Meeting Bama at the airport

After just a couple hours of sleep, the Cardoza’s departed for the airport for the 7th annual Miami trek.  We departed from Providence on Friday, December 4th  and enjoyed a bumpy but uneventful flight. When we arrived, we hooked up with Bama, secured the car and stopped off for provisions at the local Publix. After enjoying a delicious and much needed lunch buffet, Big Al assisted Louie and MJ with obtaining their car.

Much of the afternoon was spent in the lounge and outside enjoying the balmy South Florida air while waiting for our room to be ready. The boys smoked many a cigar and shared more than a few laughs. Once check in was complete, I set my sights on securing tickets for Louie, MJ and their kids for Sunday’s game. Thankfully, I grabbed four on Ticketmaster thus removing the stress of having to worry about getting tickets  and freeing them up to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Louie's Muffler-sized Calzone!

After getting our full of Italian take out and killing a couple of bottles of wine, Steve and I plugged in the laptops and surfed a bit, looking for the latest Patriots info. We all goofed on Louie’s muffler sized calzone and the stranger in the lobby that offered to take a few pieces off his hands to help him eat it! We shared some laughs, some stories of old and looked forward to this year’s edition of Pats/Dolphins.

We rose early and got our workout in,  then had a nice buffet breakfast. Later, Big Al, Steve, and I went for our pedicures. The two boys loved the experience and Steve was so enamored he proposed! Looks like it may be an annual experience from here on out!  We headed back to the hotel for a quiet afternoon while Louie and MJ and crew headed down to Aruba for lunch. We awaited the team’s arrival in the lobby and took in the sights. And man, there certainly were some!  I held my breath and couldn’t look

Vacation Couple!

when one woman was so tipsy she almost knocked over the Christmas tree and a couple of girls with very short dresses caused more whiplash than I’ve seen in a long time.

Once again, we hung in the lobby while the team came in then sent for takeout while sipping some wine.  As always, we chatted with B-Lowe and David Silverman then Stacey James came by to say hi. Various players headed out to meet with family and friends and even BB headed out in his Hawaiian shirt and flip flops. A few guys came and went and Jarvis Green spotted us and came by to say hi.  MJ and Louie were psyched to take a picture with him and we all wished him well. Steve’s earlier proposal was soon forgotten when he met his dream girl, Lindsay

Game day dawned overcast like the rest of the weekend then started to clear a bit. We ran the path once again, showered then headed down for the breakfast buffet while the team and staff headed out to the buses. Once the boys

MJ and Louie with Jarvis Green

pulled away we got ready to go and the whole crew headed out.  We had to take the turnpike due to 95 being closed for a Bike Run and Big Al was glued to a tailgate bus in front of us. The thing was so big that he couldn’t read the signs at the tolls and followed it into the Sunpass lane.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have a Sunpass and couldn’t back up because of the cars behind us so he went through. Hopefully his 75 cent toll doesn’t end up rolling into a  $100 ticket!

The weather was decent during the game, partly cloudy and comfortable.. The Pats started off strong but unfortunately didn’t play a full 60 minutes and ended up losing by a single point. 22-21.    What a bummer!   After sitting in traffic for awhile, we got on the road, headed home and then went out for a nice dinner at the Bonefish Grill. Afterwards, MJ and I finished the bottle of wine and relaxed in the lobby while the boys smoked,  then we sat around rehashing the game and talking about the weekend. We said our goodbyes to MJ and Louie and called it an early night.

Monday dawned bright and sunny and looked to be a beach day but alas, we had an early flight to catch. We said goodbye to Steve, headed to the airport with Bama and parted ways. During our first flight, we sat next to a real bizarre character who was frantically writing down everything the stewardesses and captain said and was taking pictures of the seatback pocket literature  throughout the flight. He practically filled up a notebook by the time we landed in Baltimore and I was quite relieved when he deplaned and didn’t continue on to Providence!  We got home and was hit with the winter cold, but there’s no place like home.  Despite the not so great weather and the Pats loss, it was still great to get away and spend a nice weekend with friends. Go Pats!!

