Big Al and Monty quickly took off to head down to the cigar shop, while I took advantage of some quality Zip Time.    The house quickly filled with fans and friends alike and food was set out in multiple rooms.  Many fine folk brought dishes to share and there was a variety to suit every pallet. Naturally, we started off with our usual pre-game toast and jello shot.

Rooms filled, and fans viewed the game from whatever vantage point they found most comfortable,  whether it be couch, floor, leaning or standing, Most everyone was glued to the sets and shouts of DE-FENSE could be heard coming from each room. Likewise, groans echoed as opportunities came and went.

Poor Zip was relegated to the Sea Porch since his presence in the main room brought bad luck. However, in the end, it didn’t really matter where he was,  since despite our mojo, the boys fell short  16-9. The lone Jets fan in the house was the only happy camper as the clock wound down, especially seeing our host donning the green and white in payment of the pre-game wager.

Despite the loss, the sharing of good food, libations, and time spent with friends made the trip well worth it. A great time was had by all, and the half-time charity raffle netted $221 for this week’s recipient  Ben Watson’s, One More.

Check out the rest of the pictures here.

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Jets @ Zip’s House 09/20/09

With much Patriotic enthusiasm, the Razor’s Edgers looked forward to the season opener and getting back to Real Football!  Set to open at Gillette on a national stage on Monday Night Football, the crew was there to support not just the current team of players but the All Time Team Members in celebration of the 50 Year Anniversary of the AFL.

While many of the crew rendezvoused at last year’s successful meeting spot off Exit 9 of  Route 95 at Wicked Bistro, the Cardozas were late arrivals due to the fact that it was a school day. The group secured the perimeter in Lot P10 and was  easy to locate once we finally made our way through the traffic on Rt. 1.  There’s much to be said for arriving very early and awaiting the opening of the gates!  It took an hour to travel the 3 miles from the exit to the lot.  Along the way, the smells and sounds of taligating in full swing wafted in through open windows in bumper to bumper traffic en route to our destination.

Once inside, offerings of Buffalo Chili and Buffalo Wings were mostly met with already full bellies but there were some takers to feast upon our opponent. Zip adorned his tent with the familiar FTFT54 blue banner and also a special edition thank-you banner for Tedy which later hung proudly in the stadium, proclaiming, “Full Tilt, Full Time, Fulfilled! Thanks, Tedy!”

A VISA camera crew was also on hand, filming REAL fans in their element, just doing what we do naturally. This was in accompaniment to Zip and Tedy’s  filming in Boston on the previous day. Looking forward to seeing the finished commercial throughout the season!

Naturally, there were jello shot toasts, Bruschi Brew, Sam’s Octoberfest and a variety of food and drink provided by the regulars. It was nice to catch up with the crew which included (but not limited to….) Zip, Tracy, Jose and Quinn,  Mike, Robin and Geoff, Monty with Dave, Darren, Mark  with his boys, Don and Karen, Robin and Rich, Joyce and Chris. Jim from NY who got Buddy Love to join our group this week as well. Bob swung by later too as did lots of drop in guests including one couple from Indiana who were there for a birthday surprise and happened upon our Patriotic crew.

Ironically, we brought  with us a magazine  to give to Zip, because the publisher asked to use one of my creative commons photos for an article on tailgating and I agreed.  It just so happened to be  a picture of him with two Buffalo fans adorned in 54 jerseys after last year’s Buffalo game, paying back a pregame wager over the outcome of the game. One of the fans in the photo was once again with us for the tailgate and was ecstatic to see herself in print. (No doubt, she looked just as nice in a Pats 54 this year at the post game tailgate too!)

Many of the crew headed in early to take in the Pregame 50th Celebrations and hoped to get some Tedy Time, who was  participating both in his role of ESPN NFL Analyst and All-Time Team Defensive Captain.  There certainly was excitement in the air and anticipation of opening the season at home against a division rival. (Unfortunately, the camera battery died mid-tailgate so there’s no photographic evidence on hand…)

The game started off flat, the half-time events drew thunderous applause, the PSAs that Zip, Quinn, and Karen filmed this summer played on the jumbotrons, and the Pats pulled off an incredible come from behind, last minute win to start the season off 1-0 .. such is life at Gillette!

While it was a day of celebration and excitement, it also came with mixed emotions as some of our group paid tribute and toasted a missing member of our crew who was lost during the offseason. Here’s to you, Harry, a dedicated Pats fan and friend…. Go Pats!!

