Vacation!

Day 1: the clock is ticking...less than 8 hours until the van picks us up at the house, and less than 11 hours before we are winging off to the big skies of Big Sky. I'm pretty keyed up, and yet calm at the same time. Legs and wind are pretty good--not the best I've ever been, but certainly good enough to feel comfortable that first week. And the second week...look out guys.

Things are the most planned they have ever been. I have bags shipped and waiting at the lodge; we're being driven to the airport for less than what it would cost to park a car for a week; I have lift tickets for Sunday waiting at the house; and I have even selected a spot for dinner upon arrival in Bozeman. Who is this crazy man? Age hath yet its honor and its toil...some noble work of note may yet be done...to strive, to seek, and not to yield.

I suppose we must change some with age or it will change us in ways we don't like. And now, to sleep. O-dark-30 comes early in these parts.

Day 1, part deux: Woke without the alarm. How does that happen? I can't wake to go to work worth a damn, and now, after 6 hours, my eyes are wide. Ah, well....

Ride should be here in about an hour. Nothing left to do now but have coffee and get dressed. Thankfully it is coldish here, so wearing a ski jacket won't be a problem.

And so it begins....

I had asked the driver to come at 8:15 so we would have time to pack the car and leave by 8:30 (for an 11:30 flight). Better an hour early than 5 minutes late. Unfortunately he came at 8 and we were out of the driveway at 8:15. I had wanted to protect against Superbowl traffic, but there was none. The guy was a speed demon, so we ended up at the airport 2 hours early. Ouch.

The flights were uneventful, smooth, and seemingly short. Arriving at Bozeman at 5:30, we got the cars and headed to the pizza parlor I had found on the internet; the meal was excellent and a good start to the trip. Then Jane and I went to Bozeman's Super Walmart for groceries while we waited for Pam and Dave's flight. I don't recall ever spending so much time at Wallymart and having it seem so short. The flight came in at 11:50 (late), so by the time we wandered around, we didn't get to the house until 2:00. Ouch. Bozeman airport is pretty cute.

The next day, I was up at 9, ready to go. But that bleeds into Day 2….

Birthday Girls

Happy Birthday to the twins, Maitlyn and Braiden Schwartz! They are a year old today, and already a handfull. Grrpa and Jane were unable to visit for the party (see auntlala's blog re that) but are looking forward to a belated celebration of some sort in Big Sky. I expect pictures will be posted on the web page, and I will reproduce a few of the good ones here.

Meanwhile, here's an oldie but goodie from a year ago. Amazing how time flies!

In honor of the occasion, I would have put the delivery video here, but .... It's enough that it's available at a nominal cost at http://www.brianandandrea.com/. Check it out.

Inauguration Day

If 69,456,897 people do a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.



Anatole France (paraphrased)

2 out of 3 ain't bad

Tebow already announced he is coming back...but what about Harvin and Spikes--the two most exciting players on offense and defense, respectively. The news is mixed. We had all hoped against hope that Percy would return for his senior season, even if just to watch the magic that he is capable of, but it was always a long shot at best. With his propensity to be injured, he couldn't take a chance on a career ending injury. He will undoubtedly go in the first round anyway. So his choosing to pass up his last year is not a surprise.

space

space

GatorNation wishes him all the best, along with undying thanks for what he helped do this year. And for the memories of those exciting moments when time froze and Percy took over.

space

space

Spikes was a tougher call. Clearly he was the heart and linchpin of the defense, but was that enough to guarantee a high draft position? Apparently some thought second

round at best. Yeah! That, plus Tim coming back, helped Brandon decide to stay another year (we think).

By the way, did I mention ....

Spikes Named Defensive Player of the Year. Gator junior linebacker Brandon Spikes was named the Chevrolet Defensive Player of the Year for his contributions, commitment and inspiring effort to the University of Florida defense this past season.

