It was the best of times, it was the best of times

Gameday. It all starts in the kitchen.


I wish I could say I made these because seriously how awesome would I be? (Every man's dream?) But these, as is the case with all of our tailgate contributions, were the work of Big Al.

I do have a knack for gathering the crackers, though.


It was a bit brisk and overcast this past Saturday, but that did not stop the loyal fans from far and wide from coming out in droves to Paulson. I think 2/3 of the people were at our tailgate.


Thanks to a quarter final playoff game at home and the building excitement that comes from such - we had some new faces under the tent.


This motley crew made up of a ATO's from yesteryear are no strangers to a tailgate. I am sure they have more tailgating stories that I have time to hear. If I were even old enough to hear them, that is.

Some old faithfuls could also be found under the tent.


People like the Tysons, the Palfy's, the ATO's, Nancy, Amee & Jimmy from Jax, my friend Sean, and numerous other friends and fans alike stopped by to converse and find the nutrients they would need to get them through the pending game.




This guy is all about the nutrients.


As always, one of the highlights was greeting the team. The high-fivers securing their spot among the masses.








Here they come! Connie can barely contain herself.


Excitement containment need not apply after this. Connie and her main "squeeze".


Pretty soon it was time to pack it all up and head on in.


This is my longtime friend Alex who sits a few rows in front of us. His team loyalty ranks up there with Alan & Matthew Tyson, Connie Palfy, and Erk Russell.


Big Al looking out onto the field right before kick off. I could tell he had a good feeling about things.


Freedom flew.


GUS waved the flag.


And it was on!


They played hard and we cheered hard and at the end - we were still, as GUS says, number one!


I got to sit by Connie which I enjoyed immensely because she is a football wizard, a great high-fiver, and she taught me about the "Turnover Power." This phenomenon is not be abused, but there comes a moment in every game where a turnover is needed more than life itself.

According to the Conster, if you concentrate with all that you have ("until you think your head is about to explode"), you can MAKE it happen.


There were a couple moments in the game when we wondered if we should implement the power. With about two minutes left, Connie reached over and let me know "it was time".

And I'll be darned if RIGHT before my head exploded - we made an interception (!!!), sealing our fate at a semi-final game. I may have screamed a little and jumped up and down so much that my cell phone catapulted from my pants to the rocky bleacher below.

But I cared not because in that moment I realized that I, too, possess the Turnover Power.

The final score.


Deb texting Larsen with the joyous news of victory.


ONE MORE TIME, Eagles!!!