Tailgating Backup Plan

Every experienced tailgater always has a backup plan, hopefully for everything that can go wrong, and then some.  You plan for days and weeks in hopes that the event will go off without a hitch.  But, just in case, its best to have a few backup plans just in case.  This past week was no exception.

Everyone had great expectations for a great day of football.  I was up early, noticed a few clouds, and that the temp was somewhat cool.  Did my errands, dropped off all the supplies at the tailgate spot, then back to the condo to wake up the others with the hot smell of Shipley Donuts, right out of the grease!

We arrive at "The Grove" and notice some dark rain clouds fast approaching.  So much for that 5-10% chance of rain.  But never fear, our backup plan was rain gear in tow.  Dropped the ladies off with the second load of party supplies and off to park we went.  Quick fancy U-turn and we were headed for our designated parking lot, the Ford Center.  Friend Jim and I began our climb up the road when all of a sudden, a huge gust of wind comes barreling through!  The plastic road barriers are flying all over the place.  I tent awning with canopy began tumbling through the parking lot, finally coming to rest on a ADA golf cart with the driver still in the front seat.  He looked up at us, and said "did you see that?"  "I think I just wet my pants"!  The canopy ended up on the pot-a-johns which actually has an occupant.  He came out, tripping on the canopy, yelling "what the hell?"  Friend Jim and I just looked at each other, grinned, then picked up the pace, to check on everyone else at the tailgate spot.

There they were, ten or so poor soles, all huddled up in one big family under a 12x12 tent along with food, tables and chairs, barely room for two more needing a beer!  By now the bottom had fallen out, water was everywhere, we were laughing, and some were saying "what are we gonna do"? Friend Jim looked up and saw a group of students walking, all soaking wet,  One of them, a young lady, learned her weather lesson, to never wear white after Labor Day.  She had on a seer linen white dress, and as she passed, you could plainly see the outline of her thong undies!  Her Momma would be mortified!  And to think, I MISSED it! 

The rain subsided, and we went into quick action.  AC asked "has it stopped"?  I said yes'm, and she began to unfold and set up chairs.  A wind gust came through, and we were plummeted with more water.  AC yells "you said it had stopped"!  Bless her blonde heart, the water was from the tree above.  (Love blondes!)

Brought two chafing dishes this time and I was prepared! Water was in an empty gallon milk jug and I had 8 long burning sternos. I brought a butane tabletop burner and had the water in the chafing dishes hot in no time.  Brisket and Rotel dip were ready in about 15 minutes.  (learned the lesson that sterno takes a long time to heat up water).

We strung the rope lights for use after the game.  Power source was to come from a marine battery and a power inverter, works great!  Our spot is in an area covered in pine straw.  Several went and grabbed additional straw and magnolia leaves to fill in some of the spots that were now muddy pools just waiting for a woman in heels to find.

The afternoon went off without a hitch.  Lots of friends came by with a hunger for some "meat", their chip and dip and finger sandwiches weren't cutting it and they knew we would not disappoint!  For fun, and since it was blue day, I had added blue food coloring to the cheese straws.  They disappeared in minutes.  The Mississippi sugar cookies were iced in blue and they did not last the night.

The game was exciting, but a disappointing outcome.  Back to the tent we go!  Everyone is always looking for another bite to eat before packing up.  I hurriedly attempted to hook up the lighting system.  Never get in a hurry.  Hooked that sucker up backwards, and I here "pop".  Blew the fuses.  As Bobby Bowden would say "well dadgum!"  Never fear, backup plan in hand.  I brought a lantern that burned the same fuel as the stove top.  Bingo! Instant lighting, after several "dadgums #$%^!!

With the "new" parking plan, it is impossible for 60,000 fans to leave in any orderly fashion.  I had my trusty ole fold up wagon, and a rolling ice chest.  We were able to pack up everything but the two extra chairs, which we donated to the crew for future events.  Made it to the truck in no time, but it took almost 2 hours to get on University Ave, then Lamar, to then cross Highway 6.

Another football Saturday in the books.  Time to begin planning the next one, with backup plans!