Check out the full album here.

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Miami Trek 2009

Big Al and Monty quickly took off to head down to the cigar shop, while I took advantage of some quality Zip Time.    The house quickly filled with fans and friends alike and food was set out in multiple rooms.  Many fine folk brought dishes to share and there was a variety to suit every pallet. Naturally, we started off with our usual pre-game toast and jello shot.

Rooms filled, and fans viewed the game from whatever vantage point they found most comfortable,  whether it be couch, floor, leaning or standing, Most everyone was glued to the sets and shouts of DE-FENSE could be heard coming from each room. Likewise, groans echoed as opportunities came and went.

Poor Zip was relegated to the Sea Porch since his presence in the main room brought bad luck. However, in the end, it didn’t really matter where he was,  since despite our mojo, the boys fell short  16-9. The lone Jets fan in the house was the only happy camper as the clock wound down, especially seeing our host donning the green and white in payment of the pre-game wager.

Despite the loss, the sharing of good food, libations, and time spent with friends made the trip well worth it. A great time was had by all, and the half-time charity raffle netted $221 for this week’s recipient  Ben Watson’s, One More.

Check out the rest of the pictures here.

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Jets @ Zip’s House 09/20/09

With much Patriotic enthusiasm, the Razor’s Edgers looked forward to the season opener and getting back to Real Football!  Set to open at Gillette on a national stage on Monday Night Football, the crew was there to support not just the current team of players but the All Time Team Members in celebration of the 50 Year Anniversary of the AFL.

While many of the crew rendezvoused at last year’s successful meeting spot off Exit 9 of  Route 95 at Wicked Bistro, the Cardozas were late arrivals due to the fact that it was a school day. The group secured the perimeter in Lot P10 and was  easy to locate once we finally made our way through the traffic on Rt. 1.  There’s much to be said for arriving very early and awaiting the opening of the gates!  It took an hour to travel the 3 miles from the exit to the lot.  Along the way, the smells and sounds of taligating in full swing wafted in through open windows in bumper to bumper traffic en route to our destination.

Once inside, offerings of Buffalo Chili and Buffalo Wings were mostly met with already full bellies but there were some takers to feast upon our opponent. Zip adorned his tent with the familiar FTFT54 blue banner and also a special edition thank-you banner for Tedy which later hung proudly in the stadium, proclaiming, “Full Tilt, Full Time, Fulfilled! Thanks, Tedy!”

A VISA camera crew was also on hand, filming REAL fans in their element, just doing what we do naturally. This was in accompaniment to Zip and Tedy’s  filming in Boston on the previous day. Looking forward to seeing the finished commercial throughout the season!

Naturally, there were jello shot toasts, Bruschi Brew, Sam’s Octoberfest and a variety of food and drink provided by the regulars. It was nice to catch up with the crew which included (but not limited to….) Zip, Tracy, Jose and Quinn,  Mike, Robin and Geoff, Monty with Dave, Darren, Mark  with his boys, Don and Karen, Robin and Rich, Joyce and Chris. Jim from NY who got Buddy Love to join our group this week as well. Bob swung by later too as did lots of drop in guests including one couple from Indiana who were there for a birthday surprise and happened upon our Patriotic crew.

Ironically, we brought  with us a magazine  to give to Zip, because the publisher asked to use one of my creative commons photos for an article on tailgating and I agreed.  It just so happened to be  a picture of him with two Buffalo fans adorned in 54 jerseys after last year’s Buffalo game, paying back a pregame wager over the outcome of the game. One of the fans in the photo was once again with us for the tailgate and was ecstatic to see herself in print. (No doubt, she looked just as nice in a Pats 54 this year at the post game tailgate too!)

