Another season

It's another year of following Iowa State University football - always an adventure. Usually not a winning one, yet we continue on the path.

My first experience attending a Cyclone game was with the Rodgers family. Wayne and Anna Day took me along with their daughter Sally for the homecoming game. Sal's sister Cindy was an ISU student so it must have been around 1970 and it was Clyde Williams Field (later Amy lived in a dormitory built on/near that site). Prior to that game, my only college football experience was of the Hawkeye nature - wearing black and gold, watching the Hawks getting pounded by Purdue 60-3.

I can't say I fell in love with Cyclone football that day, but it began a long relationship that I doubt ever ends. I'm a Clone through thick and thin. Yes, we've had a lot of thin - yet from the sellout crowd lined up to attend today, you'd never know it. Cyclone fans are the best damn fans in the country if I do say so myself. Sure we complain, are filled with angst over the state of the programs at times - yet, build it and we will come.

One of my fave football pics

At least at the beginning of the year when tailgating is good. The truth is, we like each other! We like the traditions of the game, arriving at our tailgating spots to meet others from around the state - they may be relatives, college friends of long ago or co-workers. Some people park by the same groups year after year. We spent game week planning the menu and stocking the bar. It's a little like camping!

During the day, cheer squads wander by to sell T-shirts and calendars. Food is served. It's fun to see what's on the menu across the huge expanse of parking lot. The band marches by. Friends stop by for a beer. We walk to visit other people's tailgates. There are the phone calls, "no - we're under the pirate flag by C-4" - talking them into our site. I'm pleased to report that most of the Port-A-Potties now have hand washing stations - an upgrade in the past year. Kids toss the football and play Cornhole (it's not what you think - it's like bean bag toss).

Right before the game there's the rush to get organized. Where's my ticket? What else am I taking? Do I need a jacket? Hat? Sip that last beer on the way into the game. Then we greet the folks around us in the stadium. We've sat in Section B for many years with a group of friends. (We miss a few who no longer purchase season tickets :>( )The people around us are like neighbors. Some are like irritating neighbors...like the woman who sits behind us and has been known to yell, "Run Forward!" when we have the ball. Jeez. No shit lady.

I thought Dee was going to jack her or her equally dumb spouse, as she has little patience for idiotic comments. The guy the sits by Paul is as intense as Jud can be about sports but now he brings his adorable kids and is trying so hard to be a "good sport."


2014 - wow, my hair actually obeyed

Ooh we love our band and they sit not too far from us in the North end zone. Now ISU has filled in the South End Zone and has placed a huge screen TV screen above. Nice viewing from our end. It's going to be awesome. Let's hope the team is up to their part! I'm full of pre-season optimism. It can't be as bad as last year, right? I am pulling for our coach as I like the guy. I hope we avoid injuries and have some luck to go with better talent on defense. If we lose...on to the next game, right?

Go Cyclones!

Aunt Jeanie visits

We love visitors! A few months ago my Aunt Jean - Dad's baby sis, told me that it was the year for her class reunion in Atlantic. After the class reunion - they planned to visit us in West DSM. Yay! We love visitors. And we love my aunties (and uncles too).

It was a busy week for me. I'd flown to Reno for a mini vacation with my girl friends Paul and Julia Sunday through Wednesday. That was fun!

Followed by a couple days of work. Friday afternoon I visited the chiro.

Remember when my right should froze up two years ago? (officially Adhesive Encapsulitis) That eventually led me have the darn thing "manipulated" by a surgeon while I was blessedly unconscious. Followed by painful physical therapy. I knew what the should pain was this time - and am trying to get ahead of the freeze. (insert gritted teeth).

Before the game we tracked down our niece Barb

Saturday, after a nice time tailgating and a fun first quarter of football, we underwent a painful football game. The chiropractor might have been more fun. It could be a long season for the Cyclones. Good thing we love 'em!