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Season Opener: Buffalo Bills 09/14/09

We were just informed that we have lost one of our crew. Harry was a great addition to the group and will be sorely missed. He was quick to share a story, thought,  or laugh, as well as some mighty fine cigars… He was a great Pats fan and friend and will not be forgotten.

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Great Loss :(

What a wonderful way to end the 2008 regular season of tailgating!  Snow started on Friday, 12/19 and continued right on through to Sunday. The forecasters predicted a switch to rain and we were lucky that it held off until the 2nd half of the game. Therefore, we enjoyed a nice snowy tailgate... perfect for any Pats fan!

We met up at our usual spot and knew it was a go since Mike scouted out both Wicked and Lot51 on Saturday to be sure. Our caravan of  a dozen or so cars had no problem setting up in our favorite spot along the fence and thanks to double cinder blocks, the tents were just fine. We had  plenty of room since it was a “stand up” tailgate with nobody sitting and folks bringing the bare minimum in terms of supplies.

It was a mostly male tailgate with regulars Robin, Robin & Laureen taking a pass this week. There were, however, plenty of Santa hats in the house!  I crafted a cute mascot, Tedy (of course) to join in the fun and bring some extra special mojo.

Food was aplenty as usual, although both Al and I barely ate, having stuffed ourselves the night before when we got together with our friends for a holiday get together. Naturally, there were huge vats of Jambalaya and chili, grills full of a variety of meats, Geoff’s asparagus, and breakfast food galore. Ice cold beers were on tap but I opted instead for coffee and hot cider with rum.

Since the weather was a mess, Quinn stayed home in NH and Jose and Chris Woods helped on with guide duties. I took my turn as well during the tailgate and shuffled along in the snow.

The tailgate seemed to last for a record number of hours and was quite mellow. I inserted some footwarmers but they really didn’t kick in until after got home but it really wasn’t that cold and was bearable.   Expecting some wicked weather before the end of the game, everyone broke down the tents and tailgate before heading in to the stadium.

After our toasts and pictures, everyone geared up with extra layers and rain gear willing the snow to continue in lieu of the predicted wind and rain. Al and I headed up to our seats and made the long trek in boots up the ramps in the snow. It was snowing steadily for the first half but unfortunately many of the folks in the section were more concerned with throwing snowballs than watching the game. Of course, the Pats were crushing and it was in hand early so the mood was light. (There were plenty of opportunities for Snow Fireworks thanks to lots of points wracking up on the scoreboard.)

By halftime, the freezing rain started and we were very thankful that we brought our ponchos. It was great to see Johnny “Noiseman” Monaco and his dad receive the Fan of the Year award on the Jumbotron and it was well deserved!

Pats ended up crushing 47-7 and the Jets lost but unfortunately, the Dolphins also won so it all comes down to the final game of the season. We need to win and the Jets need to beat the Fins on Sunday, then the division is ours!

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Cardinals: Let it Snow!

Just when we thought we had the lots figured out, they pulled a fast one on us for the Steelers game. We rendezvoused in the rain at Wicked and with a 4:15 kickoff, figured the lots would open at 11:30. When we arrived, they had already been open since 11:00 so we were forced to park in one of the middle rows. It was clear that the supervisor in the golf cart  wasn’t on duty either since there were many empty spots between cars along the perimeter which is a definite no-no. (As a rule, we’re strictly prohibited from even saving a single space for friends running late.)

Since we were in a regular row, cars were parked back to front so we didn’t have enough room to set up all of the tents and ended up with folks between us. Thankfully, they offered to switch spots with us so we could abut the rest of our crew.  They did however, have a wood fire burning which poured smoke into our tent and burned our eyes until we put up some walls.

Despite the continual rain and chilled conditions, we made the best of it and enjoyed great company, Patriotic comradeship,  and lots of food and drink. Zip wisely arranged for The Mighty One to stay in the car during the game with Amy since the cold rain never let up.  Vincent from Montreal made his way over as did  Miguel and Nancy and Ed Bryant.  It was a smallish crew this week with regulars, Zip, Monty, Mike, Mark, The Cardozas, Robin, Darren (with Madelyn), Karen & Don and Robin & Geoff with respective guests rounding out the crew.

Culinary highlights included Geoff’s mussels, Al’s swordfish, my Chili, Zip’s Jambalaya and every grilled meat known to man. Bruschi Brews were flowing and Karen’s hot rum cider was welcome on a damp, chilly day. Dave’s dad’s birthday cake was an added sweet treat. Due to our setup and the pouring rain outside, we weren’t able to get a group picture in and it was best to keep the cameras dry and under wraps for the majority of the tailgate and game.

