wildside

Any team good enough to make it to the Super Bowl stands a chance to win. Teams can play very "inspired" ball when the rush and excitement of the big game hits them just right. Especially when they're the "underdog"!

First of all, congrats on the engagement! How did it go talking with the future in-laws about your plans for a new "boat"?! Very clever! As for when to get married . . . October is a beautiful month. You got it right when you write, "Call me the crazy one, but I wouldn't let hunting or fishing interfer with plans for my marriage. I love both, but I can do without them for a week or two for a life altering event." Plus, an annual getaway fishing weekend with just the two of you would be an awesome way to celebrate your anniversary. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

With two wood-burning inserts (one upstairs and one down), we burn about 20 or more face cords a year (say, 7 cords). Fortunately, we live on acreage with plenty of woods and are able to do it all ourselves. Of course, my husband's homemade splitter (that we attach to our New Holland Skidsteer) sure takes a load off and gets the kids in on the action, too! He does some by hand for the health of it, and, of course, the moving and stacking of the wood is a workout in and of itself. Yes, I help! I love the heat from wood, and with our central humidistat, the air never gets too dry. In these single-digit temps we've been having, nothing beats the warmth and beauty of a good fire.

Touchy-feely?? Not sure what that is...but I'm guessing if anyone does, it would be you and John, so I'll have to take your word for it. The way those two have each other's back really is "special". They even finish each other's sentences. . . . creepy in an unmanly kind of way. Not that there's anything wrong with that. . . . The only thing I will concede to you guys in this argument is that you have the most popular opinion. You are the majority. The majority at flapping their jaws, that's all. I couldn't resist.

I'm confident you are a gentleman . . . I never thought otherwise. Besides, no need to give me special treatment. I'll talk smack with the best of you. Just remember, though, like stevebeilgard's marriage recipe thread of today says, when all is said and done, the woman is ALWAYS right. What am I thinking. . . didn't you just get engaged? Yeah, you already know all about that . . . or will very soon!!!!

That's my husband's team, so I'll leave that one to him!

Ah, every prospective groom is wise to consider today's marriage recipe and learn it well before walking down the isle. Yet another good one, Steve!

Or, rather, could it be that he is actually playing into ours? Nonetheless, I've read enough posts throughout the forums to get what you're saying about that Muggs fella and how he works. Truthfully, I'm having fun.

Umm. . . how do you think we "guys think" the Colts "got Peyton"? Every team has it's highs and lows - it was great when he was drafted and still is very cool to have an awesome QB. It's nice to see success come to all NFL teams at one time or another. How boring it would be if the same team won all the time?! Any true fan of the sport knows that . . . About "the frontrunning fans" deserting the team "like they used to". . . I simply have to laugh at that one. Anyone who personally knows me is well aware of the fact that I've been a dedicated fan since 1984. In fact, I continue to wear all my gear, as I, like so many other true team supporters, am always a fan - win or lose. Finally, "'nuff said bud" . . . do you really mean it?!!! Someone pinch me. . . are you honestly going to stop talking such nonsense?! Amen on that one! Then, please, take a chill pill and calm yourself down. In fact, take two.

I know of a fine and reputable hospital where you really should have your hearing tested. As for Muggs continued preoccupation with this thread, I think that I finally see what's going on with that. . . . . Muggs = Browns fan. Colts win final regular season game = Browns make it to playoffs. Colts did not win that game = Muggsy boy's beloved Browns went nowhere. That chip on your shoulder towards the Colts/Colts fans is obviously a boulder, Muggs. Again, that same fine hospital that performs hearing tests could surely fit you in for surgery to remove that ugly and obnoxious Colts-hating growth so stubbornly attached to your shoulder. Heck, since you'd surely be booked in the pediatric OR, I'll be so kind as to make sure to be in on your surgery to "help".

Boy am I confused. . . on this thread there are only two obvious Colts fan. . . and both of those fans have spelled it out in plain English that THERE ARE NO EXCUSES for how the team played against San Diego. There is NO ONE TO BLAME other than the Indianapolis players themselves for the outcome of the game. Credit the winning team. So, where are these mysterious "Colts fans" who you claim are trying to excuse the way their team played? Not to be found on this thread, that's for sure. Talk about beating a dead horse. . . or a dead Colt, as the case may be!!!!! I can hardly wait until this weekend's games so you can go after some other unsuspecting football fan for what he or she might post.

