Farewell 2006...

Greetings on this the final eve of 2006! I'm sitting here in Nashville in the hotel lobby with Erdoboy who is also blogging away on his laptop while Bama and Big Al are smoking their final cigars of the trek (yeah, right!)...
It was a great trip; relaxing and delivering a Pats victory which is the best part of course! At the game, it poured buckets right up until half time and I was thankful for ponchos and for the very warm temperatures. So, sitting there in 65 degree weather getting wet is much different than a cold 35 degree soaking. It actually felt like a September game at home. Like our first trip here in 2002, the fans were very hospitable and friendly. The most obnoxious people that I encountered at the game happened to be Pats fans... (who started their New Years Eve partying early...) Pats closed out the game 40-23 and dashed the Titans hopes of sneaking into the playoffs this year... We just got the word that we'll be playing the Jets on Sunday at 1:00!! Yippee!!! My favorite game time!!
Rather than head out, the 4 mini-trekkers ate at the hotel restaurant then retired to our respective posts... (Ed and I on the couches and Al and Bama outside to smoke...) where we'll contendly remain for the rest of the night, until it's time to head up to prepare for our 6:40 flight.
I still can't believe that this year has flown by so quickly... It's been a year of change as well as a year of some constants. For each I am thankful for they are intertwined into the intricate being of me.... Each event and circumstance has contributed to where I am right now.. I am a very lucky person and I'm very blessed with the life that I have. In fact there are so many things that I believe we all take for granted. We each can find some blessings if we truly look, listen and reflect. Here's good place to begin:
You are so blessed
And while I have done so many things in 2006, there is so much more I want to do, read, learn, love, and live! Happy 2007 Everyone!
crossposted in 25th hour and patriot world

Greetings from Nashville

I'm happy to report that yesterday was a productive day. Of course, I didn't finish the huge assessment that I was working on because it should have taken quite a few days.. (those days lost to my teeth...) But, I did make the best of the time that I spent yesterday and pretty much stuck to my 15 Minute Block schedule..
Last night, went to a party at Louie and MJ's house and man... ate WAY too much! What a cook she is!! Unfortunately my mere 3.5 hours of planned sleep was cut short since I was sooo uncomfortably full that I couldn't sleep.
We got up at 3:45AM to get ready to head to the airport for our 6:15AM flight. Things went off without a hitch... nice smooth flights even though the planes were those mini 1 seat on one side and 2 on the other deals... I was totatlly pysched too because I finished two and a half good books on the flights :-) I hadn't heard of them before but the trilogy: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter by Richard Paul Evans caught my eye in the library the other day and I'm thoroughly enjoying them. :-)
Right now I'm sitting in the hotel lobby in Nashville with Al, Bama and Judy checking mail, blogging away and catching up and awaiting the arrival of Erdo Ed. The team should arrive around 5:00 but in the mean time I'll hang here just doing my thing! Just give my my internet, a good book and buds to chat with and I'm good.
Two Oops.... forgot to clear the iriver and it's full so no ss tour unless I dump the last home tailgate to make room and forgot the ipod charger...sigh...must conserve some battery for return flights!)
More later on the trip...
(crossposted in patriot world and 25thHour)

Show Notes for #103 AFC East Division Champs!

December 28, 2006 (34:57)
Show #103 AFC East Division Champs!

00:00 Fresh Bumper
01:00 Intro and Jags recap
11:50 I've Been Thinking About You by Laura Clapp from The Podsafe Music Network
15:10 Titans preview
22:25 Over the Edge by Bob Burger from The Podsafe Music Network
28:20 House Keeping & Contact Info: website www.patriotworld.com, email, comment line 206-350-PATS (7287), Skype: patriotworld, MySpace, Flickr, Website stuff: Join the Bruschi Backers and Sign my Frappr Map, I'm Kaye Delacroix in Second Life, Podcast Pickle Page 2590
32:44 Auld Lang Syne by Friction Bailey from The Podsafe Music Network
34:30 New England Podcasting Bumper , Pickle Bumper,

Other Mentions: Razor's Edge Tailgate, Murphy's Patriots

Please vote for me on Podcast Alley.