Unfortunately, the game proved to be as messy as the weather and the Pats dropped one to the Steelers 33-10 before heading out for back to back west coast games.

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Soggy Steelers Showdown 11/30/08

Jets Crew

The most anticipated game of the AFC east race and classic rivalry in prime time was circled on the calendar for most Pats fans for quite some time. The forecast called for torential downpours so the Razor’s Edgers came well prepared with raingear, tent walls and changes of clothes. Fortunately, the rain that was horrific during the day tapered off almost as soon as we got there.

Mike came equipped with his Jets dummy and Zip proved once again that there is doubt in his inability to see..hehe…!  We had quite the extended tent city once again despite the absence of some regulars.  Darren set up under our digs and Robin jumped in as well. Zip’s guest was tailgate vet, Bino who brought along some family made wine and an ancient Zip email, which accompanied the Razors Edge wine that Zip brought along as well.

Barry and Denice of the Orange County Pats Fan club and the PatsTG yahoo group fame made it up for the game and took in the sights as well as some quality tailgate time. It’s always nice to see them and we attended their tailgate in San Diego in  October.  Angie joined in the fun, bringing along her cousin. Of course, Bren was in town with Theresa and some other Jets fans who ended up next to us. They had previously come down and joined our crew a few years back in P2 (in the pouring rain along with Sean of Jets Insider.  Making an appearance to hang with them was Patriot Nation’s Yer Ol Pal,  Fitzy.  We got a chance to talk for a little bit and he graciously posed for pictures with all who asked.

Robin brought some kickin chocolate tequila and the shots went round to ward off the chill and to propose numerous toasts. Of course, my chili pot was on the stove and there was every kind of meat imaginable going round. Naturally,  there was too much food and drink, but what else is new?  Some of Al’s buddies had a fire going and Jeff attended despite the fact that his team, the Dolphins would be playing the Pats the following weekend in Miami. The Planeteers popped over to visit, making the walk over from P10S.

Come gametime, the skies looked really promising and we felt confident that we would be dry for the duration. The first half was rough then Troy Brown was honored at half-time as promised.  The Pats made an incredible comeback from a 24-6 deficit and fought hard only to tie it up and end up losing by a FG in overtime. It was a very exciting game and one that would linger 10 days until the next tilt in Miami on the following Sunday.

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Pats vs. Jets: Old friends and new 11/13/08

When our friends Ernie and Kelly chose Buffalo as their game to fly East to watch at Gillette, we had it circled on our calendars since before the season. Who knew that the AFCE would be so tight and that we would be taking on the Bills in a 3 way tie for first place. The weekend was perfect, starting with a specialty Sushi  dinner at Ten made by our favorite Sushi chef, Nino.

On game day, they arrived at our house ON TIME… (someone has really turned over a new leaf since meeting Kelly!) and we headed out to our rendezvous at 7:30 AM. Big Al said that he heard that it would be in the 60’s on game day so I took that for gospel. When we reached Wicked, I teased Bren about how bundled up she was but she actually was the smart one!

We once again were able to procure our usual spot and our tailgate actually extended 80 feet this week. Before long, however, we needed to take the tents down because of the strong wind whipping across the lot. It actually lifted the tents despite the use of cinderblocks. Since it was so chilly, taking them down allowed us to take advantage of the sun which was welcome on the cold day. Thankfully, we had some extra Bruschi Backer sweatshirts handy which added an extra layer.

Although the tents (and banner) weren’t up and it made it more difficult for people to find us, Peg and Joephoto were able to locate us which was great. She came with  a couple of friends and tailgate virgins who had a great time and had a lot of laughs.

Regulars were all in the house and Mike brought along a Bills punching bag which got quite a workout. Guests this week included Dave of Good, Bad & Ugly fame, Wicked Pissah Phil, and new friend Joel who ended up in the middle of our group last week.

Staples like my buffalo chili, Zip’s jambalaya, Al’s swordfish and little necks, Monty’s assortment of grilled meats, Mark’s pancakes, Robin’s asparagus and a huge variety of breakfast foods meant that as usual, we all ate too much. Bren even kicked in with some venison stew which was reportedly tender and awesome.

Everyone had a great time at the tailgate and the boys came through and beat the Bills 20-10 insuring that post game champagne was a given as was the payback of “the wager”.

