Happy New Year!

I learned an interesting thing yesterday, the revelry and fireworks are suppose to chase away the bad spirits and bad influences!

Krl and I played it close to the vest. We did chips and dip, little smokie croissants, some homemade chex trash mix, and stayed home watching Kirby play ball in the MPC Computer Bowl.

I did a required trip to the grocery store, mid afternoon. Returned home, cooked a little, watched a little NFL, but most importantly, made sure no one got our seats for the main event. The afternoon dragged on. I didn't think six-thirty was ever going arrive, but finally, the screen was filled with blue smurf turf.

Initially It appeared the 'canes would run away. A very impressive first drive ended with Kirby sneaking in from the one. Four for four passing enroute.

Obviously, the 'canes thought the same thing because they kind of let down. Next offensive series saw the 'canes deep in their end of the field, Kirby threw the ball away from the end zone and was called for "grounding". Safety, Nevada.

Due to time constraints, we will move ahead. Kirby did a pretty decent job, two long scoring throws, 272 yards, with 1 INT. 'Canes win, barely!

In the second half it must have gotten really cold because at times it appeared players were almost in slow motion.

Kirby was named MVP. Congratulations Kirb.

Added highlight, I got to see Coach and Jani on television.

I read a lot of the hurricane message boards, and it is always interesting to see what is floating out there. It would appear, with the help of some journalists, that a quarterback controversy is brewing in Coral Gables. It would seem that possibly a journalist goes back and forth between Kirby and Kyle Wright doing the "he said" routine. There didn't seem to be a problem, just healthy competition until Wright was out and Kirby was in. Now it would appear the tension is mounting between them. No doubt, both of them are athletes. The most amazing thing is how fickle the alumni on the message boards are. Some tout Kirby, some tout Kyle, some aren't satisfied and tout "a player to be named later", either a juco transfer or an incoming freshman.

Kyle completed his undergraduate degree in December, Kirby completes his in May. Both of them could transfer to do their graduate work at any other school and not have to sit out a year before resuming their eligibility. I wonder how many of those message board gurus know that?

Personally, I hope it doesn't come to that. I think Both Kirby and Kyle bring good things to the field, and they could push each other to greater feats. Kyle probably has more arm, Kirby has more instinct. I think the 'canes are close. Probably a lot closer that anyone realizes. I think if the team comes together and holds every teammate accountable, both on and off the field, and works toward a common goal they could be tough!

I will repeat what I've said often, when you compete at the division 1 level you are in an elite group!

Me, I'm existing in a sub-division.

We are stocked up for the traditional New Year's meal. Blackeyed peas and cornbread! Blackeyed peas, either you love them or hate 'em. My grandfather used to have us eat them on New Years until we were almost sick. My ex-father-in-law only ate them AT New Years and then only enough to qualify for prosperity. His opinion was and probably is that blackeyed peas got him through one depression and he would hate to be burned out on them if we had another one!

To be honest, we enjoy blackeyed peas regularly on our menu.

Here is hoping your New Year is Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous.

FATHER, I am thankful for new beginnings. May this new year be blessed and may we use it to glorify YOU.