Super game?

I was raised on football. Today is Super Bowl day. I don't have a favorite but will pull for the underdog Eagles. Paul and I listened to the audiobook "Silver Linings Playbook" recently. You may have seen the movie the book was based on. The main character in the book is a huge Eagles fan, which encourages me to appreciate the team, its fans and the "Fly Eagles Fly" song.

I grew up watching football on TV and at the Trojan Bowl, where our school team played. Sure insert condom jokes if you want to. We Trojan fans are used to it! The Atlantic Trojans were good at football - especially in the 60's and 70's. In the 60's, our team featured the great Eddie Podolak, who went on to star for the Iowa Hawkeyes (I cheered for them too, once upon a time). Then he went on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs. He now does color for the Hawkeye football games - wearing his black and gold heart on his sleeve (tongue).

AHS teams seemed to always be at the top of the conference. Coaches sent players went on to college teams. Just this year, I read that our former A-town neighbor Tom Hayes is retiring as defensive coordinator at Kansas State University, after a long career as a player and coach. Football was in the Atlantic water. 

So proud of my football jersey

I don't have any brothers but was (am?) what used to be called a "tomboy".  I'm not sure that term is even proper anymore. I knew that beyond the backyard and Powder Puff variety, I'd never get to play the game in any real sense. That didn't stop me from asking for a football for my birthday. I'd punt it in my backyard and run and catch it! Behind Tyler's house, up the hill from Buck's, there was an open space where we used to put together neighborhood games. I liked being the wide receiver. Sue Tyler made a good QB. 

My family worshipped television. When I see homes where the TV isn't a main feature in the living room, I think, "whaaaat is this about?" Sure, an office or library without a television - makes perfect sense. But the room where one lives? No way. Our own home features a big TV, just how we like it.

I have fond memories of watching football with my family - including my grandparents Momo and Bubba. They too worshipped the TV god. We'd go to their place for "drinks". I remember watching the Dolphins vs. the Chiefs when Eddie played. The Fins came out on top of the longest NFL game ever played. My grandma, Momo loved the Viking's Fran Tarkenton and Roger Staubach of the Cowboys. Had a thing for the QBs, I guess. 

I don't know what the future of football is. Head injuries are a major concern. How can some players go through life not showing the trauma from head injuries, yet other are so damaged? More work needs to be done to change the game - or it may just fade away as parents quit funneling their boys into it. And Millennials paying for cable TV.

Meanwhile, I continue to be a fan. College football is my passion. And tailgating! I'm a winner at that - thanks to our Cyclone tailgating pals.

Go team! 

TBD2

The bride and groom were heading back from their trolley ride with the wedding party around STL - stopping at a couple scenic spots to take photos. What a special day it was - beautiful weather!

Kelly Park Photography

We'd been to the Three Sixty Rooftop Bar overlooking Cardinal Stadium. But there was a party to get to! The terrace at the Hyatt was sunny and wait staff served appetizers and drinks. Paul and I enjoyed catching up with the Gsmith fam.

Bro-in-law John, Brothers Larry, Ken, Denny

Sisters Carol and Dorie

Sister Pat and Bro-In-Law Dave

The meal was inside - a buffet of St. Louis foods. Of course the wedding party had to make a big entrance first, bursting through the doors to music! Jud and Kara cut the cake right away.

Amy and Pat boogie

Jud's Best Man, Mitch, gave a great speech and all the bridesmaids spoke including Amy who was really sweet - mentioning the story of when we first heard Jud starting talking about Kara. Kyle, Kara's father, gave the last toast as only the father of the bride can. Once all chewing was complete, the curtain opened and Kara and Jud (who likely didn't eat a thing because of nerves) kicked off the dancing with a first dance. They had been practicing - and I must admit - even though Jud isn't quite ready for Dancing with the Stars, he cut a striking figure with his beautiful bride.

I even had a change to dance with him - the song I selected for my Mother/Son dance was "Momma Told Me There'd Be Days Like This' by Van Morrison. He and I didn't do any special moves - but I enjoyed my short time all to myself with him.

After that the DJ just let it flow. And the photo booth was hopping. Cindy, Paul and I followed Betsy, Wayne, Paul and Alex. I wore a Pirate Hat and Cindy had a chicken carcass on her head. Paul wore wacky glasses and looked like a pimp daddy. Hilarious!

I had the photographer take a pic of the Bullock sisters but didn't get a phone shot - so we'll have to wait. We did get Ken Goldsmith to take this shot of the group though!

Love my family!

The Bullocks didn't party too late. Several had early flights - but we just aren't late night people. The Goldsmiths lasted a bit longer. Those Whiteds! They were there until the end - the last song, and then the real last song. The DJ dragged it out as long as he could.

Open air dance floor with Arch in the background (and full moon)

We danced on the patio, with a blow up beach ball bouncing about. Amy and Corey hung in there with us.

Every once in a while the ball would look like it might go over the wall - as the it was open air, overlooking the Arch. But then it would bounce back in again. By the end, I was happily exhausted. What a fabulous way to welcome Kara into our family and Jud into the Whited family. Can't wait to see what's next!