We enjoyed a relaxing post game tailgate and geared up to be back in 4 days for the battle of first place against the Jets on Thursday night.

sporting our new reversible pats hats

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Pats vs. Bills 11/09/08

Contrary to the late Monday night tailgate of the prior week, the Razor’s Edgers were out in full force for the Sunday at 1:00 tilt against the Rams. An extensive crew met up at Wicked and as usual, departed for P10N at 8:25 AM. Unfortunately, the parking gurus decided to go against the norm and open 15 minutes later and we were forced to caravan down RT1 south and turn around a few miles down the road to head back north.  En route, we picked up Robin and Harry who were just ready to jump in line as we did another turnaround to head south again to the lot.  Luckily, there were still some spots open along the perimeter so we set up our tents in a row and were up and running by 9:00.

Despite missing regulars Darren, Monty,  and Laureen & Larry,  we still had quite a large crew. Bama was up for the game and brought  Judy along for the tailgate and to meet the crew. She certainly fit right in and made fast friends with not only our group but the couple that set up next to us as well. Robin and Geoff’s seatmates also set up nearby so they bopped back and forth between the sites.

We started off the morning with mimosas, mulitgrain bagels with lox, a variety of donuts, and breakfast burritos then quickly moved on to burgers, Al’s swordfish, lots of chicken and steak tips, dogs, keilbasa, chourico,  my chili, Zip’s jambalaya, Geoff’s smoked ribs, Karen’s shrimp, and tons of snack foods. 

Steve was in town once again and was feeling a bit under the weather as was Sam Wells who was up for the game with his brother Bob. We were hoping for a visit from our friends The Paxtons, but it never worked out since our new location is quite a hike from their parking lot.

As the day wore on, the morning chill was replaced with afternoon sunshine and by game time it was actually pretty hot!  Kelsea’s camera had a weird error and stopped working so we didn’t get many pictures but thankfully, Mark’s daughter forwarded the group shot and a few others over to me.

Ed Bryant was off the hook from his usual song duty because veteran tailgate crooner,  Web, was Zip’s guest and did the honors this week. Constants such as Harry’s cigars, Bruschi Brews, Jello shots, Jim’s Hockey Stick shot offerings and patriotic conversation and camaraderie once again insured a stellar time.

Come game time, we made the trek and it was quickly apparent that I was overdressed and wished I had left a few layers behind. Much to Al’s delight, the cheerleaders were decked out in Halloween costumes and he remembered his binoculars.   The game was exciting and reminded me of games of old where it actually came down to the final seconds before completely exhaling.

Post-game, we lounged out, sparked up the grill once again and toasted our boys on the win, savoring that one for a bit before moving on to Indy next.

Complete Rams Tailgate Album (at least we got a few before the camera died!)

Web’s Song

Sung to the tune of Willie Nelson’s “On the road again”

Beat the Rams again

Just can’t wait till we beat the Rams again

The life I love is watchin’ football with my friends

And I can’t wait till we beat the Rams again

Beat the Rams again

Goin’ crazy cause we’re up by ten

Seein’ plays that I may never see again,

And I can’t wait till we beat the Rams again.

Beat the Rams again

Like a band of gypsies we meet at the tailgate

We’re the best of fans

Insisting that the Pats keep winning our way

And our way

Is beat the Rams again

Just can’t wait till we beat the Rams again

The life I love is watchin’ football with my friends

And I can’t wait till we beat the Rams again.

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Rams: October Sunday at 1:00 :-)

Coming off a devasting Chargers loss (but awesome trip out west), and still feeling jet lagged and under the weather, I dragged myself out of my sick bed to meet up with the small Monday night crew. (My little man was on stand by and had he arrived home in time, would have taken my place but since he didn’t I hastily got ready and accompanied Big Al so he didn’t have to go it alone.)

We met up at our usual rendezvous spot and the made our way to P10, Lot 51,  without incident and set up along the perimeter in our usual spot. Since it was a week night and many folks had to work, the crew was smaller and it almost resembled a preseason tailgate.  That of course meant lots more time to actually sit and converse.  Regulars Karen & Don, Darren, Mike, Mark and The Cardozas joined Zip and Monty, who were together this time around.

Some of Al’s co-workers joined us and Steve was here from CA taking in his 3rd straight game as well, having gone to the 49ers and spending time with us in San Diego the week before. As a former New Englander hailing from a Portuguese town in MA, Al usually includes some chourico, tremocos, linguica, and steamers on the menu when he’s in town.  Steve enjoyed them as did everyone else who dug in. My chili made it’s inaugural appearance as well.

