Summer has finally come around and as sure as clockwork I’ve been struck down with a cold.

It’s probably the result of a camping trip a few weeks back when all it did was rain for three days with a group of us huddled under a $10 tarp playing cards, but them’s the breaks.

A lot has happened since the last time I wrote including an overseas training camp in Arizona, USA. The camp was good and while I enjoyed making a trip overseas I have to say I’m happy to be home in Australia, where the weather is better and the air is thicker.

Training at 7000 feet at the Skydome hurt like hell while we were doing it. And the word torturous comes to mind especially when you are charging up a mountain in between 10-35 cm of snow and struggling with it but now we are back at sea level everything seems a bit easier.

Altitude training has its benefits for us and I have been reaping those since I have been home.

If at the end of 2009 we are running games out better than other teams because of it and charging towards a premiership victory then the pain will have been worth it.

A highlight for me when we were in the USA was checking out an NFL game – the Cardinals against the 49ers in Monday Night Football. Some of those guys are big units and I wouldn’t want to get hit by them in a tackle.

The frenzied feel of the packed stadium was awesome as was the opportunity to watch some quality sport.

Some of the other boys went down to Phoenix and caught a Sun’s game in the NBA. I love my basketball but a few of the other boys like it better and we didn’t have enough tickets so I let them go.

That’s actually how I found out about Dale & Thomas’ Popcorn. One of the boys sent me an MMS with the picture. I didn’t actually get down to the store and try any, but I’m sure it’s a quality product. Maybe I should open a franchise?

We also had our pool comp while we were in Arizona and I couldn’t believe the early exit I was involved in as Cameron Wood blasted reckless shot after reckless shot into the pockets. We were on the end of a beating by a mug. The worst thing is he kept it up for a few more rounds.

The eventual winners were John Anthony and, wait for it, Eddie McGuire, can you believe it? I still can’t and they even split the prizemoney!

Now that I am back at home there has been little activity other than training, but I am excited by our young recruits from the draft and even our more experienced recruit.

We picked up Steele Sidebottom with pick 11 in the draft and I reckon that’s a bargain for a guy who kicked 10 goals in the TAC Cup Grand Final.

I think Leigh Brown was a very good pick up for us. We have been struggling for experienced defenders after the loss of Shane Wakelin and with Simon Prestigiacomo out for most of last season we are hoping he and Leigh will improve us down back.

Leigh has certainly trained well since arriving.

Dayne Beams has also trained on well and is making an impression with his work as well as the half sleeve paint he is sporting on his right arm. It’s not too bad.

In fact all the boys seem to be pretty keen on the ink at the moment. Dane Swan just got a full sleeve tattoo and while it looks pretty good I won’t be rushing out to get one just yet. I might wait till a premiership comes my way.

At home my dog Missi has grown a heap and is tearing around like she owns the place, but that’s ok. I just have to find her a toy which will keep her occupied at Christmas.

Just for a quick answer to a comment question from Laura. The music I am into is a bit of dance and some more laid back stuff. Anything that is chilled is getting a run on my iPod at the moment.

Hoping everyone has a safe Christmas and a happy New Year.

Dale