Steve and I had a great trip to Auburn for a game a few years ago, but we messed up one big time. That was in our restaurant choice for dinner on Friday night. We reasoned that we needed to “be good” and stick to the low-carb diet we’d been on, so when we saw a bright, shiny, new place with Diner in the title, we thought, “It’s bound to have meat, vegetables and salad, so why not try it?” Big mistake. HUGE. The service was lackluster, and the food tasted bad, really bad and was overpriced to boot. When we left, I sent a text message to the kids spelling out our tale of woe. Matt quickly responded with a text of his own: “Who goes to a diner in Auburn???” The clear implication was that he wouldn’t be caught dead there. His choices would be Chuck’s BarBQue, Guthrie’s, Cheeburger/Cheeburger, or Niffer’s. He wouldn’t be looking for healthy, home-cooking. He’d be wanting to feel like a college student again. Laura’s text said: “Why would you go anywhere besides Cheeburger or Guthrie’s?” When I told her that we decided to be a little bit adventurous, her reply was classic — “You don’t go to Auburn for what’s different. You go because of what is the SAME! War Eagle!”
See why I love my children so much? They are such delightful people, and they were exactly right. Why do the old grads like Steve and me make pilgrimages back to the Loveliest Village on the Plains? Because of what’s the SAME. The traditions!
We learned our lesson the hard way and spent the rest of the weekend reminiscing and enjoying the tried and true.
The top picture shows the back of my t-shirt purchase on that day. Notice that “rolling the trees on Toomer’s Corner” was featured because their fate had been so much a part of the news since the previous winter’s vengeful poisoning by the disgruntled fan of a rival team. In the next picture, you can see for yourself how the trees at Toomer’s Corner were faring. Look closely at the tops, and you’ll see some sick-looking yellow and brownish leaves, especially when you compare their color to the trees behind them. Sadly, those trees have since been removed.
I always enjoy walking past Langdon Hall, the site of my Senior Piano Recital given in December of 1971. I started my college journey at Samford, studying with my much-beloved teacher Dr. Betty Sue Shepherd. But, I gave that up to marry Steve and ended up here. I’d do it all over again, dear Steve.
This is Gargis Hall where many of my music classes were held. It was old then, so it’s REALLY old now. 🙂 Stately architecture, though, don’t you think? And there’s a glimpse of Samford Hall’s iconic clock tower in the distance.
In this photo, Steve and I are headed to the game, and you can see Jordan-Hare Stadium in the background and Haley Center. I hear that they’re planning to tear down the Haley Center. I guess that piece of landscape will change soon — hopefully for the better.
Here is Aubie — award-winning mascot — entering the stadium before game time. Our grandson Luke aspires to “be Aubie” when he gets to college. Â Wouldn’t that be fun??
With 30 seconds left in the game, the score was 42-38 and thankfully, it stayed that way to the end. It was another day of chanting the cheers, singing the fight song, and pulling for the Tigers.
This is not the place to color outside the lines. We’ll stick more closely to what we know and love next time — hopefully in the not-too-distant future. War Eagle, everybody!
P.S. One of my favorite parts about being an Auburn fan is that whether we win or lose, we’re still Auburn fans. Â After disappointing losses on several occasions, I’ve still joined with the crowd chanting “It’s great . . to be . . an Auburn Tiger, yes, it’s great . . Â to be . . an Auburn Tiger . . . “
P.P.S. This coming Saturday Steve will be taking our 3 oldest grandsons to Auburn for a game. Â Memories will be made. Â Traditions will be passed down.