That means that all 11 starters on defense are returning. Yes, the defense that was in the top ten in the nation in numerous categories, that one. Oh, and look out SEC (et al), because all 11 on the second team defense are coming back as well. If all goes well, this will be the college equivalent of the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers! And most of the offensive horses are coming back too, plus some new additions with tremendous promise. (Keep your eye out for Andre Dubose.) It's not too much to hope to repeat as National Champions. If we do, think of Tebow's college stats: in addition to the records he set in 2007, he would have 3 championship rings (out of 4 years) and a Heisman in the off year. That's doing something. And, he could conceivably win the Heisman in 2009! Easily the greatest player in the history of Florida football, bar none.

I can't wait for September!

Shakin' Hands with the Guv'nor

Jane and I took a quick trip up to Indianapolis to participate in the celebration of middle America's lone example of common sense in the re-election of my friend and former roommate, Mitch Daniels as governor. We were two of about 30 Princeton folks (including SO's and spouses) that Mitch had invited to join in the festivities, similar to the event in 2005. All was wonderful, and we were treated like royalty, wined and dined beyond reason. The best part though, was seeing all the guys and getting to know their spouses, and having Jane meet them, and vice versa. It explains how I got like I am far better than I could. (Mitch had also met Grossi and Pappy many years ago.)

I don't think any of the PU crew stayed around for the actual inauguration, as we did 4 years ago, but this year was a more humble event on a much smaller scale. Mitch did manage to refer to or quote Ray Kroc, Kermit the Frog, Abe Lincoln, and the movie Speed in his speech, which relied heavily on seasonal and gardening metaphors. Few are better at metaphorical images than Mitch, and everyone we talked to was certain he would continue his term as the country's best governor (he did win that award recently). Of course, those were the staffers we were talking to, but.... I also spoke to a guy at the airport (he saw my Mitch button) who was complimentary of the job done so far, though not as gushing as Mitch's staff. I mentioned at breakfast on Sunday that I thought the true measure of a man's success was not how much wealth he had accumulated, but how many people around him would be willing to take a bullet for him--it is clear his staff would, as would the Indiana State Troopers who always accompany him. (Mitch laughed that off by saying the real test is the ratio of those people to the ones wanting to put one in him! He's the most humble and genuine politician I have ever seen. A great, great guy.) May he live long and prosper.



Mitch being sworn in on his family Bible, held by wife, Cherrie

A great day for Indiana.
space
space
space
space
space
space
And, in honor of the occasion, a Special Bumper Sticker of the Week...
Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

Superbman Returns

Oh Happy Day ... for the GatorNation ....but not for the rest of the SEC. Superman, Tim Terrific, the Timinator, has decided to return for his senior year. We are golden now. With the rest of that talent, plus the new guys coming in...I shudder to think how good they can be. And if Harvin and Spikes decide to stay... oh, my... can you say undefeated, record-setting season?

A little Superhero worship, if you please...


The Announcement:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3825653
sorry to use a link, but it's the best quality I found

USC? Ha, we'll show you what Trojans are for. Texas? You'll be the Shorthorns when we're done. And Oklahoma? C'mon down, boys, and get some more. The Bullpups (now without Stafford or Moreno) only think they got beat bad in '08. The Semi-holes (when the NCAA gets finished with them) will be praying for rain again to keep the score below 100. But let's not get too cocky, just be professional, and beat the snot out of everybody.
I can foresee a situation in which the biggest question of the season will be who gets the Heisman--Tim or Percy? After the way they screwed it up this year, it doesn't really matter. That award is tainted. They should let just the former winners vote. (See prior post)

I can't wait for September.

Gators Champs (again)

OMG! what a game. If I were a cat, I'd have 4 fewer lives!
This was s-o-o-o sweet, after the Ole Miss disappointment, and the raw deal Tim got on the Heisman (see prior post), this was perfect. Actually, 64-14 would have been better, but it was still quite convincing. Was OU overrated? Absolutely. Were they as awful as the SEC rabblerousers were saying? Clearly not. But they were certainly no match for the Gators.

Heisman means best player in college football? My ass! We saw the best player in college football alright, but he was wearing white.

The hype told us this...

The game showed us this...

space

Highlights of the game


Though the little guys--Demps and Rainey--were pretty much held in check, Tim and Percy took over and showed the Sooners what a great offense looks like.
space

this might be the 52 yarder...