Zip gave his requisite toast with jello shots and Den from NE Player Promotions stopped by with his girl, insuring that there was at least one more female besides the two Karens at the tailgate. After taking our group photo, securing all of our stuff and Ed’s song (below) we headed in to the game. The boys came out having a ball and firing on all cylinders making us soon forget the debacle the week before.

We left with smiles and looking forward to the following week’s game time of Sunday @ 1:00.

Complete Broncos Album here.

Your Fastball

Jagger, Richard, and Bryant

October 20, 2008

Well, I told you once and I told you twice,

But you never listen to my advice!

You played pretty well at Vandy,

But you really should lay off the candy!

Well, this could be your fastball,

Jay, throw me your fastball,

Maybe I’ll catch it, I hope so!

Well, a sorry mess sits on your tray,

Any sugar goes in, you know it stays.

Too much candy, too much sweets,

That’s why you got dia-beats!

Well, this could be your fastball,

Jay, throw me your fastball,

Maybe I’ll catch it, I hope so!

Well, I told you once and I told you twice,

And I tell you: you’re no David Price!

Here’s a chance to claim you’re sick,

Before Deltha comes up with a pick!

Well, this could be your fastball,

Jay, throw me your fastball,

Maybe I’ll catch it, I hope so!

Fastball (be your fastball,),

Well, I don’t know,

Said a no no no,

Said a no no no, ….

(Repeat as needed, and then, fade out! )

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Corralling the Ponies on Monday Night

Ernie being Ernie picked us up at the SD Airport and unlike last time, wasn’t in “the bus”, instead opting for truck actually from this era!  Despite numerous trips up and down towards the beach in Del Ray we finally got it right and spotted the entrance to our hotel. (It would help if the driver actually wore his glasses so he could actually see where he was going!)  As usual, Bama was awaiting our arrival and was camped outside having a stogie having checked in earlier.   After grabbing a bite in the hotel lounge and hanging there for a little bit, I headed upstairs with the kids and while Al and Bama had their final smoke of the night.

I woke up at 2:00AM on Friday morning since my body clock was still on East Coast time and was set for my usual wake up call but I managed to toss and turn for a couple of hours before getting up and doing some yoga stretching and waiting for Al to get up and the gym to open at 6:00. We headed down and put in a good workout then hung with Bama a bit before  getting ready and heading out to breakfast and to the San Diego Zoo.  Big ups to the suggestion to try the Broken Yolk Cafe where we all had quite huge breakfasts with bottomless cups of coffee.

The Zoo was incredible and despite the fact that none of us are children, we all LOVED it!  We took the skytram across to begin and worked our way out towards the exit and covered the entire park. Talk about a workout!  I was very hilly and although the air was in 60’s it was hot in the sun after all of that walking. Kelsea took some great photos and  we actually picked a good day to go as we were told that it’s wall to wall people on the weekends and we likely wouldn’t have gotten that close. By far, the Cardozas are partial to the primates as we all got a kick out of watching various family units interacting that day.

Fellow mini-trekker, Steve arrived while we were out and then we all headed out to Trophies with Ernie and Kelly for dinner and to watch the Red Sox beat Tampa Bay 2-0 in game one of the ALCS.  It was a wise choice and once we finally got on the road (Ernie being Ernie!) we were all starving and were there right through the end of the game.  We headed back to the hotel and I headed up to bed to read, Al hung out with the boys and the kids hit the pool and spa, but I don’t even remember my head hitting the pillow and never heard anyone come in to go to bed.

We woke up early again on Saturday and once again hit the gym and made plans to go with Bama and Steve to the Broken Yoke so they could check it out as well. We had a bit of a wait (and went round and round looking for parking) so we knew it was much more crowded since it was the weekend. They loved it as much as we did and we hurried back to the hotel to await Ernie and Kelly’s 11:00 arrival to pick us up to visit a winery. Since Ernie was on Ernie time, (12:20) I managed to read quite a few chapters in the sun.

We headed out to Rancho Bernardo and visited Bernardo Winery. It was a beautiful early fall day and we looked in the little shops, did our wine tasting then bought a couple of bottles of merlot and drank one outside while munching on grapes, cheese and crackers. It was a beautiful, relaxing day and was just perfect. On the way there I remarked and marvelled more than once about how accommodating San Diego is to cyclists with bike lanes on most roads and even a special area along side the freeway separated by a fence for bikers to use to allow them a safe commute. I wish we had such amenities here… although I do realize that our climate isn’t as mild and that our infrastructure has been around for many more years. (At least we do have the Blackstone River Bikeway and East Bay Bikepath so we are ahead of many places, but it must be nice to be in a place that values cycling so much!) While we were out, the kids spent 3 1/2  hours hiking Torrey Hills State Reserve and raved about its beauty.

