My First CFL Game

"Write about your very first CFL game", he said.

"It was Calgary.  Darian spent the game looking at the sky.  The end."  I said.

Ok.  So maybe it wasn't quit like that but it sure seemed a lot like that.

Picture it.  The year was 2010 and we had decided to go on a road trip to Calgary.  Hubby lived there for a while and jumped at the chance to see his old 'stomping grounds'.  

Here is a major issue.  It was 2010 July 24th to be exact and even though that was only 10 years ago I didn't have a smart phone and if I took pictures they aren't on any computer I own now.  I have zero proof of this trip.  I'm sure there's a USB stick somewhere I haven't checked...

We had borrowed my dad's GPS which took us on a tour of Acme Alberta.  I'll never forget.  This is the point at which we realized the GPS was of no use to us at all.  The highway goes straight passed Acme but the GPS decided we should drive through it instead.

* face palm *

Just outside Calgary the sky grew very dark and before you knew it us and all other traffic was pulled into ditches as hellish hail plummeted around us.  My car was fairly new.  I don't know how it came out unscathed but it did.  Cars in Calgary didn't fair as well.  The car lots located near our hotel and McMahon Stadium had giant dents in them.

We spent the week taking in all the sights of Calgree - we went to the zoo where my favourite attraction was the dinosaurs and not actual animals.  We went shopping because stores like Sephora weren't in Saskatchewan yet. We ate at Big T's. One thing was apparent, Rider fans wore their colours everywhere which seemed to bewilder Calgarians because we were asked everywhere we went if there was a game or something.

We stayed in a hotel across the street from McMahon stadium and we had really only booked for 3 days so when we went to extend our stay there were no rooms available however the staff said they'd work something out.  We were upgraded to a suite.  Wow,  and at no additional charge to us.  There was a continental breakfast and every morning Hubby would go down and return with waffles or "wobbles" as we've since coined them.  You see the machine to make them had to be rotated hence the wobbling part.  It's weird how some things stick with you.

So here's the thing.  I really had no idea that tail gating was a real thing.  I hadn't given it much thought.  I guess I figured it was something you saw on tv because...well, tv.  So when we treaded over the walkway to McMahon Stadium and I saw what was going on I was flabbergasted...shocked...amazed...thrilled.

It was a super hot cloudless day.  It was so hot in the stands that the fellow sitting in the next row with all the body paint gradually sweating down his body had to leave and shower.  I don't remember the score but the Riders lost.  Darian did indeed get sacked a lot.  There was no relief.  That was until a miniscule cloud floated over the stadium and for a few brief seconds we were shaded.  We trudged back over the pedestrian walk way.

But wait there was evidence.  I've found a very bad video which I had posted on my old youtube channel. Here it is with brand new commentary...

The Drive Home

For those who don't know, I live in Saskatoon and am a Saskatchewan Roughrider season ticket holder.  This means that we drive 3 hours to every home game as well as 3 hours return trip.  Lot's of fans drive farther.  The drive to the game is usually filled with nervous anticipation, strategy talk and excitement.  The drive home? Well, it varies depending on how the game went.  One thing that is for certain - 3 hours gives you a long time to think especially after a loss.

Let's start with the Riders Offensive Line.  Every play the line back pedals and while that is expected a certain amount that leaves next to nothing for a pocket for the quarterback.  I don't know what the problem is here.  Are they under sized?  Are they old?  Are they not athletic enough?  Are they not smart enough?  I've heard fans say that their performance was better in the last few games but this is a problem that plagues us and this Roughriders team and has for several seasons now.  It doesn't matter who the quarterback is - they need to protect and if they don't no QB will be productive.  People also talk about whether the O Line knows what the QB is doing or not and that's why plays collapse but to me they should be able to do their jobs and do them well regardless of who is standing in the pocket.  Once I saw a Calgary defender drive Thad Coleman into Brandon Bridge.  I'm not laying blame and certainly the Stamps deserve credit, but should it be that easy?  Every team knows that all you have to do is apply a little bit of pressure and the O Line collapses faster than a flip up tent from Canadian Tire.  Brendan LaBatte was the unsung hero in Week 6 but the man can't do it alone.  This team needs improvement on the line first and foremost.

