Since the last post (of the disappointing loss in Tallahassee), the Crazy Travelers have made their rounds through our fair state. Last Sunday was the memorial service for my Uncle Herb in Okeechobee. We left Tallahassee early Sunday morning as we had a 6-7 hour drive ahead of us. Halfway into the trip, we got a call Frank's aunt passed away. Fortunately we were not too far away from Winter Haven and Frank was able to spend the day/night with his mom. I continued on to Okeechobee. Since I was less than an hour from Stuart, I spent the night at the Fish Camp. I returned Monday morning to pick Frank up in Winter Haven and then we continued back toward Tallahassee.
Wednesday we attended the Jimbo Fisher radio call-in show. Always fun to see his reactions to some of the callers.
Friday evening was the home opener for FSU Men's and Women's Basketball. We had a fun dinner with the Villellas at Bella Bella's and then headed over to the Civic Center for the game. Fortunately they (both women's and men's teams) came away with a win.
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| Leann, Lynne, Ron and Frank (sporting his authentic Seminole jacket). |
Saturday was game day with an 8:00pm kickoff! The annual tradition of getting together with the Ruggeri clan was organized and we all met at Shell Oyster House. It's one of those places that doesn't advertise and you would learn about it by word of mouth. It's a non-descript building behind a Subway and has been around for quite some time. It's the kind of place where you order a dozen oysters, you get lemons, cocktail sauce, crackers and a beer on the side. (No liquor license.) We've learned over the years to come prepared and make bloody mary's in the parking lot.
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| Oysters and Bloody Mary's, complete with celery "spear". |
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| Tim, Leann, Frank, Jamela, John (obligatory Clemson fan), Donna, Rich and Jon |
Initial responses to the tailgate plan were minimal. So we decided to do a 'low key' version (no TV/generator, no tents, no flags, etc.) We were thrilled when lots of folks showed up and spent some time hanging out. The Villellas made yummy chili and there were plenty of snacks to be enjoyed by all.
Since the game in Oklahoma, we have been trying to get the McMahon family to join us for tailgating. (No, not Ed McMahon, but Livia and Michael. They are parents of Ryan, who is the Center for the Seminoles.) But this week, the stars aligned and they were able to attend.
It was a great tailgate, yummy food and good friends!
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| Sophie - the adult beverage dispenser. Looking forward to her attire for next game. |
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| So many people came by to say hello, but these are the die-hards. |
During the game, several former FSU players were recognized:
* Buster Posey - FSU baseball phenom - who in his first year with the San Francisco Giants, won the World Series!
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| Buster is in the red jacket, surrounded by the paparazzi. |
* Mr Derrick Brooks! What a class act and successful football player. His FSU jersey (#10) was retired but not without a standing ovation and recognition from the entire stadium!
Oh yes, there was a football game that was being played too. It was quite the nail-biter. But the Seminoles rallied and with everyone "focused on the process", a field goal was kicked (perfectly this time) to break the time, prevent OT and WIN THE GAME!
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| Whew! |
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I missed the first shot of these players doing cart-wheels and back-flips!
But it was awesome to see the players so excited! |