This looks like the crucial first down that Tim made, after being converged on by three Okies 4 yards short of the sticks--unstoppable when he wants a first down (well, all but once).

I call this one,"Yeah, you, Franks, I'm coming for you."

The reference, of course, was to Oklahoma defensive back Dominique Franks, who created a stir before the game when he said Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was no better than the fourth-best quarterback in the Big 12.

Tebow brushed those comments aside. "That might have been a compliment," Tebow said with a smile. "We'll see. . . . I'm thankful for being fourth. There's a lot of good quarterbacks in the Big 12."

UF receiver Percy Harvin said Franks made a big mistake with his comments (duh). "What people don't realize is you never want to wake up a sleeping giant," he said. "You kind of want to leave him alone because now you have to deal with him running even harder than he would have before. So good luck."

spacer

It brings to mind a variation of a once popular song....

"You don't tug on Superman's cape
"You don't spit into the wind
"You don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger
"And you don't mess around with Tim...."

All you can do is smile, and hope that Franks was one of the 3 defenders Tim ran through to get that big first down.

Chris Rainey got hurt (not as bad as it looked--ouch!), but before he did, he left us with this bit of prestidigitation -- now you see him, now you don't. This move is almost as good as the one he put on Ahmad Black in the Spring Game.


But it was truly the Big D's night. Spikes, Dunlap, Black, and the gang kicked ass. How do you stop the highest scoring team in the history of college football? You knock them on their ass, and take away their balls. It was 3rd and goal from the 3--nice play guys, you stopped 'em once, that's a good show. But 4th and goal from the 1? Tackled for a loss? You gotta be kidding me!

spacer

spacer

spacer

Spikes seems to have perfected the "let's-have-a-little-chat" tackle

I hope we don't ever have to listen to anyone try to argue that the Big 12 (might make an exception for OU in that statement) has any idea how to play defense. If UF had been playing in that conference, .... it boggles the mind.

A case in point. OU receivers are accustomed to running free, but not tonight. Welcome to the South, in a Major way. (What I love about this clip is the appreciation by the announcer in the background during the replay) .

The Major was a big part of the stop on third down at the goal line, and also had an interception at the goal line (deflected by Ahmad Black, inter alia).

Ahmad played extremely well and had a pick himself--and what a pick it was. It turned the game around, and that was according to Coach Meyer. It was a thing of beauty--he actually STOLE the ball from the Okies' best receiver. Amazing.

And Joe and Jenoris and the rest played well too. Just an exceptional game by the best secondary in the country. Oh, did I mention they were all coming back next year?

Percy was a force of nature, unstoppable. Throw it to him--first down. Hand it to him--touchdown (or else a 50 yard run). Not too shabby for someone coming out of rehab. Give me an injured Percy over a healthy Crabtree any day.

Speaking of Percy, is this how someone acts if he plans on returning next year?


Let's hope so. That playful little pixie Percy is pure pleasure to perceive.

In short, this year's results were FANtastic!

Happy New Year!!!

Out with the old, in with the new....but enough about the election. It's New Year's and a fresh start for everyone. Remember that no person is granted any more time than any other person. We all get the same 24 hours each day. It's what we do with those minutes that counts.

Me .... I'm using my minutes for sleepin'....

Well, here we are into January. What the hell happened to Christmas, you might ask. But you might ask it more graciously than that. Christmas is like a river--ooh, yeah, Sarah song...cool--it comes flowing by and then it's gone. (It can be cold, too, like a river, especially in North Carolina...but I digress.) Jane and I had a lovely Christmas this year, with a gathering of the Lakeland clan Christmas Eve and the traditional exchanging of gifts. Then we flew to Atlanta for another celebration with the Stockton/Loescher/Schwartz clans and the pitter patter of baby feets. Pierce and the twins were the center of attention most of our stay, though everybody got some cool stuff from Santa. What a great old dude! We also had a rousing Foosball tournament, though informal. I would say I won, but it doesn't matter because no one was keeping track (except me).

Christmas is such a family time...I hope we can extend the holiday spirit to February and get along as well when we have a week together. Looking forward to the Big Sky!

