KOHOUTEK! KOHOUTEK!

I’m still waiting for Kohoutek’s arrival.

In 1973, it was to be the ‘Comet of the Century’, lighting up our college nights – our mental states chemically altered, staring out our dorm window, chanting ‘Kohoutek, Kohoutek…’

He/it – do comets have pronouns? – never showed.

At least we weren’t building sea walls for that ‘existential event’…

But a lesson in anticipation I’m reminded of during GA/FLA weekend.

An annual post topic: The arrival of 5k+ UGA students Thursday, for a Friday afternoon Halloween themed party on SSI’s Frat (nee Coast Guard) beach, Jacksonville for Saturday’s game, drive home Sunday.

Also arriving, lots of UGA alums, many of them friends, and who form the basis of my ‘favorite weekend of the year’ – a dinner with old neighbors, a Friday afternoon lunch, Friday night’s low country boil, topped off by Saturday’s watching party. Their long weekend now extended to 8 days.

Oddly, the alums might be a bigger behavioral issue than the kids…

And Friday afternoon, a walk to Frat Beach to check out the crowd – and their costumes – and a drive through the departing revelers on the way to the boil. Thank God I never acted like that in college.

But the weekend’s highlight: Bringing my grilled brats for Saturday’s party, cut in half, wrapped in foil – for take home convenience – an eagerly anticipated crowd favorite. And of course, My Captor’s cookies Friday/Saturday: The Cookie Lady!

Adding to the anticipation, my seat on the couch reserved in the ‘serious game watching’ room.

But this year has become Football Kohoutek.

We missed last year, in San Diego for a family wedding, but that was our choice – alternative fun. Well, My Captor assured it was our choice…

But this year, the Saturday party cancelled due to a minor medical issue. Or maybe it was just me – it happens. But nothing serious, recommended to avoid loud noises, so no go.   

Hard to tell, but I typed that last sentence very quietly…  

But I truly love the party, so working on “Ok, you’re ugly too”, or similar second opinion.

And while I wasn’t asked, my clever solutions:

I could sit on the patio and watch the game through the sliding door. Someone’d pass a couple of brats and a cookie out – I’d need a doctor’s order for a beer, though.

I could sit in our car and wave to the arriving and departing guests, politely – and quietly – asking them for a bit of cheese dip and a brat. A party attending doctor could bring me beers.

Or, we could do a remake of The Quiet Place. I’d keep an ear on the GA alums.

A serious No Go. But we’ve alternative fun:

Charlotte for our daughter’s Halloween birthday, with the Birthday Blow-Up in full gear; Trick or treating – their children had the porch decorated by 10/1, costumes chosen shortly after Easter; The Saturday game; A Monday drive home.

Adding to the game anticipation, or lack thereof, GA winning virtually every year, on the up-side of a series streak – I’m OK watching when I know who’ll win – pre-game anxiety ain’t worth the effort, screwing up the brats and cookie lunch. But a bit less in-game anxiety next year, please.

But in all honesty, while the Kohoutek clothing I bought was ‘No refund’, the anticipation was the best part, even with the ultimate disappointment.

And while I really look forward to GA/FLA weekend, nothing can match our grandsons’ Halloween anticipation: best day ever!

But double/triple Kohoutek: Stadium construction in JAX moves the next 2 games to ATL and Tampa, no SSI GA/FLA weekend until 2028.

Bummer.

Better yet, one of the treat bags contained a Pay Day…

ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS POST, PAIR WITH THE FOLLOWING ‘AGING HIPSTER MUSIC’:

New album: Snocaps, a product of the Crutchfield sisters, Katie of Waxahatchee fame.  

And I have a new book out:

QUEENIE AND PA: ADVENTURES IN GRANDPARENTING… And Other Topics

Available on Amazon! Order today, laughing by Tuesday! Only 1.8 cents per laugh!