Back-from-Campus Report

I'm back from an overnight in Lexington after watching my beloved Wildcats turn in a horrible performance against Louisville. Not sure what happened, but I think one of the local high school teams could have whipped their butts last night.

Overall, though, it was a fun weekend with friends and that made the loss much easier to take. After checking into our hotel, we headed to campus to enjoy an alumni get-together at the Faculty Club. Let me tell you, there's nothing like tailgating in style at the Faculty Club on campus. We enjoyed delicious food in a gorgeous setting.

The library lounge at the Hilary J. Boone Faculty Club

Had the weather not been so gosh-darn beautiful, I could have propped my feet up on a cushy sofa at the club with a cocktail in hand and watched the game there. But, we couldn't pass up a sunny, 72 degree day, so after dining in the courtyard at Boone (below), we went back to the cars to tailgate a bit. Oh, and when we got out there, we saw that some little punk had stolen one of our UK car flags. Really? Damn college students.

We then made our way over to the stadium to meet up with more friends. Along the way, we saw the serious tailgaters with their elaborate set-ups. Everything from flat screen TVs, enormous tents, giant RVs, to beautifully set buffet tables with candleabras, mums and nice silver and china in which to serve the hot dogs, hamburgers and burgoo. Let me tell you, the Southeastern Conference fans know how to do it right.

This isn't one of the big tailgate set-ups, but this gives you just a glimpse of  how people set up for their pre-game activities.

At the top of the 4th quarter when we knew things weren't going to turn around, we left early to beat the crowd, heading to Dudley's for drinks. If you ever make it to Lexington, go downtown to Dudley's. Great atmosphere and vibe. We then went back to the hotel because we're old and can't manage to stay out past 11 p.m. anymore.

So, that was my weekend and it was such fun. What did you do this weekend? Hope you had a good one. Take it easy so you're well rested heading into Monday. Ugh. I'll try not to think about Monday too much.
Images from kentucky.com, Hilary J. Boone Faculity Club, UK alumni facebook page and kentucky tailgating

Football Season Approacheth

Summer is officially winding down. Miss E.’s day-camp ends today and then she has one week of “freedom” before first grade. We ordered her a new backpack last night – her one from kindergarten is apparently too small. At least this one will get her through a few more years. I told her she better like purple and green for a while, because I’m not buying an L.L. Bean backpack every year. Those things last forever anyway, so that’s good.

Little Man is wrapping up his time in the 3-to-4-year-old room and will be moving to Pre-K in about a week. Where has the time gone??

So, even though we’ll likely have this super-hot weather for the next several weeks, I’m looking forward to what fall has to bring, especially college football. Woo hoo! I’m trying to line up at least one excursion to Lexington for a fun day of tailgating and football with friends. I get almost giddy thinking about a big spread of food, drinks, skipping around campus and cheering on my Wildcats. I know my UK and SEC friends join me in the excitement of the season. Bring it on!

Hubby and I at a UK game in year's past. My freshman dorm is in the background. Ah, memories of living in a matchbox with a view.

I made him wear that sweatshirt. Hubby grew up a University of Louisville (blech) fan, but I'm quick to remind him that not only did he earn his master's at UK, but he's married to me. Therefore, Blue rules in our house.

And, for Hubby and many of his brethren, there’s much excitement (and a huge sigh of relief) that there will be an NFL season as well.

Because, my gosh, what were they going to do with themselves on Monday nights and Sunday afternoons?? The chicken wing industry was in great peril as well, so I'm sure BW3s and other chains like that are quite relieved that the season will go on.

Are you looking forward to football season?

TGIF, my friends. I’m planning to drop head first on the sofa once I get home this evening. It’s been a long week and I’m tuckered out. Hope you have a good one – talk to you soon!
Images from someecards, Kentucky.com and property of jmw-aplacetodwell.blogspot.com

Turning on the Imagination

This family is featured in today's New York Times, in a story about families and communities trying to restore playtime in their kids' lives.  

I found this article in the New York Times very interesting. It’s about an effort to restore playtime in the lives of children.

I’ve been hearing over the years that due to an enormous presence that technology has in kids’ lives these days, as well as kids being overscheduled with countless extracurricular activities, their imaginations have been stunted. But I guess I wasn’t quite aware of the extent until reading this article. It made me appreciate that our kids have vivid imaginations and that Hubby and I have fostered this along.

I have to admit, I likely allow too much TV, especially on cold or rainy days. But, we’ve been making a concerted effort to turn off the TV or the computer games and let the kids have their own make-believe time.

They may whine a bit at first, but it’s amazing how quickly they turn on their imaginations. I start hearing conversations between dolls, chugging noises from a choo choo train and playful banter throughout the house. One day, they built a fort in the basement made of chairs and a blanket. On nice days, they run around in the yard, make chalk drawings on the driveway and much more. Our house gets cluttered, but I'm okay with that. We have little kids who have toys strewn about and who play dress-up. That is life in our household and personally, I think that's how life in many households should be. But, hey, that's me. Not going to push my way of life on everyone.

This article also reported about some schools where recess is no longer permitted, because of a fear that kids will get hurt. Are you kidding me?? Groups are being developed across the country to bring back recess and playtime to schools and neighborhoods. Amazing. Maybe that’s why workplaces like Google, eBay and Facebook look like giant playgrounds because the staff at those companies missed out on playtime as kids. They have to go to work to learn how to play. :)

Please share your thoughts on this topic - would love to hear what you think.

Bowl Weekend
Enjoy your weekend, folks. Hope you have some fun activities planned. We’ll be cheering on my Kentucky Wildcats against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the BCVS Compass Bowl (whatever the heck that is) on Saturday.

Go CATS!!!!!!

Images from The New York Times and Lexington Herald-Leader

Booyah!

Kentucky 31, South Carolina, 28

Take that, Spurrier.
Image from the Herald-Leader