Tailgate Traditions- What do you tell your kids?

Now that the fun is gone, what do you tell your kids? The Packers for the past 16 years were celebration of hope and joy. Recently they turned their back on one of their greatest players. What do you tell your kids? Why did McCarthy and Thompson do this to Favre? He threw 6 touchdowns this week for the Jets. Rodgers threw 3 interceptions and left the game injured. We were left with a rookie who basically lost the game. We were winning at the time, we went backwards, punted and with a short field, the Bucs kicked a field goal to move ahead with only minutes left.

Will the Packers win another game this season? It sure doesn't look like it.

Tailgate Traditions- Something is missing.

Now that the Packers have lost to Dallas and Favre was on Monday Night Football without the Packers, there is definitely something missing. It is hard to watch #4 without some melancholy and regret over our football fortunes.

Would the outcome had been different against Dallas? Who knows, but it passed without the sense or hope of heroics, or feeling like next time we'll get them at home..... Rodgers is good, better than I expected, but we are a ways off......and it wasn't as much fun as it used to be....even in defeat.

Tailgate Traditions- One mind is scary

One of the scary things about Lambeau Field is that it is a gathering of one mind.  When you have so many people that think the same, want the same result, and are at an emotional peak there is a strange power(I didn't want to mention that a few of these people may have had too much to drink too).  

You understand the Roman Empire a little better, you understand Fascism or revolution a little better.  It is easy to get caught up in the feeling.  Now if only we could channel this energy in other ways....  

In the mean time, we need to beat the Cowboys.

Tailgate Traditions- Lambeau Field and the fountain of youth!

So how about this one?  The Packers have a pretty good team and when you come to the game, you find the fountain of youth. 

 It is not really a fountain, but it is a young man's game played in an amphitheater and when you enjoy it with relatives,(and 70,000 other cheese heads) you feel young at heart, and it brings back your own youth.  You make the catch, score the touchdown, or at least help the ref make the right call.  It all comes back to feeling emotions like a kid, and that brings you to the fountain.  Totally irrational fun.

We were used to a player at quarterback for the past 16 years who played with joy of youth.  He helped us feel good and we were emotional about his exit from the team. 

 But now, we have another team and another feeling.

Tailgate Traditions- More 2008 Opener!

The Opener brought out the best in the Packers and the best in some of our tailgate comrades.  Here is a shot of Bob and his buddies with their new hats.   Who says cheese heads aren't the latest in high fashion?  We stopped on the way home for some cheese curds and they were "squeaky good". 

 Julia is teaching Joe a little bit about Packer Pride.    "I can take you with my eyes closed..."

Sherri is welcoming Erin and Joe to their first tailgate.  It was like being in a dream.  They went to sleep in California or Colorado and woke up in funny clothes with a brat and a beer and were surrounded by the Packer faithful......

Tailgate Traditions- The 2008 Opener!

The opener is always special.  This year we were joined by Sally, John, Erin and Joe(as far away as Colorado and California).   It was great to catch up a little bit with extended family.

Some of the regulars were missing.   Our Joe and Mike didn't get there yet, and Gail had to work if you can believe it.  I thought all businesses in Green Bay shut down on game day.  The fab four is an incomplete picture too, but still worthy. 

 Bob had ribs and brats going on the grill and I had the chicken already done.   He had another 7 or 8 guys still coming. 

There is so much excitement and good will on the opening day- win or lose- it is always fun.  Of course we like to win and we saw the great debut of Aaron Rodgers.  He played like a veteran and the defense came up big.

Tailgate Traditions- Rev it up for the opener!

Well, let the wild rumpus begin......

Under the lights, Lambeau Field, Aaron Rodgers first night, the Vikings..... bring it on.....    Certain things in life can and should be celebrated.... like the Packer 2008 opener.  Ancient rituals, secret potions, war cries, thundering footsteps, gladiator battles,  blood, all these make up opening night when you are lucky enough to be there.  Our first opener was in 1991 when Reggie was on the Eagles and Don Majkowski was at the helm.  The final score was 20-3 and Majik was hammered- but we did see a great receiver named Sterling Sharpe and a fraud named Tony Mandarich.