Tailgate Review – The Louisiana Tech and “What’s your dream Chris?” Edition

What a week last week. First, for those of you who are still unaware, I had to say goodbye to Rudi on Wednesday as she got too sick too quickly. That set off a whirlwind of events that included: a President’s Retreat all day Thursday in Memphis followed by flu-like symptoms during a rain-filled drive to Columbus to get my mom followed by arriving to a broken air conditioner in the camper followed by finding some of Rudi’s toys followed by a broken flag pole that had hoisted the RUSHING flag above the camper followed by a tailgate filled with close to 40 people followed by a flooded camper that pushed back our departure time yesterday.

So, please, accept my apologies in the delay to get these reviews up but you’re in for a treat – a double-dandy for both the Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State tailgates within the next 24 hours. So without further ado…

Coach speak informs us that teams make their biggest improvements from week one to week two, and I am beginning to think the same of tailgates. We’ve come a long way from the intramural fields and open grass of Donahue Ave. in 2007. At best count, I had 26 people for the Louisiana Tech weekend, a number thanks mostly in part to Carl and Ellen Monroe’s clan coming in full force. For Mississippi State, we came dangerously close to that epic 40 threshold. I know I had a great time both weekends, and I hope everyone else who was there can say the same.

During La. Tech –

* Katy Braden and I discussed the whereabouts of “Dream Chris” and were overheard by Andy Shores. What happened from there was an onslaught of comedy during the bus ride to campus. The topic: “What’s your Dream Chris?” For the record, “Dream Chris” and I have talked at length and no longer will he perform any activity to any song by the Black Eyed Peas.

* A special thanks goes out to Tammy and Jacob Holmes for going above and beyond with the fruit, leaving the cooler, gifts, etc. I can’t begin to tell you how handy the cooler has been and Jacob – you know your Auburn football, man.

* We’re going to have to be more careful when talking about plans for upgrading the tailgate in the future. All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk dropped a line that he was in search of another canopy to put up at the site to help with shade and cover from rain. The Monroes went above and beyond by going out and buying us another canopy. Seriously, thank you guys again from the bottom of our hearts. You did not have to do that, but it sure was nice to have this past weekend.

* Also making their debuts at a Rushing tailgate were Charles, Frances, John and Elaine Puckett. Between them and Jarrod Gregg, I think we have enough chips for the remainder of our homestand. Kudos and thanks to all of you.

* Meredith Brazzell was also in the list of first-timers (to my knowledge). It was nice to repay the favor after mooching off her family’s tailgates throughout college. Also, Meredith is one heck of a cornhole player (she has the ground skip down pat).

* Katy, as always, brought her wonderful personality and helped keep the mood light. Seriously, she’s grown to be a staple at the tailgate and I’d have a hard time imagining game days at the camper without her. I’ve gotten nothing but compliments on the peanut butter cup cookies, Counselor Braden.

* Unfortunately, with so many coming in for the only time this season, I didn’t get to spend very much time hanging out with Brad, Amber, Jarrod, Bryan and Gina. Luckily, we were able to make up for it (a little bit) on that Sunday.

* Andrew was accused of cheating at cornhole by All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk because of his over-handed throws. Research is being made, but I have yet to find any rule against the overhand toss. A final ruling is pending, however.

* Andy brought his beer and his A-game when it comes to hurling insults during cornhole. One hundred percent of those insults were directed at your’s truly. That’s really one of only two or three things he’s good at in life. The others, you ask? Sleeping late and making people angry (specifically girlfriends). You thought I was going to say something else here, didn’t you?

* Andrew provided a second set of cornhole boards. We are in the process (and by we, I mean Andy) of sanding and painting those two for simultaneous games. Andy told me the paint scheme he was planning to use. I don’t want to say anything and give it away, but it will be glorious if he pulls it off.

* The menu was outstanding with BBQ chicken thighs, all the chips you could want, cookies, brownies, the aforementioned peanut butter cup cookies…Just an All-American effort from my mom, Super Rita. The chicken was the first of several spreads to be featured this season. You can tell the improvements in all facets of this tailgate just from the experiences we have collected over the past six-plus years.