Pigskin and Tiaras

Well, as fate would have it, I am set to attend my alma matter's football game tonight.

Imagine my delight.

Now, we only have to stay until half-time is over, so that is good.

And it is for a good reason.

New Lebanon has what one could call a "first family" of sorts. Not for $$ mind you, but for being a wonderful well loved family. I don't know what kind of work Truman did before he retired, but he was heavily involved in the school, and the town, and well loved by everyone.

It doesn't hurt that he is gorgeous. Even in his late 70's/early 80's. Head of thick rich, now grey and silver hair, and the most beautiful blue eyes and a soul that radiates warmth and love.

His wife, Norma, was the Postmaster for New Lebanon, and is equally well loved and known by all.

One of their sons, Bruce, lost his battle with cancer about a month ago. Bruce was a legendary figure in the high school band. He attended the Music Conserevatory at Univ of Cincinnati and became a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. He was about 10 years older than me.

The school is holding a tribute to him at half-time at the football game tonight.

My sister used to date his brother back in high school.

Mom wants to go to the game for the tribute.

In looking for the time of the game, I discover that it is the Homecoming Game.

Nice.

Football Fridays are bad enough, but Homecoming adds a whole new level to the situation. Attendance will be high, and kids will be extra hyped up - except the stoners and they will be extra stoned under the bleachers.

So, we are playing Waynesville (famous --locally anyway--for their Saurkraut Festival).

Dixie has won all 5 games they have played this season, and all except one was by a wide margin. Waynesville has won 4 out of 5 games, so the match should be good, and attendance will be even higher because Dixie has won all their games so far...

Well, when I was 17 I was happy to go to the games and kick back wide-mouth Mickies that we bought at the drive thru in Drexel - a drive thru that would sell alcohol to anyone with a pulse, regardless of age. Of course, one must remember that in Ohio when I was a teen, you could buy 3.2 beer legally at 18, so selling it to 16 and 17 year olds was not a stretch. Stupid, yes.

No, I do not know how wide-mouth Mickies became the beer of choice, but it was.

So, Friday in Ohio will consist of attending my great-niece's 10th birthday party and then bolting to the high school for the football game, sans wide-mouth Mickies and this time I'll be in the bleachers instead of under, behind or no where near the football field.

There is a new high school building they built in the last few years, and a new elementary school.

The old elementary and middle schools were destroyed. My high school building in now middle school, and the new elementary looks like a juvenile detention center. no kidding...



Many moons ago the high school was opened up during Homecoming so the alumni could come in and relive their "glory years" (thank goodness my life did not stop after high school...) so, if the new one is opened up tonight, I may just go take a tour and check it out even though I have never been there before.

We are attempting to adjust to life without Tashi. Our routines are a mess. When I call the boys with the dog whistle, often Jaz will sit and watch the IF for Tashi. Snuggie just roamed around checking Tashi's hiding spots over and over. Bedtime is a mess and chaotic. Jaz and Snuggie still fight but sometimes Snuggie lets Jaz groom him and sometimes Jaz will play with Snuggie without pulling alpha male attitude. Tashi left a gaping hole in our lives.

The good news is that I am now to the point to where I can see him in my mind. I cannot yet recall his little voice, but it will come in time.

catch up with you all later.