Grey Cup 2012

I tend to not make game predictions.  When I feel positive about something it tends to be jinxed.  What I know for sure is that I like Ricky Ray and the Argonauts more than the Stampeders.  How can I side with a team that let's players moon football spectators and let's them tweet crazy stuff without so much as a slap on the wrist?

This is the 100th Grey Cup.  I did a little research yesterday and the very first Grey Cup was won by a Toronto team.  The Varsity Blues they were called.  The trouble is that the two teams in that first Grey Cup were both Toronto teams.  I also think it's a little funny that the Grey Cup was donated by someone who thought it was going to be a hockey trophy.  The ultimate DOH!  I'm sure Lord Grey would be very pleased to know that his trophy is now one of the most coveted awards in Canada.

I'm very happy to celebrate the 100th Grey Cup even though my Riders aren't playing in it.  Because of all the hullabaloo over this 100th anniversary I was able to go out to see the Grey Cup Train when it rolled into the Bridge City.  I still can't really believe I did that all by myself.  It was my experience.  I finally met George Reed, Kory Sheets showed me how to use my iPod to take pictures and I bonded with other rabid football fans while waiting 2 hours to see the train.  Yes, I even caught a glimpse of the RCMP carrying the Grey Cup.  That is always a powerful sight.

The Queen has sent her respects for the 100th Grey Cup game.  I secretly believe she's a Rider fan.  How could she not?  They are Canada's team.

There will be winners and losers in Sunday's game.  Getting to the big game is a huge accomplishment and I hope whoever comes in 2nd place cherishes the ability to just be there.  There will be heart break.  I know that.  As a long suffering Rider fan.....man, do I know that!  It will be fun to watch a game where I don't really have to care all that much!

Next year, 2013, the 101st Grey Cup will be held at Mosiac Stadium the home of my Saskatchewan Roughriders.  That will be our time.  One time to shine.

Friday Rider Withdrawl Support Blog

I am having a hard time believing that the Rider football season is over.  Oh sure, there are still some CFL games to be played and the 100th Grey Cup and all.....but, meh, they don't really mean the same without the Riders there.  The players have cleaned out their lockers and headed home.  The coach and GM have said their season ending thoughts and all we're left with is the hopes the free agents are resigned before someone else decided to pick them up.

I'm sure I had a life before training camp started.  Right?  I mean, what did I do before then?  I think I might have read books and watched tv.  Still, I've suddenly found myself with a free weekend and a closet full of colours I haven't worn in ages.

I used to wear other colours besides green.

Didn't I?

Before I dive head long into Christmas and tackle all the decking of halls and fa-la-la-ing I've put together a little montage video for us to recall with delight the first three games of the 2012 season.  Three glorious games where we blew away Hamilton, Edmonton and BC and were wowed by Trismo Jackson for returning McCallum's missed field goal.

Enjoy :)

Horse Hunting.....er, Tailgating Recipe

I watched the Marilyn Dennis show the other day and they had advertised that they were featuring Grey Cup 100 recipes.  Well, I was really disappointed.  The segment was really short and consisted of Deep Fried Olives and some sort of roll up tortilla type things.  They might have tasted good and been fun for a fancy party but c'mon, really?  Most of us are going to be dining on UnDresslers and Pilsner.

A few years back I found a good sandwich recipe.  It's from the tailgating section of a recipe website called Razzle Dazzle Recipes.  It serves 6 hungry armchair quarterbacks.

Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup apple butter [I bought mine at Bulk Barn but if you can't find it reduce some apple sauce, it works just as good]
1/4 cup dijon mustard
12 oz or 6 thick slices of deli roast pork [I'm thinking pastrami this year]
4 oz or 6 thin slices swiss cheese [but I'm thinking provolone this year]
1 loaf soft white Itallian bread.  [maybe Villagio because those tv commercials are so appealing]

Instructions
Heat butter in a large skillet.  Add onions and thyme.  Cook, stirring frequently until onions are a dark golden brown.  Add vinegar.  Let simmer to reduce.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Mix apple butter and dijon mustard in a small bowl.  Set aside.

Half the bread lengthwise and pinch out crumbs to create an indentation for fillings.  Leave a bit of a border so the fillings don't spill out.  Spread mustard/apple butter mixture over each bread trough.  Arrange 3 slices of pork on each half.  Spoon the carmelized onions over the pork on each half.  Top with 3 slices of cheese on each half.  Place top over bottom.

I always squish my sandwiches or sammies as Rachael Rays says, because they just taste better squished.

Cut the sammie into 6 equal portions and serve.

YUM-O!