Pats vs. Texans Tailgate 12/17/06

Houston Texans Tailgate:

http://www.patriotworld.com/MrsB/tailgates/2006tailgates.htm#texans

A somewhat smaller Razor's Edge Tailgate crew geared up and set out for the final regular season tilt at Gillette on an unseasonably warm mid-December morning. Big Al, Jacob, and I got in line, called the crew with the "gates are open" signal and then we quickly got to work and set up four tents in our usual location. Missing a host of regulars, it was quite the mellow morning and even the lot itself remained sparsely populated until much later than normal. Zip, Bren and Quinn were on one side of us, while Monty's crew (2 Daves and a Dad) and Robin and Geoff were on the other. Mike made his way around throughout the day. The tents remained open-air for the entire season as the weather has continued to be kind to us!
While breakfast was being served in the far tent, Al started off with "gaggers" ... hehe.. that's weiners for those not in the know. He served up some swordfish while Jake and I headed over to the pro-shop for a new jersey for him since he was finally retiring his 7 year old Ted Johnson with the worn off letters! I ran into Vincent from Montreal in there who was doing some shopping as well and said he would stop over in a bit. When we headed back, Keith and Rachel had arrived and Angie had come over for a pre-game visit.

It was so mellow at the gate that I even managed to sit by the fire, a very rare occurrence for sure! Hunter and Chrissie came by with a crew of Lonie's friends in from California and brought along some of the infamous Pocket Shots! I also got a call from Debbie Boda who runs with Tedy's Team and she and Tom came by to take in the tailgate prior to her first game at Gillette. She thanked me for putting a link to her site on mine and was thrilled that her football auction had gotten lots of hits since then. Wolfie and his wife were in the house and as he said, it's easy to remember the names... Chris and Chris.. hehe!

The usual fare of chili, swordfish, brats, shrimp, and Monty's selection of meat and went round and the beverages and jello shots were aplenty. The Bryants showed up in time for the photo as did the infamous Joephoto :-) Various pictures were shot in front of the banner, we secured the tailgate and headed in a bit early to head up to the heavens.


The weather was sunny but the ever present wind was present up top as usual... I'm not complaining though as for a December day, it was gorgeous. The Pats came out ready to play and our defense made and took advantage of many turnovers, easily defeating the Texans 40-7. Since much of the stadium had emptied out, it was an easy feat to make our way down to the banner for post-game handshakes. Tedy came right over to me, I wished him Merry Christmas and he did the same, making his way down the banner.

After the game, Dan (Denise's local friend) came by with Colin for a bit, Debbie and Tom swung back over after heading to the team post-game dinner area. I had my usual post game meal of a cheeseburger and Diet Coke, we talked for a bit then decided to pack it up a little early since Jake had homework and I had tons to do at home as well. It was nice to be home by 6:15 and reflecting, it was a nice mellow tailgate to round out the regular season, allowing us to save that energy for playoffs in a couple weeks!



Click here for complete album!

Show Notes for #102 Catch Up Cast

December 20, 2006 (39:36)
Show #102 Catch Up Cast!

00:00 Fresh Bumper
01:00 Catching Up...
Background Podsafe Music: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and O Holy Night by Benjamin Shafer Band, and Winter Serenade by Jon Schmidt from The Podsafe Music Network
14:40 Grown Up Christmas List by Ayla Brown from The Podsafe Music Network
19:15 Christmas greeting from Ed of Looking Out the Window Podcast, Podsafe Christmas Podcast and Kansas City Weather Podcast
27:00 House Keeping & Contact Info: website www.patriotworld.com, email, comment line 206-350-PATS (7287), Skype: patriotworld, MySpace, Flickr, Website stuff: Join the Bruschi Backers and Sign my Frappr Map, I'm Kaye Delacroix in Second Life, Podcast Pickle Page 2590
31:45 Christmas in the Country by Codie Prevost from The Podsafe Music Network
34:25 Oh Come All Ye Faithful by Twisted Sister from The Podsafe Music Network
39:03 New England Podcasting Bumper , Pickle Bumper,

Other Mentions: Razor's Edge Tailgate

Please vote for me on Podcast Alley.