Got to go run now to get in shape. Can't have any of the whippersnappers gettin' ahead of me on the slopes--I have my image to uphold.

Oh, yeah, will post some pictures of Christmas when some other family members share them. My camera was DOA, and I am without photos. Whoa...what's a year end without the Bumper Sticker of the Year? The most appropriate one I have is
Vote Democrat - it's easier than working!

Retribution

Alert! Breaking News regarding Heisman result!!

In a rare display of emotion, God decided to punish the West, Midwest, and Southwest Heisman voters (along with everyone else) for their poor judgment and outright manipulation in this year's balloting.

This is believed to be one of the few times in recorded history God has intervened when one of "His boys" has been mistreated, the last being the extended rainstorm sent after homeboy Noah was constantly ridiculed as the Kingdom's Nuttiest Boat-Builder (unless you count that incident at the Red Sea, but there is speculation that was merely an urban legend).

Weather forecasters are predicting a shorter duration for this retaliation, but most agree the exact length won't be determined until the evening of January 8th. the theory is, if Sam Bradford sees his shadow--or anything else except the south Florida starry sky--there'll be 6 more years of winter.


Asked about the unusual weather, Shaun White is reported to have said, "Hey, dude, this is sick. The Big Guy must be a shredder, fer sure." Asked to elaborate, Mr. White was unable. He did, however, refer to the weather in Montana as "Snowbound 'tude, dude."
http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/ski/local/USMT0026?lwsa=Weather36HourSkiCommand&lswe=Big%20Sky,%20MT&from=searchbox_typeahead

In other news, Global Warming fanatics all across the country are turning in their Al Gore in 2016 buttons and cashing their carbon credits, saying "Damn, it's cold out. We musta screwed up somewheres."

Bah, Humbug, Heisman!

Our man Tim got jobbed! I offer as proof, such as it is, the fact that he won the most votes for first place--OK, that might not be conclusive, but that fact that so many IDIOTS (154, to be exact) left him off the ballet entirely tells the story. From an article in the Gainesville Sun:
"Maybe the most alarming information we received in frigid New York Saturday night was that 127 ballots were received before the last weekend of the season. Tebow was well back in third place after those ballots came in. Then he went out and led Florida past No. 1 Alabama. Among the 777 ballots that were received after that game, Tebow was ahead of Colt McCoy and just a few points behind Bradford.
You vote before the season is over, you shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
And if that’s not enough to drive you Tebow fans crazy, how about this — 41 different players received third-place votes and 20 received second-place votes. That means there were a bunch of people wasting their votes to make a statement."

No way Tim is not more valuable and a better overall player than those Big 12 yahoos! Can't be. It was fixed--maybe not by the people who put it on, but certainly by those West, Midwest, and Southwest clowns. We need to fight fire with fire: Next time a deserving player from the south is up, say... Tim Tebow, for example, every voter who puts him number 1 should pick two nobodies for #s 2 and 3. It might not be ethical, but it would get the best result. It was the second place votes for Bradford and McCoy that put them over the top.

Here is Tim's press conference after the announcement--very classy guy.


The Timinator did get the Maxwell Award, for the second consecutive year (unusual), and some other stuff (see prior post), but not enough to make up for the Heisman screw job. OTOH, it might work out pretty well in the long run, since the Heisman winner's team typically (last 4 out of 5 years) gets hosed in the bowl game. (See, e.g., OSU 14, UF 41) Go Gators!

Southern Superbowl!

As Mike Bianchi said in the Orlando Sentinel before the game, “It's gonna be gooder 'n grits.” And he was right. It's no longer NObama, it's now NoBama!

What a game! Who would have expected that Florida would cover the point spread yet again? Against that defense...and without Harvin! I would like to say I did, but I can’t. I truly thought it would be a more of a squeaker (which it almost was until the last UF touchdown). Though it was a tense game, Florida played spectacularly and deserved to win. Tebow can ring up the Heisman after that performance. The national audience will have him second, with Bradford and McCoy alternating between 1st and 3rd, allowing Tim Terrific to pick up all the split votes. Justice prevails. Speaking of which, and not to digress from the best SEC championship game EVER, how about that OJ verdict? It gives the lie to the old legal adage, justice delayed is justice denied. I like to think of it as him working out karma with the remaining family members. Wow…33 years of karma…hey, now he can write that book he wanted to without the distractions of his hectic golf schedule.

