Peanuts and Cracker Jacks
About six weeks ago, my daughter suggested the two of us go to a Cubs/Brewers baseball game in Milwaukee and of course I said yes. Since it had been winter and not ideal weather conditions we hadn’t seen each other in a bit. A few weeks later she had the idea of getting a group of people to tailgate before the game. She didn’t think just the two of us could pull off a successful tailgate with our limited number….haha.
She invited our long time neighbors and great friends, along with her new friends from Milwaukee to join in the hoopla. Since the weather’s unpredictable in the midwest she wanted to wait a bit to purchase the tickets. As she monitored the availability she started getting nervous since we had a large group and decided she needed to purchase sooner rather than later. As game day became closer we were watching the weather and it must have changed a dozen times….argh. Cold and rainy, sunny and mild, mild and overcast….the changes went on and on.
Since the weather was so unpredictable she came up with plans A and B. We would make the call game morning and would be ready for either. Plan A: meet at location, head to the park and tailgate. Plan B: meet at a designated bar, buy a cocktail, get a wristband and get shuttled to and from the game with no tailgate. Then two days prior she came up with Plan C: tailgate at Hannah’s apartment, walk to local tavern, buy a cocktail, get a wristband and board the bus to and from the game. I think we had all bases covered….lol (pun intended).
We sent many texts, made many phone calls in order to make the plan solid. Game day arrived and Hannah was up early texting and calling. The weather looked iffy with rain and chilly temps. At this point we needed to make a decision and thought we would just go for it. Plan A was in place, no turning back.
The rain wasn’t due to hit until after the game started….perfect. Everyone made it to the designated location and away we went into the park. The group had everything needed to execute the plan, chairs, grill, tables, music, etc. Somehow we had front row parking, near the bathrooms and pavilion in case of rain. The party started and everyone was having a great time, then along came the raindrops, but thankfully not heavy enough to sway our crowd. Many other game-goers were packing it up and heading inside the park. Many of which had to pass our tailgate site. Before we knew, our party was growing and people were invited to join. It didn’t matter what team you were routing for, everyone was having a fun time.
At the last minute, we packed everything up and headed into the park. Everyone was quickly throwing things in their vehicles. The game was fun even though my team didn’t win. It still was an excellent way to celebrate spring and friendship. During the seventh inning stretch the crowd sung, “buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,” our whole gang bellowed together. What a fun day at the ballpark and tailgating with new and old friends. Hats off to my daughter for organizing a great day. I’m happy to report we’re planning our next tailgate. Take time to honor and celebrate friendship.
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS….not sure how it happened, but once everyone got home we realized my neighbor ended up with most of the stuff in his truck, including belongings from the friends of Milwaukee…haha.