We had a nice quiet Saturday night at home. I baked a cheesecake and we watched a couple football games. I was in bed before 10 p.m.

The next day Jean and Bruce arrived just after lunch. I'd seen them in May at my Uncle Bill Lamm's funeral in Denver, but it had been a while since Paul had seen them. He enjoys hanging out with them as much as I do.  I wish we lived closer to each other so we could see them more. We took on a tour around town a bit - to show off the new digs.

Standing on our home county on a map of the state - in Governor's Plaza

A beer at the Hub

That night we grilled fillets, ate some fab Iowa tomatoes Jean brought - a gift from Kay Harris Wickman. Conversation was plenty. We told stories about my parents and grandparents. And laughed. There's nothing like family. She's known me my whole life.

This morning Paul whipped up a grand breakfast and they were on their way - as they have many other places to go and people to see. I'm glad they stopped to see us. Safe journeys!

See the fam resemblance? Yep, we're Bullocks.

Football memories

An aerial photo of the 1976 Iowa State vs. Nebraska football game was published on Twitter recently. I was at that game.
Video Link - 6 minutes



That's me in the student section - lower level, upper right (that's the NE side) this photo is from the ISU archives

 Check out what is now know as Jack Trice Stadium - it was just a baby then. It was born a year earlier in 1975. I was oblivious to all of this, of course. I was a college freshman - the world was my oyster. They built the place for me!

I attended one game at the old Clyde Williams Field, located on the west side of Iowa State University's beautiful campus. I was with the Rodgers family and was about 12 years old. My friend Sally's older sis Cindy attended ISU, so Wayne and Anna Day (2 of my very favorite people in the whole world) - Sally's folks, took me along to the school several times as a distraction for their youngest daughter. That's when I fell in love with the school - without even realizing it! The old stadium didn't seem much bigger than the Valley High School stadium!

I've said before how one of the first things I did when I started school was meet a new lifelong friend, Vicki Gernand (now Behr) and walk to the new football stadium while sharing life stories to buy a ticket. That year they were General Admission (like they are again now) for students. That meant for big games, some students camped out all night in order to be first in line for the best spots.

You may be able to see in the photo that the stadium was surrounded by a mere chain link fence. I must have gotten up darn early that day. I'm sure it was Vic that insisted we do so. The years we lived in the dorms in Shilling House, we variously attended games with our dorm group matched up with a guys' dorm house and just on our own. I remember that game was over the top! I got a "Huck the Fuskers" sticker to commemorate the occasion. Recall I'm from Atlantic, where Husker fans have tormented ISU fans from the beginning of time.

It was November 13th. We lined up on the east side of the stadium, not far back from the front of the line - perhaps 6 deep. There were no security guards back then - so we carried in anything we wanted to. Most of us had pints of some type of liquor. I think it was some type of vodka for me...this leopard don't change her spots. As the gatekeepers began to approach to unlock the gates, the crowd began to surge, pushing those in front against the fence.

I saw people begin to get crushed - it was scary! A girl got some of her long hair pulled out and began to scream and cry. Paul told me he heard someone lost a finger (the lore!). The gates opened and people ran willy nilly (you can't tell that from the video linked) up the stairs. I saw someone drop their fifth of vodka. Tragic! We ran up the steps and found decent seats with our group.

My Junior year, ISU decided general seating was too dangerous - after several incidents like those described above. Everyone purchasing tickets got their group together and went into a lottery for ticketing location - kind of like how the adults do it. We (my roomies Jane, Sal, Vic and I) bought our tickets with Moose and Steve. We were assigned Section R. That's bad - nosebleed. Steve even came up with a cheer.

We like our Cyclone Football
We like it near not far
So F#*$ the damn computer
That stuck us here in R

I'm surprised computers had been invented! haha. We did that cheer every game. After a few years, I think the administration gave up on assigned seats. I still look at section R to see who is sitting there.

Rocking the big glasses and ISU cowboy hats and button down shirts - Hauser is in front of us - with hair!

