WA-HOO!!

Gainesville (aka College Football City USA)

Did we have anything special planned? No. Bill came home early tonight with the news that the city police had already confiscated every dumpster on campus, anticipating fans might set them on fire. The library closed at 6:00, even though it was the first day of classes.

In fact, I forgot all about it when I was planning meals. A strange dish of pork chops topped with orange sections, kalamatas, garlic and olive oil briefly sauteed. Was actually good, after you got used to the weirdness of it. And in retrospect, I realize it was orange and... well, kalamatas are sort of bluish, ya know?

We settled down after dinner to watch the game, hoping UF didn't disgrace themselves too badly on national TV. And after the first play, we were expecting the worst. HA! Shows what we know. We sat in slack-jawed amazement, watching every play of the game. The very last thing we expected was a complete rout.

Baby football is such an emotional game, and it was clear that the Gators had the emotion thing all locked up starting with the second play. Not only were they Cinderella, but they had to face controversy that they should even get the shot at the glass slipper.

No more. Cinderella Rules! Urban Renewal, indeed.

We heard all kinds of fireworks at the game's end. We heard yelling and screaming in the neighborhood. But as far as we know so far, happy college kids have not burned down the town. We'll see tomorrow. As of tonight, it feels very sweet.

Mom, glad to hear your part went well, as I guessed it would. I think it's a great tradition, and hope you continue it. Wish I could say I got my cards done by then, but alas. No progress on the banishment of Christmas Just Past on any front. Will try again tomorrow. Will have to settle for basic routines plus sheets and towels done.

Need to run some errands tomorrow, but I expect to encounter happy smiles wherever I go