Been having quite a blast here in Michigan and got introduced to two new sports last weekend – football and tailgating.  When Jan Ruggles (my lastest chaperone) first mentioned going to a tailgate party, I was really worried.  I thought she meant that doggy game of tailgaiting which can be really hard on the profile (thus the reason there are pugs in the world …. did you know their faces didn’t always look like that?).  Since I’m not the fastest guy reflex-wise, I was worried I’d be bashing into bumpers and end up look like a Cavalier.  That could sure curtail my travels with Gordon Setter people, couldn’t it?

Turns out, tailgaiting has a whole ‘nother meaning here.  Here’s a picture of me getting my first introduction to the game:

Apparently, ‘spirits’ get you in the ‘spirit of the game’.  All warmed up inside, I headed off with Jan into the stands.  Fearing the possibility of getting trampled along the way, I found a Star-sized path that kept me out of the way of the feet of all those fans.

Those people out on the field sure can line up pretty, can’t they?  Reminds me of the Long Sit in Obedience I learned a couple of weeks ago.  Or maybe these guys are in Utility because that’s where you do the Long Stand for Exam.

Jan obviously likes me. She got me a seat with lots and lots of elbow room and I got to watch the Michigan State/Minnesota game without some exuberant fan getting me in the ribs.

After the game, it was back to tailgating.  I think I learned something…. I really think the game is the excuse, the tailgate parties are the reason.  What do you think?  There was food, cool people, and beer.  What a great game this is!  I think there may also be athletes and a ball but, really, who cares.

I was even able to move my beer back to the tv and catch up on a bunch of other college games being shown on tv.  Looks like people all over the US have games as an excuse to tailgate.

The highlight of the day, though, was an impromptu performance I got to do with a piper.  Turns out that he was actually taking advantage of my rich Scottish heritage to enhance his earnings.  I think that little pot in front of him was for tips and I can’t help but think they would have doubled once I added in my little highland fling for him.

It was a great weekend and all the green people seemed pretty happy (and Jan was all worn out from screaming so much).

Advertisement