Do I remember much about the game? Sadly not really. I have a blended memory of many games. We had those big plastic cups with soda pop and ice - perfect as mixers with liquor. We usually drank many! Those cups stacked nicely and were reused in dorms rooms and homes for years. There were not enough restrooms at the stadium then. During team warmups, the cheerleaders had big speakers on the field - no Jumbotron, sound system or fancy scoreboard. We listened to Rubberband Man and Shake Your Booty.

The Cyclones forced several turnovers and Luther Blue ran a kickoff back. Dexter Green was great and Mike Stensrud was a stud on D.

Final Score - ISU 37 - Nebraska 28. We students rushed the field. It was crazy and a bit scary. I'll never forget seeing the goalposts heading down Lincoln Way after the game - traffic parted! My freshman year was a good football year, and I didn't even realize it! I was busy getting acclimated to college. Such a long time ago. Football and I have changed a lot. We're both a bit more jaded now! I miss playing Nebraska in football - such a natural rivalry. Ah well - things change.

I can't wait to watch next week's games.

Nearly a bust!

Wow - the first game was nearly a bust! Between rain and week play by the Clones, I was disappointed. Until the exciting end of the game - when we made some plays and pulled out a victory. Whewee coach!

We started out the day by picking up Bobbie and Jeff early so we could stop at the Farmer's Market on our way to the game.

It's started sprinkling while we were at the farmer's market in downtown DSM. Right after I had my breakfast burrito. I know, I'm not doing very well on my vow to cut down on eating post-vacation. Perhaps it will have to be post-tailgating. We got in on a Flash-Mob dance - kinda. Some dance group did a variety of dances in an intersection - hip hop stuff. Very cute. The seasons nuts that were roasting got my nod for best smelling food of the event.

On up to Ames, as it started raining right along. Yuck! We decided to hit the ISU bookstore for more Cyclone gear (as if we need anything). Paul got a visor - I lusted over a Sticks ISU print $40. It would have to be matted and framed, but I love those things - they have everything in there. Off to the game - still sprinkling. Diana was glad to see us. Don's folks - Fred and Margaret were there along with Diana's father, Jim. You might recall one year ago Diana's mom tragically died in a car wreck. We still miss her lil Italian self.

Jeff and Paul jumped into action - putting tents up. While Bobbie and I jumped into action whipping up lemon drops with the mix I found at Marshall's - Freshies. Just the kick start we needed on a crappy weather day! We used my new lemon squeezer - quite effective. Once Paul was done erecting tents he started on BMs. Bloody Marys silly! We did a taste test with several brands and Zing Zang was popular. I didn't have one - I'm waiting for next week's game.

Marilyn and Dwight showed up from Okoboji. It was M's bday! We had lots of great food. Donnie and Ryan showed up about 2 - Donnie had to do eye exams all a.m. Paul grilled thinly sliced ribeyes. They were delish! Bobbie and I shared one. We also had lil cheese cakes, pecan bars. Some really good dips and salads. Very good.

Game time. I put on crop jeans after wearing shorts all day - concerned about a cold front rumored to hit. Packed up my backpack as usual - with coat, trash bags for rain etc. When we got to the gate - I got turned away by the new security outfit due to their NO Backpack rule. WHAT? I hadn't heard a thing about it. My options? Leave my bag outside the gate for later or walk back. I fought a huge crowd going back - getting more furious with each step...others were getting in with all sorts of bags. What's up with backpacks?

When I got to the RV - all the way out nearly by Hilton Coliseum. I had a pouty drink with the McKim parents. Then walked back - I had missed nearly a while quarter of football. Bastards! I walked in behind a woman carrying a baby with...a backpack on who didn't even get questioned - she just walked in! Grrrr. And we were already behind 3-0.

