Predictions

Tomorrow goes the big game against Purdue, or as Dale just reminded me, “Pur-who” or “Pur-don’t.” Too bad they are not playing until late, but lots of good games tomorrow throughout the day to keep things exciting. Michigan at #11 Michigan State – go State. #5 Florida at #15 Alabama – Go Bama. Syracuse at #6 Florida State. Go Orange. #18 Minnesota at Penn State. Go Minnesota.

Finally, #13 Notre Dame at #22 Purdue – Go Irish. We predict … 37-34 (Dale) and 34-28 (Renae).

Unfortunately, the Falcons didn’t look so hot last night. Fell to the Rams 41-23. Ouch.

Well, back to see if the Yankees can pull together a rally in the ninth against the Sox. This time of year, especially, it’s tough to watch the two teams play. Gives a both a nervous stomach.

Renae out …

North to South Bend

Too bad it's been more than 2 weeks since I've made a blog. I have to get better ... but anyway, here goes another.

As much as we hope to still get the wave runner out one more time (while it is still warm), our Saturdays are once again mostly dedicated to college football – namely, the Fighting Irish. So dedicated are we, that we (fortunately) got to take a trip north to South Bend a few weeks back to see Charlie and the boys play in their season home opener. Even though the Irish fell to Michigan State 44-41 in overtime, it was a great game to watch and WE STILL LOVE CHARLIE. Got to meet and stay with Dale’s relatives – what a great trip it was.

It was my first trip to South Bend and Notre Dame (we all know Dale’s story) – it was everything everyone said it would be and more. With the Irish coming in at 2-0 and (of course) it being Charlie’s home debut, the campus was electric to say the least. We tried to get into pep rally, but I think more of us got turned away then actually made it inside the gym before the doors were slammed shut. The entire trip was unbelievable but a few highlights to jog my short-term memory: "more cowbell" needed from State fans; opening up (unfortunately not closing) Corby’s Bar (a scene from Rudy was filmed here) for a cold one after a long drive; standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fans in the bookstore the day before the game; seeing Ruth Riley in the Huddle walk in right in front of her own poster taken from the days when she played at ND; and getting a great parking spot to tailgate, but one that led to a painful exit after the game – both because of the loss and the way ND routed traffic. Can’t wait to go back!

Renae out …

Baby Hold On

Driving home from work tonight, Eddie Money and his “Baby Hold On” came on the radio. The tune reminded me of another great Gulf Coast memory. When Dale visited me in Biloxi, I got tickets for us to see Eddie Money (think I’ve been a fan of Eddie ever since my Dad played him in the Impala) in concert at the Grand Casino (no longer in their prime, some of the best shows are at casinos – we would come to find out). Dale arrived and we were on our way, on time, to the Grand Casino Biloxi. We arrived and to our surprise, we quickly found out that Eddie was playing not at Grand Casino Biloxi but Grand Casino Gulfport. Oops. We bolted out of the casino and sped off to Gulfport, catching most of the show and even the photo above.

What a sight Eddie was that night. Clearly intoxicated, smoking cigarette after cigarette, rubbing his bare belly under that unforgettable “no control” shirt, and making all the fans sing the chorus to just about every song. We have never laughed so hysterically. Eddie was in fine form – not quite what we expected, but clearly worth the time and money, so to speak.

Read tonight that the Grand Casino Biloxi and Grand Casino Gulfport were both “significantly damaged” by Hurricane Katrina and Harrah’s has not yet decided if they will rebuild. Hold on, Biloxi and Gulfport.

Renae out …

Irish Upset No. 3 Michigan!

Charlie and company did it again today -- coming into today's game ranked 20th in the nation, ND took care of No. 3 Michigan. What a great win. Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, and of course, Lou Holtz predicted it right. Mark May was wrong once again. We love Charlie Weis.

We went 2-1 with the rest of our teams. AFA beat up San Diego State 41-29; Syracuse crushed Buffalo 31-0; but the Yankees lost to Boston 9-2.

Have to catch the rest of the Ohio State - Texas game now. Living on the east coast sure makes for late nights.

Renae out ...

Some Gulf Coast Memories

Definitely intend to blog here more often. Lately though, like probably many of you out there, I have been obsessed reading about Hurricane Katrina. Thank God, we here in Georgia were spared of Her wrath. A tornado from the bands of Katrina hit about a half hour from our house on August 29th, destroying a bank, but no injuries were reported. Only got a little wind and rain at our house. Nevertheless, words cannot describe what the folks of the Gulf Coast are experiencing. They will get through this with the help of many.

Having spent three months going to school in Biloxi, MS, in 2001, while taking four big trips to New Orleans, I have great many memories of the area and it feels strange to know that it’s all so different now. Dale and my mom both visited while I was there. We were all so fond of the Biloxi area – a great town with some great seafood. Based on the news reports, the majority of the casinos in Biloxi were destroyed, except the Beau Rivage (Mom and I loved this place). Took Dale and Mom both to New Orleans too. My other times spent in NO consisted of the first round of the men’s college basketball tournament and then of course Mardi Gras (pictured above with Julia and Kelli). I have such vivid memories of that place. I wonder what will happen to the once “alive” city. Resilience is one thing but building below sea level between a lake and the ocean is another.

Unfortunately, it sometimes takes disasters such as Katrina to help put our lives back into perspective. Be thankful for friends and family, because when all your material things are gone, they are all that matters. We are thankful for all of you out there!

Renae out …