Many of the crew headed in early to take in the Pregame 50th Celebrations and hoped to get some Tedy Time, who was  participating both in his role of ESPN NFL Analyst and All-Time Team Defensive Captain.  There certainly was excitement in the air and anticipation of opening the season at home against a division rival. (Unfortunately, the camera battery died mid-tailgate so there’s no photographic evidence on hand…)

The game started off flat, the half-time events drew thunderous applause, the PSAs that Zip, Quinn, and Karen filmed this summer played on the jumbotrons, and the Pats pulled off an incredible come from behind, last minute win to start the season off 1-0 .. such is life at Gillette!

While it was a day of celebration and excitement, it also came with mixed emotions as some of our group paid tribute and toasted a missing member of our crew who was lost during the offseason. Here’s to you, Harry, a dedicated Pats fan and friend…. Go Pats!!

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Season Opener: Buffalo Bills 09/14/09

We were just informed that we have lost one of our crew. Harry was a great addition to the group and will be sorely missed. He was quick to share a story, thought,  or laugh, as well as some mighty fine cigars… He was a great Pats fan and friend and will not be forgotten.

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Great Loss :(

What a wonderful way to end the 2008 regular season of tailgating!  Snow started on Friday, 12/19 and continued right on through to Sunday. The forecasters predicted a switch to rain and we were lucky that it held off until the 2nd half of the game. Therefore, we enjoyed a nice snowy tailgate... perfect for any Pats fan!

We met up at our usual spot and knew it was a go since Mike scouted out both Wicked and Lot51 on Saturday to be sure. Our caravan of  a dozen or so cars had no problem setting up in our favorite spot along the fence and thanks to double cinder blocks, the tents were just fine. We had  plenty of room since it was a “stand up” tailgate with nobody sitting and folks bringing the bare minimum in terms of supplies.

It was a mostly male tailgate with regulars Robin, Robin & Laureen taking a pass this week. There were, however, plenty of Santa hats in the house!  I crafted a cute mascot, Tedy (of course) to join in the fun and bring some extra special mojo.

Food was aplenty as usual, although both Al and I barely ate, having stuffed ourselves the night before when we got together with our friends for a holiday get together. Naturally, there were huge vats of Jambalaya and chili, grills full of a variety of meats, Geoff’s asparagus, and breakfast food galore. Ice cold beers were on tap but I opted instead for coffee and hot cider with rum.

Since the weather was a mess, Quinn stayed home in NH and Jose and Chris Woods helped on with guide duties. I took my turn as well during the tailgate and shuffled along in the snow.

The tailgate seemed to last for a record number of hours and was quite mellow. I inserted some footwarmers but they really didn’t kick in until after got home but it really wasn’t that cold and was bearable.   Expecting some wicked weather before the end of the game, everyone broke down the tents and tailgate before heading in to the stadium.

After our toasts and pictures, everyone geared up with extra layers and rain gear willing the snow to continue in lieu of the predicted wind and rain. Al and I headed up to our seats and made the long trek in boots up the ramps in the snow. It was snowing steadily for the first half but unfortunately many of the folks in the section were more concerned with throwing snowballs than watching the game. Of course, the Pats were crushing and it was in hand early so the mood was light. (There were plenty of opportunities for Snow Fireworks thanks to lots of points wracking up on the scoreboard.)

By halftime, the freezing rain started and we were very thankful that we brought our ponchos. It was great to see Johnny “Noiseman” Monaco and his dad receive the Fan of the Year award on the Jumbotron and it was well deserved!

Pats ended up crushing 47-7 and the Jets lost but unfortunately, the Dolphins also won so it all comes down to the final game of the season. We need to win and the Jets need to beat the Fins on Sunday, then the division is ours!

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Cardinals: Let it Snow!

Just when we thought we had the lots figured out, they pulled a fast one on us for the Steelers game. We rendezvoused in the rain at Wicked and with a 4:15 kickoff, figured the lots would open at 11:30. When we arrived, they had already been open since 11:00 so we were forced to park in one of the middle rows. It was clear that the supervisor in the golf cart  wasn’t on duty either since there were many empty spots between cars along the perimeter which is a definite no-no. (As a rule, we’re strictly prohibited from even saving a single space for friends running late.)

