Big House Tailgating & Jagerbombs: November 2008

Sunday, November 16, 2008

UM vs. Northwestern 11/15/08

Today is the last home game. We are still in shock over the loss of our friend and fellow tailgater, Dennis. We spoke with Dennis Jr. during our tailgate, and he wanted us to do some jagerbombs for his family. Done. Also had to give the "Call to Jager" which made him laugh. Hang in there. We're here for you.

Today's weather report - CRAP. And cold. What ridiculous conditions for spending the day in the great outdoors. Today is the first day of deer gun season in Michigan - I'm sure many fans would bail to go hunting - not that the weather was better for that either. We set up our gear - both tents on our tarp. One problem - the wind was so bad that it kept picking up the tent. We took down the smaller one (our 10x15) and confined ourselves to the 10x20 with walls. Reggie did the best he could with cooking - it was really hard to keep anything dry. Our generator had sat out last night (as we load up the car on Friday nights) and did us the courtesy of not starting. Thank goodness that our heater is propane fueled.

As it turns out, Laura and Lora would head to the mall during the game since we didn't have a TV. We made the decision to break down the tailgate and would go back to the house for our post-game meal. So...before heading to the game we did just that. It was probably 35 out, with a constant steady downpour which only worsened and windy. What a lovely day. Did I mention we were soaked? We broke down, the girls went to Briarwood, we headed to the game. We missed most of pre-game because it took so long to break down. We endured the first quarter and the weather continued to get worse. We were soaked through 4-5 layers each - some of which included Goretex and "waterproof" pants. About halfway through the 2nd quarter we considered leaving the game at the half. I vetoed the idea. Then it got colder and colder. And colder and colder. I spent part of the first quarter in the bathroom trying to get my electronics (camera, Blackberry) situated into the closest layer of my person to keep them as dry as possible. We called the girls and they met us back at the tailgate at the half. We sat through the NU game 2 years ago in weather very similar to this. But this was just too much. As we were pulling out of our lot, the thermostat in the car said 35. It began to snow as we were leaving. We could have tolerated plain snow, but not that much rain. It was ridiculous.

We arrived home, unloaded the cars - why not, we were already soaked. Then we had to load up the dryer with our clothes, coats, gloves, socks, etc. We enjoyed the rest of the game with the food Reggie had prepared - all comfort foods. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, chicken, veggies. YUM! At least we were dry. Attendance for the game: 107,856. Yeah, right.

We ended up losing the game 21-14. Surprise, surprise. Nothing at this point surprises us. We're just glad we didn't sit there in misery until the end.

Next up - the Bucknuts of Ohio State. Will we tailgate in C-bus for the game. Uh, hell no. We're heading to Chris & Laura's for the game. More dance lessons for their wedding reception will be practiced - it was highly entertaining. Learned how to do the Cupid Shuffle today - and we'll work on some more surprises next week. Oh yeah - and we'll watch a game as well. It is a sad state of affairs when the marquee Big Ten game next week isn't The Game, but the MSU vs. PSU game. Hmm....how far we've fallen. I'm sure next year will be better. Hells bells, it can't get any worse.

The Army ROTC guys sell programs for the game

Bill, Reggie & Chris hang out by the food

Our Sheriffs - Laura & Lora

Reggie & Nate

Our neighbors huddled in their tent

Laura, Lora & Bill hang out by the heater

Reggie & Bill

Laura & Bonne

Reggie

Nate & Chris

Bill & Lora

Bill & Bonne

Lora & Bonne

Reggie & Bonne

Nate & Bonne

Chris & Bonne

Laura, Lora & Bonne

One of several rounds of jagerbombs. Most of them were dedicated to our friend Dennis and his family.

Reggie & Laura

Playing "Shock"

Laura helps Chris put her rain pants on for the game

Nice!

The Michigan Marching Band

Wolverine Seniors

Here come the Wolverines!

Saluting America

Enough said!

Those poor people look miserable

Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald - we lost 21-14

Chris takes a nap

Laura & Bonne

Reggie & Laura practice dances for the wedding reception

Oh boy...

Thursday, November 13, 2008

God Bless You Dennis

We are saddened to hear about the death of our friend Dennis (Sr.). We will remember him for his salsa, his cooking skills, his humor, his dedication to his family and to Michigan Football.

Mary, Dennis and family, our hearts go out to you. We love you and if there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.

Mary and Dennis 2007

Dennis with his dad, Dennis Sr.

Michigan vs. Minnesota 11/8/08

Here we go to Minneapolis! WOOHOO!! Road trip! We all flew into Minneapolis on Friday and headed to The Mall of America. Bonne is referring to it as Valhalla. What an amazing place!! And I got some pretty new jewelry =)
Then it was off to find something to do that night - WE FOUND A BAR THAT GIVES AWAY FREE ALCOHOL FROM 9:30-10:30!! Good Lord!! We took advantage - tried some new beer and then settled on our regulars.
We did our tailgating in the warmth and comfort of our hotel room. Jagerbombs were done for Amber who was walking 60 miles for breast cancer. You go, girl! The least we can do is drink for you =)
We wandered to the Metrodome - it was nice knowing we'd be inside. It was VERY cold outside.
Story of the game - WE WON!!!! 29-6! WOOHOOO!!!! I'll cut to the chase. Michigan put 4 quarters of football together in the same game. Hallelujah. We looked good in all facets of the game. Our only quandry was we couldn't complete an offensive drive and punch it in for 6. Settling for FGs isn't good when you're the underdog.
We went out Saturday night - this time to the Hard Rock Cafe. Good times. Then we got stuck with a drunk Minny fan at Applebees - tool.
Bring on the Wildcats of Northwestern!!

Downtown Minneapolis