We all know that since Week 2 when Zach Collaros was taken out of the game due to concussion the Roughriders have had to go with back ups Brandon Bridge and David Watford.  There's been the carousel much to the chagrin of Riders media, which also worked effectively by the way.  Brandon Bridge himself is a curious subject.  He has such tremendous arm strength but to me he's a bit like Bam Bam from the Flintstones because he doesn't realize the strength he possesses.  Sure he can over throw a missile down field but then he also launches missiles when attempting screen passes.  When I re-watched Saturday's game ( I know I'm a glutton for punishment) I again noticed the mechanics of a Bridge throw.  It's awkward, he releases and there's no follow through.  I wonder if this is something that is being worked on with his Quarterback Coach?  Now, if you are a receiver how do you catch balls throw in this fashion?  They more often than not go through the hands and hit you in the chest with great force.  We often say things like "the receiver should have had that" but are they actually catch-able balls?  So I've thought long and hard (about 2 hours worth of driving) that the coaches are trying to teach him how to adjust his throwing pressure.  They are only giving him plays in which he can succeed.  He will keep getting these plays until he learns them.  I'm sure it's a similar situation for Watford however this is his first year in the CFL and less would be expected from him whereas Bridge has been in the league 4 seasons now.  

On this same subject, I was trying to relate the situation to something in my own life.  I am a piano teacher of students aged 4 - 84.  Every student walks in wanting to play Fur Elise by Beethoven.  It's not going to happen at least for 3 years.  I have to teach and instruct in layers of knowledge and give songs and pieces which gets them to the next level so eventually they can play the things they want.  When they don't accomplish the skill, they get asked to do it over and over again until they can prove to me they know it.  This also describes the Roughriders offense.  They can't play Moonlight Sonata yet because they haven't learned how to perform Alouette, Gentille Alouette.

We're an hour away from home and now I'm thinking about the O Line and Quarterback combined.  The play is off...you're trying to make the read...your O Line is collapsing...dump the ball off.  Ball security is of number one priority so the next play instead of throwing you're going to relieve some pressure and hand off to your running back.  Maybe you have to do that several times because things are just moving so fast your can't go through your progressions.  Do you run?  Do you force a play?  The crowd is booing the decisions.  It's gotten really messy really quickly.  You can't execute the plays because everything is moving so fast.  Some points you just have to run to try to make something happen.  It's not good.  Not good at all.  

We usually arrive home by 1am after a 7pm game.  It's exhausting and all my thoughts continue to roll around in my head all night long.  I know we are all frustrated with the production of the offense on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and I also know that the coaches are doing everything they can as well.  Rider fans are known for extreme emotions and often it's polarizing.  "Plan the parade" or "Fire Jones".  None of us are very rational during trying times but I personally try to be logical.  We did lose against the number one CFL team.  The Calgary Stampeders were indeed the best team in the league going into the game being 6 - 0 now 7 - 0.  What did we think was going to happen?  I actually thought the game was going to be far worse! If we take away the fumbles in the first quarter the Riders are right there competing for the win.  I know we can't change how that quarter played out but we can give the team total credit for not giving up.  The Riders did have momentum going into the second half and they kept chipping away at the deficit.  

Today, Zach Collaros was able to practice and whether he'll be playing in Thursday's game against the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium is another question but these are mine...  Can our Offensive Line protect him?  Can Zach get time in the pocket?  Can they pass protect AND run block?  Can our offense execute plays competently enough to put us/the Riders in a position to win? 

The devastating news of the day was the release and criminal charges of Jerome Messam.  This is so upsetting, shocking and disappointing.  I'm not going to go into detail because the news can be found everywhere on the internet as well as the ABC Rider Fans Facebook page.  The Roughriders aren't commenting and that's fine with me.  With the charge being voyeurism I've decided I don't want to know further details.  

The bright spot for Monday was that the Riders signed streaker tackler Marcell Young, that Nick Marshall was practicing and that Duron Carter was back on offense.  We will all have to tune in to the game on Thursday to see how these changes shake out.  This will be the Riders 4th Thursday night game for those keeping track.  Edmonton is often a difficult city for our Riders to play in.  I'm hoping for a competitive game.

As always, and in spite of everything - Go Riders.

Life, Football & CFL Family

View from the CN Tower

Two months ago around this time I was getting ready to fly off to Toronto not only for a football game but for my husband's eye surgery. It was cheaper to fly out of Saskatoon on a Saturday so it was a big perk that my Saskatchewan Roughriders were playing the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field October 15^th. This is my story of life, football and the CFL family.

