Toronto Beat

Saskatchewan???

Never!!!

Some pumpkin-head came pretty close to eating crow yesterday!

Well it wasn't pretty folks.  In fact, at times it was down-right ugly.  One minute, the defense blocks a kick (AWESOME!), the next, Bishop throws an interception (not so awesome).  Yet, somehow,  the Riders managed to end the regular season with a win.

We were at the game last night.  We looked quite dapper all decked out in green.  You know what didn't look good?? The defense. They made Joseph's job easy.   Today, I keep thinking of that awesome Future Shop commercial (click here to view) where Kerry Joseph says, "How many interceptions did I throw last week?? 0."  That's right, 0.  How many did Bishop throw?? That's right, 4.  At least we were able to capitalize on errors.

Joseph (#4) getting ready to throw a "completed" pass.

There were a lot of Rider fans there (including Maurice Lloyd's family and kids -- sitting two rows down from us).  Our entire section was filled with Rider fans (the main exception being the guy sitting next to Neil who deserves some kind of Argos Fan Award as he was awesome... cheered loudly for his team, yet was respectful and took being in the Visitor's section all in stride).  Very different from our last game at BC Place, where N and I watched as Rider fans had to be re-seated by security due to the jackassery of Lion's fans who took the taunting a bit too far. I can tell you one thing, I cannot stand the Lions or the Stamps so I respectfully refuse to cheer for either of them on Saturday.  I know a Stamps win gives the Riders a home playoff game but I don't care (after all -- it's not like I can be there -- and I have never claimed to be unselfish).  I will watch and remain completely unmoved.  If the Riders are going to go far in the playoffs they are going to have to get past both of these teams (with at least one game being on the road) and I for one, hope they CRUSH them both and return for a repeat appearance in the Grey Cup.  The fact that I have Grey Cup tickets has no bearing on that at all - ha ha!

If anything, being surrounded by Rider fans got N and I more pumped up for Grey Cup.  We have our tickets, we've rented a sweet condo/apartment for our time in Montreal.  I cannot wait!!!  

One final note:

While no one will ever claim that the Argos have the league's most passionate fans, the Argos organization did not have to play "taped" crowd noise like they did in the "den" of the Lion's.  Also, Pinball Clemons made a few appearances - one a pre-taped message... "this is my team."  He is simply amazing -- his speech gave me goosebumps.  A great speaker and a class act!  The Argos are lucky to have such a great ambassador for their team.

We had visitors this past weekend. It was a busy but fun time. Thursday I was showing people around TO, Friday I was back at work and then Friday night we all went out to the Raptor's game to watch them suck it up on the court... geez. Come on guys, way to limp into the playoffs.

Shannon and I, proving we are awesome and secure wives.

During half time this huge inflated Raptor came out to dance with the Dance Team... it was pretty hilarious!

After the game, we tracked down another one of my cousin's at the Loose Moose. Since both the Raptor's and the Jay's were playing that night, the place was packed. We luckily managed to get one of the last tables. Several drinks later, we left all cheery.

Next day I was up bright and early making a huge breakfast/brunch as my aunt and uncle were leaving their home out in the burbs to venture into the city for a Jay's game. This is a rare and thus exciting occurance!

Half way through the Jay's game I came to a startling (well maybe not) revelation that I find paint drying more exciting than baseball. Raptor's tickets were triple the price and worth every penny... but then, I love basketball.

On Sunday, we took Shannon and Jason out to Niagara-on-the-lake for brunch and then out to the falls (as they'd never been). It was a nice day to out walking around...

You could still see ice in the river and in the falls on the American side

Overall a fun weekend. We told Shannon and Jay they could come back! haha!!

Yes, I realize that this is almost a week old... but I have other things on my plate and I cannot blog at will. With that out of the way let's start.

Saturday was such a great day. Even the city of Toronto felt the Rider Pride as seen by how they lit up City Hall...

City Hall decked out in Green.

Pre-Neil fist pump and the after.

Thank God he was okay. I still cannot believe he walked

away from this escapade with mere scratches.

After we cleaned up, we ventured out in search of some lunch/brunch. We ended up at Quotes Bar and Grill where the the service staff proceeded to tell us that we could be as loud as we liked and we then partook in a game of "catch" with some guys at the bar. I've never been in an establishment that allowed you to toss footballs around and scream to your heart's content -- well, the Dizzy Monk probably comes close.