Miami Trek Report

Miami Dolpins
December 7-11, 2006
"List Trip"
http://www.patriotworld.com/MrsB/Treks/miami06.htm

Usually there is nothing but excitement surrounding a list trek but this year's trip was a bit different for me because it was under a cloud of uncertainty. Every year, our group of 8 (my family, Bama, Steve, Ernie & Jose) make the trip and score great tickets in the End Zone for the game. This year our connection fell through on the night before departure. I must say, I literally felt sick over leaving with no tickets and most specifically in leaving Steve and Bama in the lurch so close to the game. I immediately contacted them and told them to call in the reinforcements.I went to work on Thursday for a half day then came home to pack, sync up the ipod, empty the iriver and head to the airport. Naturally, we headed to TGIFridays for our traditional pre-flight meal and drinks. Our flight was uneventful and we laid over in Baltimore before heading up for the final leg of our trip. We got in a bit later than expected because there was a scheduled shuttle take off so we needed to be re-routed a bit but it ended up getting cancelled anyway. After picking up our van and checking into the hotel, I hit the lobby to jump online and Big Al headed out for a cigar.On Friday morning, Al, Jacob and I hit the gym and running track then Kelsea joined us downstairs for the breakfast buffet. While there, Cecil and Deb came down and we caught up. They had arrived the night before as well but were upstairs by the time we got in. Big Al and I headed to the airport to pick up Bama then I settled in the lobby soaking up the free wifi and watched various ticket opportunities on ebay. More listniks began to arrive and fill the lobby. Robin, Monty, Christa, Dave, and some friends, Jacob, and Bill B. were part of the early arrivals. Planeteers Joephoto and Keith and Rachel (Drink-a-lots) were also in the house.In the early evening, we went to visit Cousin Linda and Aunt Linda then met up with the Paxtons who were just arriving and then set to work monitoring the soon to be ending ticket auction. Lonie's friend had two extra lower bowlers which took care of Steve and Bama (and caused a HUGE weight to be lifted from my shoulders... ), we won an auction for two lowers for Jacob and Albert and Kelsea and I decided to take Joephoto's two extra nosebleeders with the Drink-A-Lots. As for Ernie and Jose, they are the resourceful type and said that they'll take care of their own tix (if they even decide to forgo partying to make it to the game...)Most folks hung in the lobby, Ernie and Jose showed up and enjoyed some of the bartender Edwin's wife's Lumpias that she made for us. Kim arrived late, Monty's crew dragged Jacob out for some middle of the night carousing and Robin crashed outside our door when the kids didn't answer when she went up to bed... (As I told her, you can tell how much I care because my immediate reaction was NOT getting a great pic for the website, rather of concern for her curled up sleeping my doorway waiting patiently for us to come up to bed and making sure she was ok!)On Saturday morning, we received a call to go pick up our tickets, did so, ate the breakfast buffet and I went online while the boys headed to town for cigars. Later, we headed down to Aruba Beach Club for some tropical drinks and appetizers with the Drink-A-Lots and Robin and had a great time. Food was good, music was great and the company was even better :-) When we got back, the wind had died down, the smokers headed outside and I settled in to blog and set up my fantasy football.The lobby got crowded with fans, family members, and hotel guests alike and then the team arrived and there was a buzz in the air. Guys headed up to their rooms and the few that had family in town came down to the lobby to spend some time with family members. Robin was thrilled to share an elevator ride with Tedy and Rachel took a spin with Tom Brady :-) Troy Brown was downstairs for most of the night and Lonie naturally spent time with his family while Joephoto helped out by taking their family picture in front of the Christmas tree.At night we grabbed burgers in the lobby lounge and froze in the way too highly air conditioned lobby.. Craig Miles came in from Texas with his brother and Erdo Ed arrived on his bike for the trek enroute to the Keys as part of his cross-country bike tour. Monty and crew headed out to South Beach while most of us enjoyed a mellow early night downstairs. Folks were excited about the upcoming game and anticipated a hard fought battle the following day. Naturally, football talk was in the air and the listniks analyzed, predicted and strategized all night long.
Game day dawned with a strange yellow ball in the sky... something that we hadn't seen the entire trip! Al, Jake and I ran in the morning then headed up to shower and get geared up. We hung around to watch the team head to the busses while drinking coffee then packed up and headed over the stadium. We needed to take an alternate route because of a charity motorcycle run which closed down Rt. 95.