Since we were in a regular row, cars were parked back to front so we didn’t have enough room to set up all of the tents and ended up with folks between us. Thankfully, they offered to switch spots with us so we could abut the rest of our crew.  They did however, have a wood fire burning which poured smoke into our tent and burned our eyes until we put up some walls.

Despite the continual rain and chilled conditions, we made the best of it and enjoyed great company, Patriotic comradeship,  and lots of food and drink. Zip wisely arranged for The Mighty One to stay in the car during the game with Amy since the cold rain never let up.  Vincent from Montreal made his way over as did  Miguel and Nancy and Ed Bryant.  It was a smallish crew this week with regulars, Zip, Monty, Mike, Mark, The Cardozas, Robin, Darren (with Madelyn), Karen & Don and Robin & Geoff with respective guests rounding out the crew.

Culinary highlights included Geoff’s mussels, Al’s swordfish, my Chili, Zip’s Jambalaya and every grilled meat known to man. Bruschi Brews were flowing and Karen’s hot rum cider was welcome on a damp, chilly day. Dave’s dad’s birthday cake was an added sweet treat. Due to our setup and the pouring rain outside, we weren’t able to get a group picture in and it was best to keep the cameras dry and under wraps for the majority of the tailgate and game.

Unfortunately, the game proved to be as messy as the weather and the Pats dropped one to the Steelers 33-10 before heading out for back to back west coast games.

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Soggy Steelers Showdown 11/30/08

Jets Crew

The most anticipated game of the AFC east race and classic rivalry in prime time was circled on the calendar for most Pats fans for quite some time. The forecast called for torential downpours so the Razor’s Edgers came well prepared with raingear, tent walls and changes of clothes. Fortunately, the rain that was horrific during the day tapered off almost as soon as we got there.

Mike came equipped with his Jets dummy and Zip proved once again that there is doubt in his inability to see..hehe…!  We had quite the extended tent city once again despite the absence of some regulars.  Darren set up under our digs and Robin jumped in as well. Zip’s guest was tailgate vet, Bino who brought along some family made wine and an ancient Zip email, which accompanied the Razors Edge wine that Zip brought along as well.

Barry and Denice of the Orange County Pats Fan club and the PatsTG yahoo group fame made it up for the game and took in the sights as well as some quality tailgate time. It’s always nice to see them and we attended their tailgate in San Diego in  October.  Angie joined in the fun, bringing along her cousin. Of course, Bren was in town with Theresa and some other Jets fans who ended up next to us. They had previously come down and joined our crew a few years back in P2 (in the pouring rain along with Sean of Jets Insider.  Making an appearance to hang with them was Patriot Nation’s Yer Ol Pal,  Fitzy.  We got a chance to talk for a little bit and he graciously posed for pictures with all who asked.

Robin brought some kickin chocolate tequila and the shots went round to ward off the chill and to propose numerous toasts. Of course, my chili pot was on the stove and there was every kind of meat imaginable going round. Naturally,  there was too much food and drink, but what else is new?  Some of Al’s buddies had a fire going and Jeff attended despite the fact that his team, the Dolphins would be playing the Pats the following weekend in Miami. The Planeteers popped over to visit, making the walk over from P10S.

Come gametime, the skies looked really promising and we felt confident that we would be dry for the duration. The first half was rough then Troy Brown was honored at half-time as promised.  The Pats made an incredible comeback from a 24-6 deficit and fought hard only to tie it up and end up losing by a FG in overtime. It was a very exciting game and one that would linger 10 days until the next tilt in Miami on the following Sunday.

