IT'S ALMOST HERE...

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BEGINS THIS WEEK!!!
ARE YOU READY?


Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar
All for FOOTBALL, stand up and holler!

More importantly....at least around our house...

AUBURN FOOTBALL BEGINS!


Bodda Getta Bodda Getta Bodda Getta Bah!
Rah Rah Rah!
Sis Boom Bah!
Weegle, Weegle
War Dam Eagle
Kick 'em in the butt Big Blue!
Hey!

Can you tell I am excited? Around here, my husband has been giving us all the Auburn stats...who's the starting QB...who's the fastest...which high school recruit is showing the most promise...and so on, and so on.

Track 'em Tigers

Just like beagles!

Give 'em hell

You War Damn Eagles!

Hey!

Our flag and banner are waiting to be hoisted onto the house and into the trees (we're even taking one to St A!)...orange and blue dishes have been washed and are ready to hold their goodies...

And I already have a bet going on with "Constant Chatter..."

Now, all I need are some delicious "tailgating" recipes...
If I could figure out this "link" thing, I'd start a "Tailgate Recipe" party. But, I am computer-challenged...so here's the deal...
If you have any special tried and true, favorite recipe that would be a great addition to a football tailgate, please send it to me. I promise, I'll post it...and I'll share my recipes, too.
Email is fine.


Here's one of our favorites:

Jalapeno Popper Spread

2 blocks cream cheese, softened

1/2 jar diced jalapeno peppers*, plus some of the juice (more or less, to taste)

Parmesan Cheese, shredded (I use freshly grated cheese, adding some to the spread and enough to cover the top.)

1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs (actually, I just sprinkle on top until the spread is covered)

Fold the peppers and juice into the softened cream cheese. Put the mixture into an oven-proof baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan Cheese on top, to cover. Sprinkle the Panko crumbs on top. Bake at 350 degrees until warmed through. Serve with pita chips, baguette slices, tortilla chips, etc.

*I use Mt. Olive Diced Jalapenos.

**There are many versions of this dip online...some call for mayo and green chilis, some add cheddar or Mexican cheese blends. They're all very good. Since I am not a big fan of mayo in spreads, I try to leave it out. The result is a lighter version of the spread. Just play with this recipe...make it your own.

ENJOY THE GAMES!
and 
WAR EAGLE!

(Can you tell I was a cheerleader...)

Hugs!

Jane

ONE MORE MONTH...

and AUBURN FOOTBALL BEGINS!!!

We're already gearing up for gamedays...checking out tailgating recipes to try...planning trips to Alabama for a few games...getting our flag ready for mounting on the tree...practicing our cheers... COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS!

Will we have another season like last year's? Who knows. But will we have FUN?  Heck YEAH!

Get your voices ready....

    Waaaaaaaaaar Eagle, HEY!

Do you have a favorite college football team?

What are some of your traditions?

Jane

It's a Sad Day at Auburn...

My heart is filled with sadness....
My mind is filled with anger.....

Today I learned that the beautiful and beloved oak trees of Toomer's Corner, found at the main corner of the Auburn University campus, were sabotaged. These 130 year old oak trees have been the point of celebrations and spirit for the students of Auburn University for over 100 years. 

There are always rivalries between colleges, and there are pranks pulled all the time. But rarely are there truly malicious deeds done against one school or another. However, this year, after the Iron Bowl (Auburn vs. Alabama), a disgruntled fan (I think this person must be mentally unstable) drove to Auburn and "exposed the trees to a very lethal dose of tebuthiuron", an herbicide used to kill trees. Soil tests around the trees show that 65 times the recommended dose of this herbicide was applied...  Not only are the old oaks likely to die, this poison moves through the soil and pose a danger to all the plants and oaks in the area. And it remains in the soil for 3-5 years.


This same individual called a radio station in Birmingham, to proudly announce the deed...ending his call with "Roll Damn Tide". 


Rivalries are fine...and indeed, embraced. It's a part of the whole college experience. But malicious, ne criminal acts are totally out of line! There is NO REASON for acts of this kind.


Every possible measure is being taken to save these trees.  The university (which has one of the best horticulture programs in the country) is working with the chemical company which produces this herbicide, to lessen the damage. Huge trenches have been dug and filled with charcoal to leach the poison from the ground. All we can do is pray...


Tonight, thousands are gathered around the oaks...rolling them once again. Chants of
War Eagle" are heard, as is the Auburn fight song. This is not due to a victory, but in support of the spirit these trees have represented to the student body of Auburn for many, many years. 

My heart cries...as do the hearts of Auburn fans all over the world. All we can do is hope that these trees are tough enough to survive...

This is the sight after the BCS championship game. Many celebrations were cancelled due to the weather, but THOUSANDS gathered to celebrate with a pep rally at Toomer's Corner. (photo from flickr)