Now it’s on to Miami to meet—and beat—the faux contenders to the crown, the Boomer Sooners. After that SEC slugfest, it should be very clear who is the best team in the nation. Now we just have to play the game to finish the paperwork. Right. Just like Ohio State did 2 years ago. No, I am very excited about the big game, and can't wait for those Okie farmboys to see what a real defense looks like. If that team turns out to be as scary as it looks, however, so that the Gators can’t bring it off this year, we are thrilled that they are BACK! And Timmy might stay another year if he still has the National Championship itch left to scratch. Hell, I hope he stays anyway. How awesome would that be for him to win the Heisman 3 years in a row! Blows me away thinking of it, but I can’t remember— or imagine, in this world of instant gratification and entitlement attitude (think D-Mac)—a more deserving guy. He is the only one since Bo Jackson to live up to his legendary hype. That doesn’t bode well for his career in the pros…, but we had him until then.

In other news… oh, who cares…on with the pics and game comments….

Pregame jitters--Percy's out. Rainey's out. Shorthanded on the DLine. Turned out OK, though.

spacer

sp

(Listen in on the pregame handshake)

"Your sorry little ass is gonna be mine, shortstick."

sspacer
acer

p

acercer

spacer

spacerspacer
spacer

No Percy. No problem.
spacer

Percy seems to be saying to Bama, "Blow me."

He'll be back for the Big Game.

spacer
spacer

spacerspacerspacer

The game was all about the Timinator, of course, and how he could stack all the remaining weapons on his back and go win the game (especially in the 4th quarter). The Alabama guy on the ground is one of their better players, an excellent DB. He got the same fate as most DBs this season.

spacer

spacer

spacer
spacer

If this isn't a Heisman pose, it's close.

See ya!

You bet...see ya in New York!spac

spacer

spacerspacer
spacer

spacer

spacer

spacer

spacer

spacer
Oh, gosh, another trophy...wonder where the folks will put this one...

spacer

spacer
spacer
spacer
spacerspacer

spacer

Hey, hey, some guys who don't get much of a chance to contribute came up big.
spacer

Carl Moore got the first touchdown...yeah! Where you been Carl?



spacer

David Nelson: finally earning that scholarship. Two very important catches and all-around good job. (And he's so articulate...maybe he should run for President?)

Way to go Riley! Finally found out what it's like to be a star (and to run the right route)

Two other players (and plays) of note: Jermaine Cunnigham's sack on 3rd and 8 to kill the Bama comeback in the 4th was HUGE, and the two phenomenal plays by Aaron Hernandez (the shovel pass on 3rd down and skying for the first down catch on the final drive) were crucial. [Aaron caught 3 passes for 43 yards, all big ones.] Without those plays, it would have been a much tighter ending. (couldn't find a pic of Aaron, sorry)

Quote:
“That fourth quarter was vintage Tim Tebow"
Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "My quarterback is the best player in college football."

Interesting stats:

Before this game, Alabama had not trailed at the half all season.

The Gators outgained the Crimson Tide 133-1 in the fourth quarter.

Florida surpassed Alabama in all statistical categories in this game.

For anyone who didn't get enough pictures, try this link.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-uf-bama-photos-120608,0,2424791.photogallery

spacer

spacer

BTW, did I mention that Harvin and Spikes were recently named to the AFCA All-American team? I don’t know what that is, but it sounds good. Tim Terrific got bumped by Glenn “Light Up the Big 12” Harrell, which just shows how much the voters were fixated on stats. In that case, Colt Brennan should have won everything last year. (Oops, better not open that can of worms!) Not like that‘s such a big deal anyway, but Percy usually gets shafted for those type awards because he is split between positions—running back and wide receiver. They picked him as a “specialty player.” Good job.

And last but not least, ….drum roll, please….one that fits with the recent game…
The Bumper Sticker of the Week.
Excess is never too much in moderation.

