Bama 24, Arkansas 20

It was a close one. Way too close. But then there are always going to be a few games each season where you don't play your best, and the true test of a good team is if you win or lose those games.

It doesn't get any easier from here, with Florida and South Carolina coming up. Those will be nail biters as well, I'm sure.

I'm exhausted from yesterday's game, in a good way of course. Glad I have a day to recover before going back to work.

I'm not looking forward to my fantasy football match-up today. I am playing the best team in my division, and possibly the best team in the league. With my better players hurt, holding out, or recently slapped with DUI's, I don't stand a snowball's chance in hell.

Back In the Saddle Again?

After a pitiful showing in week one of the fantasy football season, The Clover Valley Stoners rebounded nicely scoring 107 points against Team Donkey Punch. Nice, but I am in a brutal division, one that seems to contain the leagues best player. He will now be 2-0, and unless I go on a major win streak and he drops a few, the best I am looking at would be the Wild Card spot in the playoffs. The season is young though...anything can happen.

College football heats up this week with Alabama having their first real contest of the season. Arkansas used to be a joke, but that is no more. Listening to sports radio on the way into work this morning one of the dj's predicted 'Bama would mop the floor with Arkansas. Not sure what he was smoking, but I certainly hope he is right.

Alabama vs Arkansas, Week Four: Don't Be Surprised If...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/468488-alabama-vs-arkansas-week-four-dont-be-surprised-if#page/1

Ave Maria Grotto

Mrs. Leslie and I packed a lunch and headed an hour North of here to Ave Maria Grotto this morning. This place contains all sorts of buildings in miniature that were all made by the same Benedictine Monk. Some of the reviews I read said it was creepy, which I thought was odd. It wasn't at all creepy, but it was quirky. The materials he used to make the buildings were just a hodgepodge of materials, so they included random things such as marbles, broken glass, etc. It's not a place we will be revisiting any time soon, but it was worth the time.

We also stopped at a farmer's market and one of those Southern tourist trap food goodies places. We bought some cheese curds, fig jam, and chow chow. For those not familiar with chow chow, it is a relish-like mix that can be used on all kinds of stuff, but is best on hamburgers and hot dogs.

We finished the trip off with a nice picnic and then headed back to town so I could watch Bama vs. Duke, which is what I am doing now. Normally I would not be blogging during a game, but Bama is up 62-13. Not much of a contest. Our super hard stretch of games officially starts next week, so this will be the last non nail biter for quite a while.

Classic Is Back

Alabama vs. Penn State was a huge rivalry in the 70's. I was young, but still remember the adults talking about it and the excitement it generated. Today the rivalry resumes, and that excitement is back. Yes, today is one of those fall (though it still feels like summer) Saturday's that we 'Bama fans live for.

Last week we hosted, but this week we will be going to my sister's house. Chili dogs and chip and cheese dip are on the menu. Dessert will be provided by me in the form of my famous lemon icebox pie. I made it yesterday because it tastes better with time. Luckily I was able to hide it deep enough in the freezer that the kids would not discover it.

Tomorrow fantasy football is back. What will The Clover Valley Stoners bring to the table this season? Guess we will find out.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted?

This week is going by way to fast. Isn't that always the case with vacation though? You wait, and wait, and wait...it finally arrives and proceeds to fly past in a blur and then you find yourself right back at work.

I still have a few more days, and during that time more fun, family, and of course football. With the NFL season cranking up this Sunday, my fantasy football team will hit the field and see what's up. I'm not expecting great things from my team, but if they stay healthy I do expect to at least be solid.

I haven't mentioned movies much lately, because I haven't had much time to watch many, but we did squeeze in a movie called "Paris" last week. Typical of foreign movies, I found it interesting, and then was disappointed when it had a non-ending, ending. You know the kind, things going on all over the place and the movie abruptly ends.

Why do foreign writers and directors do that? I guess in the U.S. we must have a stronger desire for closure...and for the end of our movies to leave us feeling that we know the entire story, beginning to end. I'll continue to watch foreign flicks because I do find them interesting, I enjoy polishing my reading skills via subtitles, and because Mrs. Leslie loves them.

One Down...Thirteen to Go

In what was really just a warm up game, the Tide rolls over San Jose State: 48-3. After having to cough up $34.95 to see it on pay-per-view, I was glad it was a good show. It was also nice to have some of my fears about all of the young players we have set at ease. We looked good.

Of course who wouldn't against San Jose, and next week will be the first true test: Penn State. I admit to having a soft spot for Joe Pa, but when it comes to playing against my beloved Crimson Tide I have to hope he loses this one. I'm sorry, Joe. I'll be your fan again the next week.

Being the one to host the game enabled me to stay home and drink more beer than I normally would. It has taken me most of the day to recover. The old gray mare...she ain't what she used to be, for real.

It's Has Arrived

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, you're only a day away!"

Alabama vs. San Jose State tomorrow at 6pm. I've invited my peeps, and had Mrs. Leslie help decide the menu. Still have to order the game (pay-per-view only this week) and buy the food and beer. Will take care of those two things in the morning.

I completed an extremely taxing week of work, and now am officially on vacation. I should be bouncing off the walls with excitement, but I am flat out drained. Tonight I rest, tomorrow, IT'S ON.