The game was pretty dismal. It sprinkled, then the wind came up when cleared off. We had no offense. I didn't continue to imbibe alcohol. Our defense wasn't good. Luckily - somehow our team managed a TD right before halftime and we led 7-6. Late in the 4th quarter I decided to go to the restroom. It was such a frustrating game, we couldn't do a thing on either side of the ball - UNI was dominating. And while I was down on the concourse, we scored! Being down there must be good luck.

They scored on the next play. Oops. I decided to stay down there. 2.5 minutes left. We run it back to the 40 and start driving - heart thumping we end up scoring with 40 seconds left and thwart their last second heroics to get a field goal. Cyclones win 20-19. What an ending. I may spend the season on the concourse!

Best day of the year

That's what son Judson called yesterday - ISU's first football game day. He really does look forward to it that much! Unfortunately Mother Nature didn't cooperate perfectly. She decided it would be fun to play a bit with us Cyclone Fans.



I worked in the a.m. at home. Paul got home and we headed to McKims to ride up in the Clone RV with Donnie, Diana and McFees. Despite some early showers, it had cleared off but was windy. Then the rains moved in again. Dang! Driving north some terrible gusts made poor Don grip that wheel (of his 1991 motor home) with all his might. Whoa Nellie!



We arrived arrived safely around 3 PM and picked up McKim #1 son Ryan. It started F'n pouring. Ma Nature - remember that winter we had...hmmm I'm thinking ya kinda owe us a decent few months lady! We got parked at the stadium and the guys put the awning out. I sat in the RV and pouted, sipping Twisted Tea. Paul got set up and began grilling burgers - I sliced onions and helped D boil brats for cooking later.



The rain began to lessen. "What a minute...it's stopped raining" Remember the Camp Grenada song? Dad had it (bless his little heart - it's his bday tomorrow - 82!). Anyway...things started looking up. Higgins appeared with grandkids in tow. Other RVs started parking around us - one pulled up with a cooler that doubled as a scooter. What a hoot.



Jud called - he and buddies would show up about 5 PM. Paul filled the crockpot with brats and hamburgers. Bobbie had made cheesy potatoes and Diana hot dip. Sharon brought fruit. We were set. Don broke out the bags game. The boys arrived and began to eat - they were in heaven! Hollow legs and all that. Becky from work stopped over. Suddenly it was game time. No longer rainy, it was breezy and a bit chilly. We headed to the stadium for kickoff. Texts from our niece Sarah from Illinois indicated she was coming for the game with friends - she's seeing a kid who plays for Northern Illinois - the opponent.



We sit up high on the side by the endzone. Not primo seats. But we've sat by the same people for years. They like us! We entertain. We were pretty calm this game - work day today after all. But it was a good game and we were all in great spirits. Diana and I had to give good karma to the team by talking intensely during important plays (thus missing them). Yes we're superstitious and weird like that! The good guys won 27-10. Home at 1:30 a.m. Jud was a happy boy I'm sure - his best day was complete.

Finally they're getting it

Finally - I see an article indicating fashionistas are starting to get it. They're making pretty bras in my size!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/fashion/02Small.html?hp

For the A-Cup Crowd! That would be me. I love it! Elisabeth Dale wrote a book called - "Boobs: A Guide to Your Girls"

Super duper -- there's even a blog: http://smallbustbigheart.com/
Isn't that cool!?!

Angie, Becky and Reo from MWA

It's been another long day - spent all day at Metro Waste Authority in Mitchellville. Co-workers Becky and Angie were there too. We spent part of the day in a meeting but got a tour of the landfill too.


Hard to believe I actually am having cubicle withdrawal. I miss it and feel like I'm falling behind on my work at work, because I've been gone so much these past two weeks. I came home after my day at MWA - about 5:30 PM.

Tomorrow is the first ISU Cyclone Football game of the season. Hope I get a good night's sleep and recharge before then! I have to get pumped up - but need to work a few hours in the a.m. first. I'm sure getting together with our buddies and riding up in the RV will help. Party on...Go Clones!