Hubby, who mostly prefers to remain anonymous on my blog and social media, was born with pupils which were formed more tear drop shaped instead of round. This distorted his vision in his one good eye as the sight was lost in the other. At some time a cataract formed distorting and discolouring everything. To complicate the situation Hubby has glaucoma and fewer tendons than you or I. He was referred to Dr Ike Ahmed in Mississauga who we were told “is a rockstar” and could do surgery to correct the pupil, remove the cataract and do a procedure to eliminate the glaucoma. Dr. Ahmed grew up in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. He said he knew our case was special because of where we were from. Surgery was booked for October 19 and Hubby and I flew off on October 15^th.

Hubby outside BMO Field

We arrived in the 6ix with plenty of extra time. We rented a Volkswagon Jetta and drove to BMO Field. I was amazed at the parking. If you were coming from anywhere else the GO Train stop was right there. You'd almost never know a game was going to take place and the stadium was rather deserted except for the sound of a band practicing. We threw on our Rider jerseys and took a walk around BMO Field meeting a few other fans who were doing a similar thing. Then we wandered over to the Shipyard where the Riders were doing a tailgating fan fest type of thing. It was disappointing. Other Rider fans were there but besides a DJ playing music and games for the kiddies not much was really happening. We spent $9 on a “rink burger” and took in the sights from a park bench. I was wearing my 306 hat and at one point a lady came and asked me where I had bought it. With not much really happening we decided to leave but just beyond the gate I heard my name being called by the lovely @jfeliciao who introduced us to @TOBenfica.

I wish I had picture to prove it. * eyeroll * I guess that's what leaving home at 3am gets you!

Upon entering BMO Field we were greeted by an usher. He congratulated us on the construction of New Mosaic Stadium and asked how this one compares. BMO Field is a great venue! It's beautiful! I didn't even care that the field isn't painted because of the soccer turf. We sat on the non-bench side Row 2 right on the 55 yard line. Terrific seats except for the crazy blue seats on field level which don't really seem to have a function except take up valuable sideline space.

We met a couple seated beside us who drove from Kingston. I wish I had caught their names but I didn't. They were so friendly and we had fun chatting back and forth. They admitted they were casual fans and didn't follow the team or football really. We explained how we flew from Saskatchewan and they were surprised that we'd even come to a football game. I mentioned that we travel 2 hours each way to go to Roughriders home games and they were floored because as we all know the turn out at Argo's games is rather dismal. “There's so much going on here on any given day.” The lady talked. She said how during one game there had been a baseball game, a concert and other events going on. It's an aspect I truly hadn't though very much about. In Saskie, when we mention 'going to the game' we all know its a Rider game but in Toronto they have no idea what you're talking about. The following week while the Blue Jays were playing I overheard two people on the GO Train wondering why people were decked out in Jays gear. This is the kind of city Toronto is. I would like to hope if marketing was done properly or at all the hype to go to a football game would be there and sadly it takes a whole lot more than just a winning record. The players on the Argonauts deserve better from the people of Toronto.

“Who is your back up quarterback?” I asked.

“I don't know. I don't follow the team. We are just here for fun.”

Guess what? The Roughriders won! October 15^th was the only football game I saw my team win in person and I had to travel across Canada to see it happen. Darian #SignDurant Durant was on fire. Joe McKnight busted out of no where. WE HAVE A RUNNING GAME! I exclaimed. I saw the likes of Willy Jefferson who made my knees weak. Wow. This team on this day was incredible. Riders won 29 – 11. Joe Craig Jr returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown, Ricky Collins made a crazy one handed catch and Joe McKnight rushed for 150 yards. This team....I loved this team.

McKnight lines up behind Durant

I love this league and the fans who support it. I've made friends with people who live everywhere in this nation and some outside of it with the common denominator being the CFL. I asked for prayers during Hubby's surgery and got support from a myriad of incredible people from directions, places to eat and one special person was horrified we had been eating out and wanted to cook us a meal which unfortunately didn't come to fruition due to scheduling. I want all of you to know that you made our process easier and I so very much appreciate all the support. Our prayers were answered and Hubby's surgery was an amazing success. Dr. Ahmed said we got the best outcome out of his patients that day and that Hubby's sight would only get better, so much so, it would be mind blowing. It could have been very different outcome and we had tried to prepare ourselves for anything. Our lives were changed for the better. It was miraculous. I am so thankful and we are so blessed.

Who would have thought years ago when I got involved with fandom of the Roughriders I would have found a community?! My People. We are like family who argue but don't you dare insult my sister! We are hard on each other being fans of different teams in the CFL but in the end we all come together. Sometimes it's for a celebration like the Grey Cup and other times it's mourning the heartbreaking untimely death of a player like Joe McKnight.