Then we started walking towards the Roger's Centre. We were met by loads of fans in green and white. "The Flame" orchestrated a parade of the Green and White to the gates of the Rogers Centre. It was glorious. Chants of "Green is the colour!" mingled with cries of "Let's go Riders!" The atmosphere was electric. I'd wager a guess and say that every second person on the street by the Rogers Centre was decked out in Rider green. It was awesome to behold!!

Once near the gates, "The Flame," lets her rip:

Then as if the stars weren't already in line -- the Snowbirds (from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) decide to also state their allegiance to the Riders by flying high over the Skydome. Beautiful!!

Finally we make our way through the gates into Skydome to witness history. I could discuss how I spent the next hour in line buying beer -- but let's not cheapen this experience with what will forever go down as the crappiest service ever at a Grey Cup.

I got to my seats and took in the field and here's a look at the crowd:

The game started. It was one of those games where you felt tense throughout. Too close to call until the end. That's why Lenny at half time was some much needed levity.

The second half continued and we all know the outcome now -- A RIDER VICTORY!!!

Now the cup gets brought to the fans -- to Rider Nation!!

And then as you are aware -- just like in Saskatchewan -- Rider fans took to the streets. Here they are on Front Street in TO after the game.

WOO HOO!!!

Bomber fans and Rider fans were out in full force last night. Naturally, most of the Bomber fans were really deluded... I mean, really -- it seems mean-spirited to even respond to this kind of taunt knowing full well the Riders are going to cream the Bombers come Sunday. Though if any of you have any good "response" taunts, we'd happily try them out on deluded Bomber fans....

We got pictures with a few people you may recognize... have a look:

Be sure to check out
My flickr
for more pictures from last night!

Last Saturday turned out to be a crazy day. To be honest, it all started Friday night.

Friday:
Friday was a plum crazy day. I spent the day with my mom and sister running around town like chickens with our heads cut off. We were trying to get items that I needed for "shower" games; games were my responsibility for my cousin's wedding shower. We finally got back to my mom's at 10:30PM after an exhausting 2.5 hour grocery shopping stint at Superstore -- don't even get me started on how it can take anyone that long to grocery shop -- it's a sore point with me and I've realized I'm a different type of shopper than other members of my family... names are really not necessary.... So we got home and a series of events unfolded:

• My brother ran downstairs towards the laundry room with a bottle of liquid Fleecy fabric softener, proceeded to trip down our basement stairs (impressive really that he wasn't hurt), Fleecy flew through the air and hit the side wall of the stairwell, bottle broke open and liquid Fleecy flew through the air covering walls, stairs, floor. Let's just say that the verdict is still out on whether liquid Fleecy can be removed from carpet and that I've learned that you can have too "fresh" a smell.
• At the same time, my sister is unloading the dishwasher and proceeds to break a Pyrex cooking dish -- glass flies everywhere.
• My mother starts yelling at my sister because she had dressed her son in pj's that are too big for him (sleeves and pant legs are way too long)... my sister in a huff proceeds towards her son in the hallway where she steps on his long pant legs, effectively tripping him, he goes flying (as far as he can with pinned pant legs) and proceeds to face plant on the floor HARD and starts screaming...

I was sitting on a chair at the kitchen table taking in all of these events. GAWD! Glad to be home. That said, it was now 11PM and we had a shower card to design (because we don't do things the easy way, like shop at Hallmark). Tess and I had to create 3 shower games and we had to make a Penis cake for Shannon's wedding stagette the next day.

What you need to know about this picture is that
both my cousin and her finance are red heads.

Enter Saturday:
Saturday night we went to the Rider Game. Oh, what a game it was. We were sitting on the 45 yard line under the overhang and this turned out to be the best possible place to be sitting. It was storming. Rain, thunder, lightening and a really good football game! It could only get better when the power goes out at Taylor Field, right? YES! Especially when you are dry! Here's a few pictures and a short video clip to give you an idea of what the night looked like.

This is the view from our seats.

This is how hard the rain was coming down...

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Later that night:
The game delay took about an extra hour - so I rushed home to meet my sister and pick up the cake and then we raced to my cousin's stagette. We stayed only long enough to deliver her presents as it was so late... She seemed to really enjoy her gifts.

Onto Sunday:
The wedding shower was a very nice affair -- English Garden theme. The games went well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I think several members of the family felt immense relief that it went well and was over. I was also happy because I could relax -- it was a busy weekend!

Here's Shannon with a mouth full of gum:

guess she doesn't know Jason very well, after all...

I love shower games
They are EVIL!!

Here's the bride-to-be with her mom, grandma & sister