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Pats vs. Jets: Old friends and new 11/13/08

When our friends Ernie and Kelly chose Buffalo as their game to fly East to watch at Gillette, we had it circled on our calendars since before the season. Who knew that the AFCE would be so tight and that we would be taking on the Bills in a 3 way tie for first place. The weekend was perfect, starting with a specialty Sushi  dinner at Ten made by our favorite Sushi chef, Nino.

On game day, they arrived at our house ON TIME… (someone has really turned over a new leaf since meeting Kelly!) and we headed out to our rendezvous at 7:30 AM. Big Al said that he heard that it would be in the 60’s on game day so I took that for gospel. When we reached Wicked, I teased Bren about how bundled up she was but she actually was the smart one!

We once again were able to procure our usual spot and our tailgate actually extended 80 feet this week. Before long, however, we needed to take the tents down because of the strong wind whipping across the lot. It actually lifted the tents despite the use of cinderblocks. Since it was so chilly, taking them down allowed us to take advantage of the sun which was welcome on the cold day. Thankfully, we had some extra Bruschi Backer sweatshirts handy which added an extra layer.

Although the tents (and banner) weren’t up and it made it more difficult for people to find us, Peg and Joephoto were able to locate us which was great. She came with  a couple of friends and tailgate virgins who had a great time and had a lot of laughs.

Regulars were all in the house and Mike brought along a Bills punching bag which got quite a workout. Guests this week included Dave of Good, Bad & Ugly fame, Wicked Pissah Phil, and new friend Joel who ended up in the middle of our group last week.

Staples like my buffalo chili, Zip’s jambalaya, Al’s swordfish and little necks, Monty’s assortment of grilled meats, Mark’s pancakes, Robin’s asparagus and a huge variety of breakfast foods meant that as usual, we all ate too much. Bren even kicked in with some venison stew which was reportedly tender and awesome.

Everyone had a great time at the tailgate and the boys came through and beat the Bills 20-10 insuring that post game champagne was a given as was the payback of “the wager”.

We enjoyed a relaxing post game tailgate and geared up to be back in 4 days for the battle of first place against the Jets on Thursday night.

sporting our new reversible pats hats

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Pats vs. Bills 11/09/08

Contrary to the late Monday night tailgate of the prior week, the Razor’s Edgers were out in full force for the Sunday at 1:00 tilt against the Rams. An extensive crew met up at Wicked and as usual, departed for P10N at 8:25 AM. Unfortunately, the parking gurus decided to go against the norm and open 15 minutes later and we were forced to caravan down RT1 south and turn around a few miles down the road to head back north.  En route, we picked up Robin and Harry who were just ready to jump in line as we did another turnaround to head south again to the lot.  Luckily, there were still some spots open along the perimeter so we set up our tents in a row and were up and running by 9:00.

Despite missing regulars Darren, Monty,  and Laureen & Larry,  we still had quite a large crew. Bama was up for the game and brought  Judy along for the tailgate and to meet the crew. She certainly fit right in and made fast friends with not only our group but the couple that set up next to us as well. Robin and Geoff’s seatmates also set up nearby so they bopped back and forth between the sites.

We started off the morning with mimosas, mulitgrain bagels with lox, a variety of donuts, and breakfast burritos then quickly moved on to burgers, Al’s swordfish, lots of chicken and steak tips, dogs, keilbasa, chourico,  my chili, Zip’s jambalaya, Geoff’s smoked ribs, Karen’s shrimp, and tons of snack foods. 

Steve was in town once again and was feeling a bit under the weather as was Sam Wells who was up for the game with his brother Bob. We were hoping for a visit from our friends The Paxtons, but it never worked out since our new location is quite a hike from their parking lot.

As the day wore on, the morning chill was replaced with afternoon sunshine and by game time it was actually pretty hot!  Kelsea’s camera had a weird error and stopped working so we didn’t get many pictures but thankfully, Mark’s daughter forwarded the group shot and a few others over to me.

Ed Bryant was off the hook from his usual song duty because veteran tailgate crooner,  Web, was Zip’s guest and did the honors this week. Constants such as Harry’s cigars, Bruschi Brews, Jello shots, Jim’s Hockey Stick shot offerings and patriotic conversation and camaraderie once again insured a stellar time.