Yes, colts1888, you most certainly did site reasons why the Colts deserved to lose and never once "blamed" anyone. All one has to do is read over the previous posts and see that with his or her own eyes. Of course, that requires clear vision without bias. As far as I can see, not one Colts fan here (or any that I've talked with in person) holds anyone responsible for the loss other than the Indy team itself. Credit has been given to the Chargers for going out there and making it happen. There can be healthy discussion about the game with references given to key plays, missed players, bum calls and tough breaks without blaming or excusing anyone. It is what it is - a playoff loss and the end of one team's season. Live and learn.

My point exactly! (Only you manage to say it with two sentences versus my previous multi-paragraphed post.) I don't believe in "excuses". There are no excuses. Poor play = loss. Now where's my milk and Oreos. . . .

Any team that played this weekend is a good team, and I take nothing away from those who found success to make it to next weekend. Certainly the Chargers have something on the Colts, as they did indeed also win in the regular season against Indy. Mind you, however, several key players for Indy were off with injuries during the regular season (not to mention Vinatieri missed a chip shot of a 29-yard FG that would have won that game against San Diego). Having so many of those key players back this afternoon made for what should have been a more well-rounded and winning team - and a different team by many standards than Indy put up against San Diego in the regular season. Usually, more talented players tend to have greater potential. Usually. My previous post about Indy beating themselves simply means just that. . . they had opportunity and squandered it away with penalties, had tough breaks at the ends of great drives, and the defense didn't show up to play a complete game. When it came down to playing solid ball, the Colts didn't go out and make it happen. How they performed today was a far cry from what they are capable of accomplishing on the field. I hate to see any team go out like that, let alone a team that I've been passionately cheering on since those busses rolled into my home state back in 1984. BTW, Colts 1888 makes some good and knowledgeable posts. It's clear he knows the team and its players. At least there will be one Manning playing next weekend. Hope Peyton enjoys licking those double-stuffed Oreos while he watches Eli throw the ball (you had to have watched the commercials during the game to get that .) Laura

No, actually, the Colts beat the Colts. The entire team didn't play to the potential of each player. Consequently, the last game to be played in the RCA dome, and quite possibly with Tony Dungy as coach, goes down as a loss.

I just sent you a PM about a theory that is tried and true. . .

I know of at least one team that is more than capable of beating New England. Take, for instance, the Colts. . . when playing to their potential, those guys can handle any team. My favorite football is when all players are playing their best and the refs don't take over the game. As for the Patriots, I'd have an easier time respecting the team's "success" if the coach was a bit more cordial, professional and ethical.

Like you, Andrea, I've been battling a horrible cough that needs to go away! So, I read the posts on your thread and tried the Vicks Vaporub on my feet last night. . . needless to say, when I stepped into the shower this morning I very nearly fell square on my behind! That's some slippery stuff. Hope your new line-up of meds works wonders.

It wasn't clear to me that the Buck Falls was fenced in land. If so, sorry about that. As for fair chase. . . there's plenty of state and national land in Michigan to go around. Washtenaw and Livingston Counties (Southeastern Michigan) produce some of the largest bucks. Maybe take a peak at the Michigan United Conservation Corps website for some suggestions/guidance at mucc.org If you ever do come this way, let us Michigan forums members know. . . maybe we can be of help along the way!

Congrats on your team's win, Andrea! Time will tell if their next game is in Indy. . . .

Looks like a nice feeding station you've got there for those backyard deer! Great-looking buck, too! At 40 yards from your house, it would be awfully tempting to hunt right from the comfort of your Lazyboy.

Great photo! Sharing the outdoors with your son is so special. . . I'm sure great memories go with that snapshot from last spring.

I started a thread on this last summer when our son lost his first tooth. . . . rates varied, with many suggesting to give more for the first tooth. We (oh, excuse me, the "Tooth Fairy" ) ended up leaving one gold dollar coin, one Sacajawea dollar coin, and four special state quarters for the first tooth. He was thrilled! For the second, he woke up to a one dollar coin and a couple of cool state quarters under his pillow. Whatever your Tooth Fairy decides, just be sure to make those coins shiny!

Really nice story! Thanks for sharing the link, and best wishes next year at Penn State.

And he and his family are also receiving death threats for leaving West Virginia. Name-calling is one thing, but threatening the lives of a man and his family is nothing short of insane. It would seem as though a few "fans" have gone too far over his move north. At the core, football is a GAME. Respect of others and the choices they make in the best interest of themselves and their families is essential to LIFE. Congrats on your bowl win, and, in our neck of the woods, it was nice to see Michigan play to their potential and send an old coach out on a high note.