Swamp them Seminoles!

Well, it looked like a swamp up in Tallahassee, but it didn't bother Tim Terrific. A quote from the Florida Times Union (Jacksonville):
"Tebow pretty much did everything but walk on water. Actually, considering the field conditions, he did that, too."
Urban was worried about all the water on the field--he just wanted Tebow to run the ball the whole game--single wing. He could have, of course, but then all the other stars would have been upset.

Maybe Rainey and Demps won't be quite so cocky after each got run down from behind for the first time this year. Had to have been the wet field. Rainey said "I had water in my shoes, Coach." Truly the Rain-man that night. This must be one of his earlier runs....
BTW, Chris got 97 yards on 8 carries--a respectable average just over 12 yards per. Not to be outdone at the school that foolishly rejected him (can you imagine?) Demps got 7 carries and churned out 89 yards for an average of 12.71! In fact, all the Gators who carried the ball had a better average than the best Semi-hole rusher (12 for 57). That's gotta hurt...and it did.

Of course the defense was stellar, as usual. Interceptions, crushing tackles, forced fumbles, you name it.



"Here... let me help you with that."
Why, thank you, Jermaine.








Sorry, that one is ours, says Jenoris.












"And so, Mr. Weatherford, as I was just saying to Mr. Moreno the other day...."

Brandon Spikes...the Man.




And props to Chas Henry, the forgotten man for the Gators. He had his longest punt of the year at 67 yards. He's the football equivalent of the Maytag repairman. (Sorry, Chas, no pics this week.)
spacer
Highlights of the game. Sorry if there aren't any FSU highlights...I don't remember any. Oh, wait, they did score a touchdown on our first team defense. Damn.



How about that Tim, eh? A few shots of him should be enlightening...
This one had Jamie Robinson wondering WTF was he thinking




"But, Coach, I thought you said it was OK to knock their cornerback into next week."


Spacer




spacerpacer
What do you get when you combine this with loud cheering from the Seminole fans?
pac



er




spacer
spacer
You get this! You won't like him when he's angry!















spacer
This was the best looking thing wearing garnet and gold in Doak Campbell stadium all afternoon.
SpacerSpacer
In case anyone missed it, SuperTim is racking up the awards again.
Tim Tebow Named Academic All-American of the Year by ESPN The Magazine
Tim Tebow Named Disney Spirit Award Winner
Or at least he's in contention for them:
Tebow a finalist for Maxwell Award
Tebow a finalist for Walter Camp Award
And we hope there's one more:
Tebow a shoo-in as a finalist for the Heisman.

We're back to the Heisman again.... I sure would like to see some clips of the other pure passing quarterbacks whose names are mentioned and whose teams create for them the outrageous stats that go with their offenses making blocks downfield and tackling defensive ends like Tim does. Bobby Bowden was gracious in defeat--what else could he be?--and referred to Tim as adding a Bronko Nagurski element to the game. So true. And so fun to watch. The award should go to the year's best football player and that is clearly Tim Tebow.
spacer
Bring on Alabama! A tough game, but I'm hopeful. We have the horses, if we can just bring it all to bear one more time...
Do I hear Boomer Sooner??
Spa
Twins: The girls were on The Unit last night (Sunday) but I missed it. Set the stupid DVR to record that time slot but didn't notice the football game had pushed all the shows up 30 minutes! The recording stopped just as Maitlyn came on screen (in the closet scene). Rats! Will have to count on Mom and Dad to have a copy of it. Don't you scare my babies like that!
spacer
And a post wouldn't be complete without the Bumper Sticker of the Week:

"I used to be schizophrenic, but we're better now."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Before:

After:


A time to come together and give thanks. Even if turkey isn't your favorite meal, there's always beer and football (if you can call what the Detroit Lions play "football").

Showtime!

