game face...

Last week's LSU game was quite a disappointment,
but the pregame boat ride rocked (or rather floated...)

Happy birthday Justin and Austin. I hope I'm making s'mores during half time again this weekend. What are your game day plans?

watching those tigers play...

For those of you that are an LSU Tigers football fan, this hasn't been the most impressive season in history, but it certainly hasn't been the worst. I was lucky enough to be invited by Katie's lovely family to the LSU vs.Washington game at the beginning of the season. They are in the Stadium Club, which means endless plates of food and soda pop, plus clean restrooms with an attendant- big bonus at a football game in my book- OH, and we had great seats!

Katie and I both agreed that it doesn't matter how many times you have seen the LSU Tigers play, in the pregame show when the band hits "BAA-BAA-BAAA-BAH!!!" you get goose bumps every time.

It was truly an honor. Thanks for having me!

big tigers, little tigers...

Last weekend Lauren and I went with Katie to her hometown of Winnfield. It is a small town in Cenla (Central Louisiana) that has so much character! I can see where Katie gets it from. I have been hearing stories about Mr. Von, Mrs. Kim, Blake and Samantha since Katie started working at LSU with me, but it wasn't until I got to spend a Saturday afternoon eating the most delicious bbq chicken off the grill and watching the LSU tigers play and win, that I understood the family. From the second I walked through the door I felt like family. The casual way we were offered something to drink, the mountains of food on the counter, too many dogs to count, and the steady stream of people coming in and out of the back door showed me how welcoming they are and how comfortable their house is for everyone. I asked Katie if "all this" was for Blake's birthday and she said,"Oh no, they cook like this all the time." Coffee is brewing at all times- often referred to as "el coffee" by Mr. Von for all of you Spanish speakers. A pig named Champ that was found in the river as a baby prances around the side yard and has to be the biggest hog I have ever seen. (His diet includes Puppy Chow and corn.) After the LSU game we went to Blake's studio where any instrument can be found. We all joined in for an impromptu jam session.

Katie and her family were celebrating her Pawpaw's 91st birthday over the weekend. Since Winnfield Tiger football team has made it to the State Championship, the first time since 1982, we made her grandfather a sweatshirt with iron-on letters, "Shelton #1," to wear to the game. Pawpaw's youngest grandson, Jon, will be playing in the game as the kicker this Saturday against John Curtis. He refers to LSU tigers as the big tigers and Winnfield as the little tigers, which I think is so adorable! The entire town is covered with signage wishing the team well. Even the preacher on Sunday had the congregation applaud the team for making it this far! Katie says that the whole town will be at the game- and I really do believe her.

Good luck little Tigers!

Lake Street Dancehall...

Lake Street Dancehall has offered a comfortable place to watch the LSU games this season. Almost every game day was spent at this location. For $5 at the door you get a free drink ticket, jambalaya-rolls-coleslaw, and a live band following the game! Who doesn't love a deal?! I especially love the eclectic style of Lake Street. The patio is complete with Coca Cola tables and matching chairs, there are vintage bikes hanging on the wall, the ceiling is rustic, and there are always old cars parked out front! It kind of has a "biker bar" feel to it, and I mean that in the best way... When you bring the right people, it is a perfect location to hang out. I believe the venue opened in August of this year and I'm looking forward to it's success.

the party was kickin'...

On Saturday we went over to my friend Rachael's beautiful house to watch the LSU vs. Bama game. This was no regular football watching get-together. There was Cane's chicken strips, spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo dip, cheese dip, piggies in a blanket, mini quiche, and broiled shrimp. She made a cake in the shape of a football that when cut into was purple! A vodka freeze machine was rented and about 10 different mixer flavors were provided to add to your tastebuds delight. When the LSU kicker pulled off a win for dem tigas there was champagne to toast! I was mucho impressed. Considering Rach doesn't even get into football just shows she did all this for her friends. Wow! Thanks, girl. Geaux Tigers!

Gold & Purple Reign...

Justin T. and I met during football season five years ago. I was introduced to him as Tison, as that is what all his friends call him, and I have called him that ever since. I have tried to change it and call him Justin, but I always forget and go back to "Tison" or "Taylor" (his middle name), "T" or "Hey, you!" He has always been a die hard LSU fan (something he and his father share) and whenever I see the Tigas on tv, it makes me think of when we first met. As the weather changes into fall I can't help but recall college-turned-adult game day get-togethers with crock pot dips, a keg, and a fire. Football season is so exciting...

...The Tison's invited us to Arlington/Dallas for the LSU vs Oregon game this past weekend. When I first saw "Jerry's World" I swear I thought it was an alien ship! It is so big I can't even explain it. The surrounding grounds were a sea of purple and gold! I saw a handful of Oregon fans which were only recognizable due to the "Tiger Bait" chants as they passed tailgate after tailgate.

{There was an hour wait just to get on the waiting list at Buffalo Wild Wings, so we went to El Chicos for Tecate!}

Here we are surrounded by 87,711 fans!



Labor Day Pt.1