Not counting the game, it was a usual terrific weekend in Gainesville for me.  A few random thoughts:

-I come to town once a year and I am always amazed how different campus looks. 

-What really amazes me is the whole game day phenomenon.  Six days a year all bets are off.  You can park virtually anywhere, light a grill and walk around with a drink in you hand.  No wonder I love college football so much.

-Can they have someone playing the bells in Century Tower on game days?  It sure would be better than the majority of crappy music I hear blaring from tailgates. 

-I parked in my usually spot at Norman Field.  Looking west late in the afternoon is a beautiful site.  The way the sun comes shining through the trees and the haze from the grills make it almost surreal.

-I received a guided tour of the “Bourbon Meyer”.  This is an orange and blue party bus that parks at Norman. 

-I went into Calico Jack’s for the first time since 1992 and it smells just like the original (which is not really a good thing, but it sure took me back to the mid-80’s).

-I tried to get into Satchel’s in the NE part of town on Thursday.  It looked really cool, but it was mobbed (ended up at Hooters).

-I stayed at the Paramount (the old Hilton).  The place is in pretty good shape, but the selling point is the view of Biven’s Arm.

-When did the Salty Dog become so popular with the college kids?  I am glad it is doing well, but when I can’t get in on a Friday evening at 6:30, there is a problem. Went to the Copper Monkey instead and renewed my friendship with Capt Morgan.

-What is the deal with the corner of Univ. and 13^th?  Are they ever going to build something there? 

-Too many of the old haunts are gone.  I know I sound like an old fart, but damn, change isn’t always a good thing.  Café Gardens closing really sucks.  It was so pretty back there.  We ate lunch at the Swamp Restaurant, and it was fine.  But sitting a few feet from University can be loud.  Especially when I huge truck unloading food for the restaurant next door parks right in front of me.

Listen, I was as bummed about the game as anyone, but I feel extremely lucky to be a UF grad.  I only get back once a year and I savior every second I am in town and take the time to stop and smell the roses (or the C.J.’s in this case).  I walked across campus around 11am on game day to buy an orange and blue bell at the bookstore (don’t ask).  The sun was shining and campus was alive.  There was no place in the world I would have rather been.  Football seasons are going to come and go.  Some will be grand, while others will stink, but my school will always be a special place for me.  I love it there and can’t wait until I return.  With all due apologies to SOS, but the good Lord was smiling on me when he made me a Gator.

In all kinds of weather...