The Daily - September 2, 2023 - Saturday - Football Opener

Slept great last night, woke up at 5:10, did my warm up routine before heading to the pool. The water was on the cold side - those first 2 laps felt brisk! But after a few more laps it all felt nice. Then 50 minutes on the bike. The weather is pleasant this morning. Heat and humidity moved for the afternoon and evening.

 

 
We went to the evening opening Illini football game - we were impressed by the attendance - Memorial stadium was almost full. This bodes well for the inconsistent football program. The game started with a quick Illinois touchdown but then descended into the opposing team flexing its strengths and Illinois unable to respond. By halftime we thought the game had been lost. But the tides turned and the Illini pulled out a dramatic win with a last minute field goal.

 

 

 

 
Call me old but I’m bringing ear plugs to the next game. There were a group of young boys behind us screaming the entire last half of the game. If the scoreboard prompted the crowd to “make some noise”, these spirited fans obliged at 200% effort. While I don’t mind a fun, rowdy crowd, the high pitched screams got old and grated on my nerves. Overall it was a fun experience and we are looking forward to future games

Read more...

Mosaic Monday - Football Under the Lights

I love September.

The cooler temperatures, the start of school, the angle of light in the morning and evening.

The football games.

Nothing beats a night game under the lights with on a perfect fall evening.

Our team was the underdog - and clinched the game, late in the 4th quarter.



Can you feel the excitement in the air? There's many more weeks of that to come.

Linked to Mosaic Monday.

Read more...

281/365 - Football on 101010

Sunday means football.

10.10.10 means a very warm day - I think it hit 85degF today.

Football and warm means football in the backyard.

Read more...

Day 252/365 - Soccer, Sax, and Sweet Rhapsody

Saturday, September 11
Today must have been one of the busiest, activity filled days spent at home.

First, I ran six miles.
Then we got ready for Erica's opening soccer game.




And they start the season with a win. She's moved up in the line up - she's number 8 this year (vs twenty something from last year). Still deep green in color, so in a pinch, she could wear last year's jersey (although if I suggest this, it would elicit the double eye roll response).



Lunch from Jimmy John's and we're ready to start on the home improvement project of the day - repainting Erica's room from the standard "wheat" color to her chosen "Sweet Rhapsody" color, a turquoise / aqua.

A bit of the before view -


And a curious Sammy checks out our actions:


While Scott and Erica start the process of painting, Brian and I set off to the music store to set him up with an Alto Saxophone. It's his chosen instrument as he starts 5th grade band.


We managed to complete the painting in time for Scott and I to attend the Illini Football game.


I haven't been to a game in maybe four years. A perfect night, and the home team won!

Read more...

39/365 - The Morning After

Well, we didn't have the outcome we wished for last night. But the game was exciting and well played. Lots of food, great friends, and fun commercials.



Maybe next year.

[Maybe next year, New England will win!!]

Read more...

Super Bowl Afternoon Mosaic

We're watching all of the pre-Super Bowl hype this afternoon, just waiting for the main event tonight, and I snapped some quick photos. 15 minutes later and I have a simple mosaic, suitable for Mosaic Monday at Little Red House.



I've got Chinese BBQ Pork simmering on the stove, the dips and veggies all ready to go, the rice and wings will start in 15 minutes and guests will start arriving around 4:30. So, signing out for the rest of the day.

Oh yeah - Go Colts!!

Read more...

24/365 - Football and Friends

Say what you want about football, but a game that brings people together is OK in my book. This afternoon, a group of us gathered at the local pizza / sports bar establishment to watch the Colts play the Jets.



Scott, our big Colts fan, was nervous for the Colts, especially late in the 2nd quarter. But the Colts prevailed and are poised for the Superbowl in two weeks. That means our annual Superbowl party will have extra excitement this year.

Read more...

317/365 - Pick Up Football

Another gorgeous day and another session of pick up football in our neighbor's backyard. I envisioned some pictures in my head from their previous games and finally got my camera out.

Read more...

299/365 - Neighborhood Picnic

Back after a two year hiatus - our subdivision Fall picnic, this year with a DJ, smoked pulled pork, a fire pit and a porta potty! (These details are very important!).

You can't tell from the pictures, but the weather this morning had us wondering if the picnic was going to be canceled - whipping wind, remnant rain drops and COLD. But Lisa, the main organizer, sent out an email, indicating "The Picnic Will Go On" and offering up their garage as a warming shelter.

Fortunately, the skies cleared, the winds subsided and we were blessed with a gorgeous fall afternoon. Perfect for football, croquet and smores:






Thank you, Lisa for planning such a great event!

Read more...

279/365 - Colts Game and Shopping

The main driver for our trip to Indianapolis - the Colts game against the Seattle Seahawks. Scott is a huge Colts fan (remember my Serious Colts Obsession Post?), and makes a point to attend one home game a year. This year, he bought two tickets so that he and Brian could enjoy the game together.

Another big draw for Scott - Lucas Oil Stadium, which opened in 2008. I climbed to the top of the neighboring parking garage to capture this shot. They opened the "windows" while I was going up the stairs:


So, what did Erica and I do while the boys were watching the game? We went shopping, of course! And I came to realize that I am too old to even try on the clothes at the teen oriented stores - stores like Aeropostale and Abercrombie and Fitch. I don't know how the sales people even work at the A&F, with the loud music (I bet it barely passes the OSHA noise regulation of 85dB) and perfume scented air. I know, they're just working there for the employee discount ($20 for a wispy T-shirt - and that's the sale price!). I'm just thankful Erica doesn't have too big of clothing obsession. Yet.

Read more...

252/365 - Serious Colts Obsession

Scott's obsession with the NFL and the Colts has taken a serious turn. He's tracking their roster, looking at who's at the practice sessions, trying to determine who's going to get cut from the team. I think he has too much free time.

Case in point - he's tracking it all on an excel sheet. He wanted me to note the date I took the picture - because it will change tomorrow.


I still think he has too much free time on his hands.

Read more...