Today was the hottest day in the Swamp (on record-according to the announcers) and I mean REAL temperature heat. We can attest to it because we were there: Gate 1, Section 4, Row 10, Seats 3,4,5,6 (with seat backs). These were GREAT tickets John came up with and aside from the SCORCHING heat...it was the perfect spot to be. Even with a GREAT location, there was NO breeze in the Swamp today, every pore in my body was producing sweat, the guy in front of me dripped sweat on my toes AND we didn't even think to bring sunscreen. The COLD water was non-existent, so within the first quarter of the game we had finished 3 Gatorades between me, Dad and Mom (John was having soda with extra ice)!
The Bulls scored right off the bat. WEW...I was wondering why on earth we were subjecting ourselves to this melting heat with Nonnie and Pop while Grandma and Grandpa were home with the Fledglings (THANK YOU) watching it on the great big screen in the shade and air conditioning of our ultra-comfy home. Oh yeah- we went with my parents because the Gators were playing the USF Bulls! Nonnie not only got her undergrad and grad degrees from USF, she is currently their Senior Director of Undergraduate Affairs...so when she found out that USF and UF would be playing in the Swamp she asked us to get tickets.
Before the game we did a little tailgating at the Domenech's, ran into the Smyders and hooked up with a great friend from West Palm: Pat Cousins and his boys Julian and Justis. It was so nice to be like-a-kid today, instead of responsible for our four kids! We certainly weren't as crazy as the majority of the college population at the game festivities...but we laughed and mingled with friends and had a non-responsible-for-others relaxing time. Plus just something about walking around screaming GOOOO GAAATTTOOOOORRRRSSS that gets you pumped up and energized! (love being a part of the Gator Nation)
First possession of the ball the Bulls steadily marched down the field and scored. It took a while for the Gators to get it together and at half-time the score was tied 7-7. At half-time we decided to leave because over-heating was closely at hand. ALL of the sudden I couldn't decide if I was going the throw up or pass out (and there was NO intoxication involved)!!! Mom didn't feel to good either and ALL of us were SOAKING wet. So my parents and I headed home while John headed back to the tailgate to reconnect with Pat and the boys. We had a quick stop at Dairy Queen while John enjoyed the end of the game under a tent with a fan, a cold drink, and the company of friends we don't get to see nearly enough.
After the game was over John hitched a ride home with Pat and then showed them around our new digs. Ashlyn Grace was SO excited to meet our new Cousins! I told her a VERY GOOD friend that Daddy went to college with was coming over with his two sons and his name was Pat Cousins....to which she responded- "Are these cousins of mine big or small cousins?" I tried to clarify that they are not our Cousins, it is there last name....like our last name is Fleming." But during their too-short visit she kept asking me questions about her "Cousin in the orange and blue shirt, or her new Cousins"...it was precious! Upon arrival, Ashlyn Grace took her "two new Cousins" Julian and Justis (both in high school) on a guided tour while the two Dads looked around at a slower pace. Thank you guys for being so tolerant and gracious...PLEASE COME BACK SOON DEAR COUSINS (and bring the whole family with you)!!!
Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the opportunity to have free-time! And Thank You Nonnie and Pop, Domenechs, and Cousins for a fun adult outing/game day. The final score was UF 38, USF 14....it's Great To Be a Florida Gator!
9 years ago