Saw the babies on The Mentalist last night...what absolute dolls! I think their parents will need to keep an eye out though, both twins were flirting with Simon Baker shamelessly! Here is a snippet from that show with half of their screen time. This bit sets up how the character finds the baby, and is about 2 minutes long; Maitlyn is at the end of it.
Watch CBS Videos Online

Senior Day - Citadel Hell

What a great day for the seniors--their last at the Swamp. And what a great payday for the Bulldogs...that certainly exceeds their annual football budget. They sacrificed themselves for the glory of Florida football. 705 yards? And the first string played barely into the second quarter.... Yikes! I bet there are a few SEC teams scratching their heads and wondering how a sorry-ass little team like the Citadel managed to put 3 touchdowns on the Gators, when they couldn't get any. Truth is, they got one semi-legitimate TD on a trick play, and all were scored on the Gators 2nd and 3rd string (mostly 3rd). Still, a thrilling game if you like to watch long runs and guys wearing Orange and Blue crossing the goal line. As for being an exciting, competitive game...not so much. But most made it through without injury, so FSU, here we come. Alabama, you got next. And whichever Big 12 team muddles through...your turn's comin'. This could well be The Year of the Gator (again).

Sadly, the Heisman will have been given before the national title game, so Tim is behind the 8-ball on stats this year. In case you wonder if he deserves it...the game highlights for last week and this week have him actively making blocks for his running backs--last week he was leading Demps on the touchdown, and this week he took on two guys to spring Harvin for a TD. Don't see any of the other candidates doing that (and they don't run much either). Tim is such an all-around player, he deserves it even if he isn't in a system that posts huge numbers (does that sound familiar?)

Here are some pics (not the Usual Suspects, at least not all of them):

The game started with the final tribute to Mr. Two bits (George Edmundson), a legend at the Swamp, about whom I have remarked earlier. May you always stand up and Holler.



Percy gets a long gain. This is what you call their "1 on 1" defense! Worked about as well as anything else.

Another game with a touchdown by the Lakeland crew. Rainman had a great day with over 140 yards (73 of which came on one remarkable play) for 7 carries!



This was their big score in the first half - a trick play, reverse with a pass back to the quarterback who was covered by a linebacker (or maybe defensive end). If only their colors weren't that wimpy Carolina blue....

Here's a picture of Javier Estopinan scoring a touchdown. Javy is a 5th year senior defensive lineman who's had 3 knee surgeries during his career. So, as a reward for his upbeat attiude, Urban gave him a one yard plunge to paydirt. What a guy.

Twins alert!!! The Mentalist shows on Tuesday with the Schwartzes in a supporting role. Tuesday, 11/25 at 9PM on CBS.

The customary Bumper Sticker of the Week:

If you're not part of the solution, you're precipitate.

'Cocks Limp from Swamp

Gamecocks, that is. Pouring half a hundred on the Ol' Ball Coach...it's almost sad, but as they say, what goes around, comes around. When he had the horses, he did the same to everybody else. Hey, it's not like Urban was calling timeout in the last 2 minutes (no need).

The special teams, defense, running game, long passes, short passes...it was all too easy. As some might say, it was as easy as

(thank you, cornbread)

The result? Damn, that hurts.

Anybody want to play quarterback?

spacing

Here's a hypothetical question: You're a defensive back playing in the SEC. What is it you definitely don't want to see after the ball is snapped?


Yep, this is it. Prepare yourself.



There are way too many good pictures to post them all. Another week that Ahmad Black got an interception. I missed a shot of him last week, so got to catch up for our Lakeland alums.

spacing

spacing

For those of you who actually missed the game, here is a quick video summary from the Gainesville Sun--note the quick bit at the beginning where SuperTim is kissing the baby!
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1511793040/bclid361569315/bctid2075487001

On a lighter note, we had visitors this weekend. Jane's nephew Brian, his wife Kate, and two little ones, Tyler and Mary Kate. How dumb--we got no pictures. But we had an interesting conversation over (and after) dinner. Kate is a good upstanding conservative and Brian is a good open minded left-leaner. All very civil and lively. (The wine didn't hurt.) They are now on their way to the Disney ritual...don't envy them.

Plans for the 2009 ski trip (the first one, at least) are evolving. Stay tuned.

Almost forgot the Bumper Sticker of the Week:

(Ha-Ha, I have a long list now). Here's one from Aunt La-La...

Jesus loves you ... but I'm His favorite.