Come game time, we made the trek and it was quickly apparent that I was overdressed and wished I had left a few layers behind. Much to Al’s delight, the cheerleaders were decked out in Halloween costumes and he remembered his binoculars.   The game was exciting and reminded me of games of old where it actually came down to the final seconds before completely exhaling.

Post-game, we lounged out, sparked up the grill once again and toasted our boys on the win, savoring that one for a bit before moving on to Indy next.

Complete Rams Tailgate Album (at least we got a few before the camera died!)

Web’s Song

Sung to the tune of Willie Nelson’s “On the road again”

Beat the Rams again

Just can’t wait till we beat the Rams again

The life I love is watchin’ football with my friends

And I can’t wait till we beat the Rams again

Beat the Rams again

Goin’ crazy cause we’re up by ten

Seein’ plays that I may never see again,

And I can’t wait till we beat the Rams again.

Beat the Rams again

Like a band of gypsies we meet at the tailgate

We’re the best of fans

Insisting that the Pats keep winning our way

And our way

Is beat the Rams again

Just can’t wait till we beat the Rams again

The life I love is watchin’ football with my friends

And I can’t wait till we beat the Rams again.

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Rams: October Sunday at 1:00 :-)

Coming off a devasting Chargers loss (but awesome trip out west), and still feeling jet lagged and under the weather, I dragged myself out of my sick bed to meet up with the small Monday night crew. (My little man was on stand by and had he arrived home in time, would have taken my place but since he didn’t I hastily got ready and accompanied Big Al so he didn’t have to go it alone.)

We met up at our usual rendezvous spot and the made our way to P10, Lot 51,  without incident and set up along the perimeter in our usual spot. Since it was a week night and many folks had to work, the crew was smaller and it almost resembled a preseason tailgate.  That of course meant lots more time to actually sit and converse.  Regulars Karen & Don, Darren, Mike, Mark and The Cardozas joined Zip and Monty, who were together this time around.

Some of Al’s co-workers joined us and Steve was here from CA taking in his 3rd straight game as well, having gone to the 49ers and spending time with us in San Diego the week before. As a former New Englander hailing from a Portuguese town in MA, Al usually includes some chourico, tremocos, linguica, and steamers on the menu when he’s in town.  Steve enjoyed them as did everyone else who dug in. My chili made it’s inaugural appearance as well.

Zip gave his requisite toast with jello shots and Den from NE Player Promotions stopped by with his girl, insuring that there was at least one more female besides the two Karens at the tailgate. After taking our group photo, securing all of our stuff and Ed’s song (below) we headed in to the game. The boys came out having a ball and firing on all cylinders making us soon forget the debacle the week before.

We left with smiles and looking forward to the following week’s game time of Sunday @ 1:00.

Complete Broncos Album here.

Your Fastball

Jagger, Richard, and Bryant

October 20, 2008

Well, I told you once and I told you twice,

But you never listen to my advice!

You played pretty well at Vandy,

But you really should lay off the candy!

Well, this could be your fastball,

Jay, throw me your fastball,

Maybe I’ll catch it, I hope so!

Well, a sorry mess sits on your tray,

Any sugar goes in, you know it stays.

Too much candy, too much sweets,

That’s why you got dia-beats!

Well, this could be your fastball,

Jay, throw me your fastball,

Maybe I’ll catch it, I hope so!

Well, I told you once and I told you twice,

And I tell you: you’re no David Price!

Here’s a chance to claim you’re sick,

Before Deltha comes up with a pick!

Well, this could be your fastball,

Jay, throw me your fastball,

Maybe I’ll catch it, I hope so!

Fastball (be your fastball,),

Well, I don’t know,

Said a no no no,

Said a no no no, ….

(Repeat as needed, and then, fade out! )

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Corralling the Ponies on Monday Night