The Christmas season is upon us. It's the season of love, hope and peace. For everyone who was there for me I wish you togetherness, magic, wonder and more warm fuzzies than your heart can hold.

Merry Christmas, Happy 2017 and Go Riders Go!

Travelling Rider Fans

One of the things that makes Ridernation so unique is how fans travel from all over the country to take in games. It's not uncommon for someone to drive not only a couple hours but all day or night or even hop on a plane just to get to Mosaic Stadium. I am also one of these fans. I live three hours away in Saskatoon. I'd love nothing more than to be at every single game, but it's not always possible due to driving hours versus work hours. It's not only the time but the money involved in getting to games. It's an all day adventure.

Game Day Eve we start to get ready. I make sure I have bottled water and snacks for the trip. I make sure our tickets are packed. I actually make sure the tickets are there repeatedly. How bad would it be to drive three hours to only realize the tickets were forgotten?! Ack! We also have a special Rider satchel to carry our seat cushions in which handily has enough room for all the other stuff too. Because I have a condition called Solar Urticaria, there is also an ample supply of sunblock. You have to look after the skin!

As I said, going to a game is an all day affair when travelling from Saskatoon. Hubby is an accountant and has crunched all the numbers and for this reason we don't buy food at the stadium. Oh, we'd love to! It smells awesome! We also do not indulge in wobbly pops. We are there to enjoy the game and driving home can be treacherous enough as it is. We do, however, make sure to have a substantial breakfast or lunch before jumping in the car.

Hmm...is it Steve?  Is it really?

Last week, since the game was an early game, I found a recipe for “Egg Muffins”. I'd seen them posted on Pinterest but never really knew how they actually tasted. They are FREAKING AMAZING! You cook them in the oven in a muffin pan and they pop out and are totally portable and freezable for another time!

My Egg Muffin Recipe

Prepared Egg Muffins...YUM!

6 eggs

1 cup diced omelet/pizza mix from the Co-Op deli

1/2 cup grated tex mex cheese

dash salt & pepper.

Whisk or mix the whole thing up. Portion out by soup ladle into a muffin pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cook in 350 F degree oven for 15 minutes or until the centers are solid. Makes 9 egg muffins @ 56 calories each.

Anyone ever go to the A&W on Albert Street? It seems to be our stopping off place once we've arrived in Regina. It really helps that a few weeks back we were delivered a whole page of coupons in the mail. This is our pregame meal. Usually we'd have a Teen Burger combo or something similar, but last game we managed to get to Regina earlier than expected and they were still serving breakfast...probably because there wasn't a check stop in Chamberlain. Anyone who knows me knows I love pancakes or waffles. I was so happy to be able to have pancakes on game day. The syrup it's served with is pretty great too. 3 pancakes for $2...sign me up! My only complaint about that A&W is the size of the restrooms. I've been in bigger broom closets.

I get parking lot rage. I admit it. I cannot stand driving around looking for a place to park and I detest having to walk miles from the car to the stadium. So because of this The Hubs and I catch the Fan Express from the Northgate Mall. It's pretty handy. The first bus comes 90 minutes before game time and for $3 drops you right outside the south gates. The price went up over last year though. Now it's a $12 bus ride for us. Still it's a great option. We just hop on after the game and get delivered back to the mall and before you know it we're back out on the highway heading for home.

On the car ride home we eat sandwiches (honey ham for that trip with a smattering of mustard) which we packed picnic style and listen to the post game show on ckrm with Michael Ball and guests. It helps to keep the mind occupied while driving and winds us down and helps us rationalize all facets of the game. The callers make us angry and make us laugh but most importantly, it's broadcast long enough to get us to our doorstep and for that we are thankful.

The game? Well the Roughriders/Argonauts game was highly entertaining. I've never seen our offence so dialled in. It was amazing. Kevin Glenn performed awesome and I'd argue Durant couldn't have done better. Argo's Trevor Harris played calm and cool and collected. Many have complained about the officiating and phantom penalties, but I'm not going to go there. What I do see is a very strong Rider team and I think if they clean up the penalties this team will be the team to watch. The defence and coaching of Corey Chamblin was under question but I really didn't see a failure there at all. Remember there is no fan base as finicky as Rider fans.

After all, it's not the start of the season that matters...it's how you finish!

What's your game day regime? Have any tips for those of us travelling? Let me know! Maybe I'll include them in future editions of this blog.

Until then, I remain faithful. I believe. And I predict a win in BC Friday night.