We expected the arrival of the Paxtons in the early afternoon but they changed their plans in order to time it closer to the team’s arrival time so we just hung out  and relaxed. I jumped online to check on public transportation and such, then  gave up the laptop to the kids while I read my book and grabbed a light dinner downstairs with Al, Steve and Bama.  Karyn and Lonie arrived late afternoon, followed shortly by the team. Tedy spotted Al, then me and said hello on his way to sit with family for a bit. We once again hung with our friends re-creating the infamous “Paxton Parlor” (a phrase coined during our jaunt to Jax for SB39) and broke out the second bottle of Merlot to share.  Tedy actually popped over to chat a bit on his way downstairs and I got a hug and wished him well. I don’t think he’d seen my kids since they were little and was probably amazed at how much they’ve grown!

Of course, I usually chat with the Pats media folks whenever I see them and ran into Fred Kirsch, Bryan Lowe and photographer David Silverman this time around. Jarvis Green stopped over to say hello and Bama was thrilled to see him as well as his ‘bama boy, Wesley Britt. Quite a few players signed for the ebay sharks holed up in a roped off section of the lobby on their way cutting through to grab a bite. Mr. Kraft came by with Al Michaels and he called him over to hear me repeat my comments about my feelings about The Hall at Patriot Place. Kelly got some signatures on her mini-helmet which made her night.

When the guys retired for their meetings and curfews, we continued to hang out in the lobby, chatting, and trying to determine the game plan for the following day then headed up. On Sunday morning, we hit the gym for the final time then Al, Jake and I headed over to the nature preserve so we could get a hike in before leaving. It was beautiful and I know I would have regretted it if I came home without doing it. We then ate at the hotel breakfast buffet, got ready to go and decided on taking the Green Line from Old Town. It turned out to be a great decision as it went off without a hitch and we hooked up with Barry and Denice and the PatsTG group just as they were setting up.

The tailgate was perfect, with plenty of good food, laughs, Patriotic comradary and fans from far and near. Al directed the infamous crew from Lincoln to our spot and they made the rounds in the lot riling folks up left and right. The Paxton’s extended crew joined us and arrived at just about the same time as Ernie and Kelly. I’m sure that the fans loved seeing and trying on Lonie’s superbowl rings, the most photographed rings on the team I’m sure!  I was great to see some west coast folks who we’ve hosted at the Razor’s Edge in the past as well! After exchanging numerous texts Kat and I finally hooked up and met in person after all these years!  It would have been nice to spend more time together but hopefully our first meeting won’t be our last. After taking a group photo, we headed into the stadium and took our seats. Bama and Jake sat together, Ernie, Kelly, Al and I sat together and Steve went solo. The boys took the field and unfortunately, it went downhill from there.   We suffered a horrible 30-10 loss but it’s only one game and we need to move on.

After the game, we waited for the crowds to thin out, grabbed one of the last trains out and only encountered one obnoxious (DRUNK) jerk enroute. Thankfully, Steve refrained from popping the idiot who picked the wrong Pats fan to harass!  We made it back to the hotel, sat by the fire for a little bit, then said our goodbyes and thank yous to Ernie, Kelly, and early departing Bama then headed up to bed.

We checked out on Monday morning, headed to the airport with Steve, took a shuttle ride with the kookiest driver known to man and got off at the wrong terminal. After lugging our baggage to the right one, we checked at USAir and realized that we had to pay $15 for each checked bag… (GRRRR!) then got on our flight and found out that we had to pay $2 for soda (GRRRR!).  What a contrast from the royalty treatment on Delta on the way down! Needless to say, USAir will not be getting my business in the future; not that I can’t afford to pay those charges but it’s just the point!  The only plus about the flight happened to be my seatmate, who ironically, grew up here and recognized my RI accent right off the bat. We spent the entire flight chatting about people and places that we know which made the cross country trek fly by.

All in all, it was a GREAT mini vacation and it was nice to actually do something besides just go to a game. The Zoo, Nature Reserve, Winery, spending time with family and old friends, and meeting new ones made it one to remember.

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San Diego Trek