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!