Left Out in the Cold

Last weekend, before the Vikings had their surprising win over the Packers, I told hubby he could take his best buddy from next door to the Vikings game this weekend – if they won and played at home.

When the Vikes took the division title, I had to stand by my word. While it was tough at first, as the week went on and the forecast kept getting colder and colder, I was OK with it.

So today Jim and Mick hit the road at 6 a.m. with plenty of layers and hand warmers in the CRV. Thanks to my niece Caryn, when they got to the stadium, they had a place to park and free admittance. She took a picture of them before the game and before they were frozen solid.

This is pregame warm-ups. Can we call them WARM-ups when it's minus 6 degrees?

As the jumbo-tron points out, it was the coldest game in Vikings history and the 3rd coldest NFL playoff game. One almost wondered if Hell was freezing over and maybe the Vikings were headed to the Super Bowl.

Nah. Just kidding. None of us were thinking that.

However, the karma was there. With former legendary coach Bud Grant rocking a short-sleeved shirt for the coin flip (at age 88), Viking fans were pumped up! Jim said that was awesome to see.

When he could see, that is. His primary complaint about the frigid weather was that his glasses kept steaming up and his feet were cold. They did put foot warmers in their boots but they weren't as effective as the hand warmers in their gloves for some reason. Thankfully, both boys came home with all 10 fingers and toes!

Meanwhile, back home kitty was trying to soak up the sunshine and heat to send "Daddy" a warm hug via text. 

Meanwhile, back at the game, the beer was freezing! This wasn't their beer, they said. Too cold to drink beer. Plus they had a long drive home, made longer by the Vikings kicker. For longtime fans, this is deja vu all over again, isn't it? Grrrr.

I tell you, when they were about to kick it, I said to Carter, "Ohmigosh, every Viking fan is nervously re-living the Gary Anderson kick right now." He said, "Don't jinx it!"


Too late. Just knew it was going to happen. Dang.

Felt worse for the guys since they had to brave that cold all day and deal with the disappointment and devastation on top of it. Sadly, we're used to it. They still had a good time, though. Glad they had the opportunity to go and that I was forced to sit on my warm couch.

At least I didn't have to worry about my tears of frustration freezing on my face. Sigh...