Go Riders Go!

At Summer's End

Here we are closing in on the end of August.  All the little Neighbourhood Terrorists are busy getting their back to school clothing and supplies and sadly, I myself will have to go back to my "real" job as piano macdaddy in two weeks as well.

While this is going on the CFL is busy releasing all these new *Signature Look* uniforms.  I'm not going to say who has the best/worst new uniforms which, will actually only be worn a few times a season, because there is nothing that football fans like better than to disagree with each other.  I will tell you why I think the new and fresh Rider jersey will be around for a long time.  The wheat sheaf is a long standing symbol of the province of Saskatchewan.  The Riders are owned by the community and entire province.  There is nothing better to adorn their uniforms with than the wheat sheaf. And really ... don't those wheat sheaves bare a suspicious resemblance to uprights/goal posts? "I Am Rider Nation".  Are there any more powerful words?  In the sun and heat.  In the pouring rain.  In the sleet and snow and minus 40.  We. Are. Rider Nation. The helmets.....  I know that if you squint really hard and apply an Instagram filter they might kinda sorta look like watermelons ... and you know what?  That's okay too.  Who hasn't carved up a melon from the Superstore as head gear on game day?  Yes.  I think they got this design right.

I watched not only one but two NFL preseason games last week.  Weird.  I saw a very comfortable looking Kory Sheets playing in Oakland.  Apparently, he's 4th in the depth charts but he looked good to me.  I suspect he will have a job there.  I got conned into watching the Kansas City Chiefs with the promise of seeing Weston Dressler who in spite of some saying was in for a play in the 4th was not.  I feel really bad because unlike the Fantuz fiasco, I believe Dressler actually stood a chance.  Now we are all waiting to find out what happens next.  IF he is indeed released, then I believe the Riders and Rider Nation need to throw everything his way to ensure he comes back.  I suspect he has a certain amount of loyalty considering his number 13 jersey number but you can never tell when "the business" comes into play.  I believe in Brendan Tamon and I know that he has something in place for this occasion...and possibly even if Sheets does become available too.

Paris Jackson got released from Ottawa.  Consensus around Rider Nation and from an informal Twitter poll is OH HELL NO.  I don't think we will be seeing him around Saskie soon.  However, Brendan Tamon did say on Sportscage yesterday that they are looking at bringing in another kicker to help Milo out.  Then late last night the name Justin Palardy was floating around the Twittersphere.  All I know is that there are no consistent kickers in this league anymore.  The days of Robo Kicker are long gone.

The Hubs and I ventured to the game on Saturday.  What a great time it was!  Loved it.  Sat in section 25 again as for some reason I believe we've become EastSiders.  Once I was comfortable in my Row 49 seats and having to climb those horrid steps with my short wheel base, there was no way I was leaving until the end.  The game was fun.  We had a really good time.  The fans around us were terrific.  I don't know what the media is trying to do because everything I listen(ed) to EXCEPT for The Voice of the Riders was negative.  I heard the game was boring.  I seriously cannot figure it out.  I even watched the game on my pvr and still don't get it.  This was the first sell out of the season.  Why would you want to go to a game that the media is calling boring?  I really hate it and I know hate is a very strong word, but I seriously hate it.  The games are exciting.  There is an atmosphere in the stands that you cannot get anywhere else.  Don't listen to what the guys on CKOM are selling and get your butts to the games.  You will not regret it.


Some final thoughts.  Don't you dare say a word about Darian Durant.  This man is our leader.  Guys like Tyron Brackenridge and Rob Bagg have been quoted since the game about what a leader he is and how he carries the team.  A family and a team...a real team...compensates for each other.  The offense isn't quite clicking but I saw shades of what is to come.  Our defense is completely making up for it.  How about that John Chick? <swoon> No the games haven't been high scoring but you know what? Defenses win championships. Also, you don't show all your tricks against a team like Montreal especially when you play BC next!  You have to plan for down the road.  You play to win the game but you don't show everything you have in your playbook if you don't have to.  The Riders are now 5-2.  The team is winning. We are winning!

Good teams find a way to win at all costs.

Championship teams find a way to win no matter what.

Period.

We Made It

Seven months ago we were a bunch of crazed rabid fans.  Nothing much has changed but it is indeed a new year and a new Roughrider team.

I just completed one of the busiest months I've had in a long time.  My goal was to just make it through with the big reward being the promise of attending Roughrider training camp at Griffith Stadium.  Ugh.  I got sick.  Not just a run of the mill cold either....but some sort of bizarre gland/ear thing that took me 3 weeks to get over and feel normal - as normal as I ever was - and that meant.....I missed out.