Our crew arrived via van, got a great parking place and headed into the lots to hook up with the Paxtons and Mike for some pre-game tailgating. (The rest of the crew, who bought the "list package" including ticket, bus ride and tailgate set up in the bus lot on the other side of the stadium.) Mike and his crew proved to be quite the tailgate hosts and while we were there, robd54 happened to walk right up our aisle and recognized me! We chatted for a bit then headed into the game. Pre-game Miami fans were pretty quiet (short of the guy blowing his whistle every time a Pats fan walked by.) We separated and Bama and Steve headed to their seats, Al and Jake to theirs and Kelsea and I headed up to our section with Joephoto, Keith and Rachel. They were up there but honestly, not even close to being as high up as mine in Gillette.


Unfortunately, the Patriots must have stayed at home in New England because the team on the field seemed to be imposters! Pats couldn't put anything together and got spanked 21-zip! During our walk out of the stadium, we were met with jeers and a huge downpour! After regrouping, we headed home disappointed and wet and got changed then hit the lobby with the crew. Smokers convened outside, bloggers inside, and all went back and forth between to the lounge to watch the remainder of the games for the night. We sat around in the lobby until late with list folk and the Paxtons before saying goodbye, wishing each other well, and keeping the faith!


Check out the Complete Miami 2006 Album for more pics...

Lions Tailgate 12/03/06

http://www.patriotworld.com/MrsB/tailgates/2006tailgates.htm#Lions

Detroit Lions
12/03/06


Once again the Razor's Edgers had no problem timing the lot opening and Big Al and I set out early and secured the spot then called the troops the minute they opened up shop and started collecting the entrance fees. Before long, six tents were set up and the crew was ready for some breakfast (yummy blueberry pancakes courtesy of Robin and Geoff) or in the case of Monty... ice cold brew!

The weather forecast called for frigid temps so we all bundled up considerably... however, with the sun shining brightly and the lack of wind, our tailgate remained open air... just the way I like it! Of course, we all came prepared with walls to enclose the haven should the need arise but happily, we were treated to a beautiful December day.


Once again, there was a huge crew with Bino taking the reigns as Zip's guest. He had a big group again this week as did most of us. Laureen and Larry made their way up again, Robin and Sue each did a solo run and the usual "regulars" Chris & Kelly, Monty, Kathy, Darren, Robin & Geoff, Karen & Don, the Cardozas and Zip (with a very dapper Quinn) set up in earnest providing way too much food as usual! Mark Morse, his sons, and friend scored tickets to the game and set up right aside us.. and Dave and Heather popped over on their way to meet up with their crew and of course Mike was in on the fun.

Naturally, Planeteers Joephoto, The Drink-A-Lots, TBrownslady, and Ras were on hand as well as a crew who found The Razor's Edge Tailgate on the internet and took me up on the offer to join in the fun. Of course, the fact that they came bearing Montecristo's for Big Al and Monty was something that certainly put a smile on the boys' faces. We certainly hope that they enjoyed their stay and will feel free to join us again sometime!


Also visiting was (ready?) Lonie's cousin Scott's friend Denise from California and her group of friends. The huge USC fan called me on Scott's recommendation made plans to come by with her crew. We were glad that they decided to get a taste of an NFL tailgate and game and swing by for some pre-game and post-game fun. Tully's dad, Adam, his sister, and BJ amazingly found their way to our new location despite not knowing thatwe even moved... and although shy at first, Olivia found a companion in Madelyn and joined right in with the video game entertainment. True to form, Ed Bryant and Miguel made their late arrival as well.


Food included the usual staples of chili, a myriad of brats and sausages, steak tips, Kathy's "the-fumes-even-choke-me" super hot wings, Monty's "baby cow" and every other kind of meat imaginable. Naturally, Geoff and Robin's asparagus spears made their weekly appearance as well... The Cardozas opted to substitute the usual swordfish for salmon this week and it was scrumptious! Fearing that there would be no "Lions related fare", Kelly came to the rescue by providing homemade cookies shaped like Lions complete with manes which we devoured as a pre-cursor to the upcoming event.

After the group photo was taken, toasts were made, Jessica and her mom made their way by from the train to say hi, tents were lowered and Pats fans got fully geared up, we headed into the stadium and up to the seats. If ever there was a day that we were thankful for the sun, that was it! We spent a very comfortable afternoon in terms of weather but nerve wracking in terms of the game. Expecting a blow-out, Pats fans were surprised that it was so close and only really heated up in the 4th quarter. Thankfully, our boys pulled off a 28-21 win and made it two in a row on the new field turf and we had not one but two wager paybacks post-game.


Click here for complete album!

Podcast coming down the road.