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Looking Out the Window: Crisp Air, a Dry Leaf on My Deck, and Football in the Den

Football is on television tonight. Once right after we married my husband, Rick, turned on the T V at 2:00 a.m., to watch two high school teams I’d never heard of. I’m not sure everyone is that huge of a fan, but college games bring out fierce loyalties among their alumnae, and followers of professional football will often travel hundreds of miles to support their favorite teams.

During the first five years of our marriage we had season tickets to a college team on Saturday and a professional team on Sunday. I grew to appreciate the skilled players and the execution of well designed plays. I still abhor those who must commit a flagrant foul with the intent of injuring a talented player to gain an advantage. But, desperate behavior shows up in all walks of life.

In many ways a football game with its set-backs, momentary glories and determined players resembles a snip-it of life. Possibly, that’s what fuels the sadness over a loss and the ecstasy of a win. When our team wins, we feel that we’ve won too. Last year’s super bowl, possibly more than any other, brought that feeling to life for thousands of fans in New Orleans and other parts of the county who weren’t even connected to the team, but were happy that New Orleans had something to cheer about.

That same type spirit is fostered by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Founded 1954, it has been based in Kansas City, Missouri, since 1956. In 2003 they presented their first Bobby Bowden Award. Named for the previous long-time Florida State coach of the Seminoles in Tallahassee, the award honors one college football player each year who conducts himself as a “faith model.” Those nominated must have a 3.0 GPA or better as well as backing from his school’s athletic director and head football coach. The award is presented annually before the Bowl Championship Series’ national title game. It’s a wonderful way to instill spiritual values into those who will someday become role models for thousands of youngsters who watch the games.

Since the proper watching of football requires something to munch, I’d like to share a friend’s recipe for chipped beef dip.
3 Tabls. Lemon dill weed
3 Tabls. Minced Onion
1 Tabl. Seasoned salt
2 cups mayonnaise
2 8 oz. packages of creamed cheese
2 2.5 packages of Buddy Beef (chopped)
2 Tabls. Chopped scallions
1 loaf un-sliced rye bread

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together at least one hour before serving.

Cut the top section of rye bread and chop it for dipping. Pour the dip into the cut-out portion of bread.

Go team!!!

Matthew 5: 16: “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Comments

Miss Mae said…
I don't care a thing for football or any kind of sports (unless it has to do with dancing), but that recipe looks downright delicious! Yum!
DanielleThorne said…
I LOVE FOOTBALL!!! but then I went to high school in Knoxville (Go Vols!) and then I married someone whose mother is from Tuscaloosa. Crazy the way people get so nuts over the sport, I agree.

Gail, I don't like rye bread--any other suggestion for what to eat with the dip recipe?
Sherry Gloag said…
I'm with Miss Mae, football leaves me cold, but the recipe sound mouthwatering.
I may not like football, but I did enjooy reading your blog :-)
Gail Pallotta said…
Hi Miss Mae, Danielle and Sherry,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm glad you can use the recipe.
Danielle, I believe it would be good with wheat bread. Enjoy!
Anonymous said…
I'm with you and Dani, I LOVE FOOTBALL!!! Since I grew up near Norman OK, I'm a huge OU fan, and of course I like the KC Chiefs. My favorite pro team is the Colts, though, because I love Peyton Manning.
Gail Pallotta said…
Hi Anne,
Thanks for stopping by. I'm a Peyton Manning fan also.

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