*cry*

I sucked it up though.  Because that's the kind of hearty prairie female Rider fan that I am and The Hubs and I went to what is now known as Fan Fest.  It was supposed to give Saskatonians the 'game day' experience.  Autographs were not held which was so disappointing considering I wasn't able to get to any of the training camp sessions.  There were concessions along with face painting and activities for the kiddies.  The Riders held a short practice and then a scrimmage.  It was fun and the fresh air was good for me, but not getting the chance to meet the players was a fail to me.

Next up was the first Pre-season game against the REDBLACKS.  It was marketed as an 'away' game so the Roughriders for the first time in the history of Taylor Field were on the Visitor side while the REDBLACKS got the Home bench.  We had amazing tickets.  I managed to get my grubby little hands on section 25 row 2 tickets right behind the GREENWHITES bench.  So cool.  During warmup, Chris Milo came over to the bench.....he said he got kicked off the sidelines on the other side and "this was so weird!"  It was a little.

It was a fun game.  First Gainer and Big Joe met up at center but ended up shaking hands.  In spite of all the joking, Big Joe did look kind of cool in person even if he did take off after the 1st quarter.  The game left me with a few impressions.  Firstly, Darian Durant is no doubt a leader.  When it was his time to take over as quarterback the whole stadium filled with an incredible sense of pride and and command that simply wasn't there moments before.  Secondly, Ottawa proved that they could be somewhat competitive in their first year.  I know it was just a pre-season game and all, but they took to the field like any other the other CFL teams would have.  I sure bet it was interesting for Smilin' Hank to be on the home side for the first time in ages and probably pretty strange for Keith Shologan and Zack Evans too after being snatched up in the expansion draft.

It was great and I loved being there even though I was only one of 13,000.  It didn't rain and I can save my $1.50 poncho for another day.

Now of course all the cuts have been revealed and we are now down to the main roster.  There were some surprises.  I am so sure that Kieth Toston is the new Running Back and if he isn't I'll eat my Rider flag.  He won't be Kory Sheets nor he should be.  The same goes for Flyin' Ryan Smith.  The new number 81 isn't Geroy either.  These guys will turn out to be themselves and we will love them like we've loved all those before them.

Are you ready for the 2014 season!  Looks like we finally made it!

Out There at Rider Practice

This is a cross over post from my other blog Life, Donuts & the Crazy Music Lady.  If you want to read it in it's entirety please feel free as it has my entire account of the Paul McCartney concert, which, by the way, I am still reeling from.   LINK.   It was a phenomenal concert.  Up until now the best concert I'd been to was the Eagles.  The only downside was the transit set up and how it was strongly discouraged to drive and park.  Regina needs to have a look at how Saskatoon does it because I've never stood in a line up as long before as I did for the concert in Regina.

The day after the concert we went to Rider practice.

Rider practice!!!!!  We got a little lost trying to find Leibel Field but finally found it.  I have to say, Regina has the worst street signage I have ever seen and I've driven in some pretty large American cities too.   It was 32*C so we didn't stay as long as originally planned.  It was fun to watch the team practice.  It was cool to hear the 'wolf pack' howl in unison a number of times.  Weston Dressler got a beautiful catch.  I snapped a few shots before we left for lunch at the Star Italian Deli.

Football in the Family

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Road Trip!

Hubby and I were invited to the Watrous Co-Op for a Customer Appreciation BBQ.  Lucky us!  3 Riders were in attendance…Efrem Hill, Justin Harper & James Patrick. 

We arrived a little late because we had to drive from Saskatoon.  We missed the watermelon helmet carving competition but saw the remnants on the floor. 

The Rotary Club served hamburgers and hot dogs.  Customers also got a free pop and bag of chips.  Later on, a girl came around and gave everyone a watermelon Popsicle….Gameday Approved of course!

Efrem Hill signed my picture of his Superman non-touchdown from the game against Calgary.  I got pictures with both Justin Harper and James Patrick.  Man, that Justin Harper is a tall boy!  He stood up and his legs just kept unfolding making my 5’3” stature gnome like.

After the festivities we drove to Manitou Springs and saw the famous Danceland with the horse hair dance floor.  I’d like to spend some time in Manitou Springs.  It looks like a great place to camp or hang out at the spa!

I’m glad we got to go again this year.  The Rider guys were so friendly and nice.  It was a great little community event.