suitable setting (see the photo below).

The Saipa-Ilves 'tifo'.

And what happened?

The home side couldn't cope with the pressure; the wheels fell off the wagon; and the season ended with a 1:5 defeat.

Never mind! The boys did well to hang on in the fight for a play-off place for as a long as they did. And anyway, it's only 5 months to the start of the next season!

H-M's Malaysia Trip

As some Elk's Street followers will know, Po-Po has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness.

H-M decided to make a quick trip to visit her. During her visit, a family gathering was arranged at Alice's place in Penang. Below, a couple of photos of those present.

The whole gang.

One side of the family.

H-M's trip also included a visit to Kwan's new 'Penang Pad'. Below, a couple of photos.

View towards Kek Lok Si (which unfortunately will be somewhat restricted when the new developments are completed).


View towards Penang Hill (over a number of very quiet neighbours).

While in S.P. H-M took the opportunity to paint Po-Po's portrait. Below, the result.

Po-Po (H-M's mother)

H-M and her mother.

The time went very quickly and H-M was soon back in Elk's Street, where she found that the boys had managed fine, and their diet had been more healthy than just pizza, burgers, and ice-cream. (But don't mention the Mixed Grill!)