Monday, September 22, 2008

Duck Tales

Last Saturday my sweetheart had a special date. But not with me! He took our oldest grandchild - Miss A. - to the Oregon Ducks football game in Eugene. It was a special day they will never forget. My sweetheart (Papa) and ten-year-old Miss A. together, doing something they loved. He bought tickets for the game from a coworker who was not able to attend the game as planned. At first we thought I would travel with him and attend the game but on Friday it was necessary to change plans. Our daughter, Mrs. M., recently told me that Miss A. has become a real Oregon Duck fan. When I realized I would not be going to the game I told my sweetheart that Miss A. would really love to go with him. He called to invite her and a few minutes later there were two very excited people. One grandpa who could hardly wait to spend the day doing something special with someone dear to his heart. And one ecstatic young lady who was jumping and dancing all around her house!

We have two major colleges in our state. The University of Oregon in Eugene and Oregon State University in Corvallis. They are rivals in sports and loyalty among Oregonians is divided between the two. The Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers are often the topic of heated discussions around our state. Miss A.'s teacher this year is an alumnus of The University of Oregon and, apparently, has decorated the classroom with Oregon Duck decorations and memorabilia. Miss A. could hardly believe her ears when her Papa called to ask if she would like to go to the game with him. Later she told her mother that she was so excited she could hardly keep from screaming! And her Papa was nearly as bad! He and I made a quick trip to a nearby store to choose a new Duck shirt for Papa and one for Miss A. And Duck hats. And 'clapping hands' that made a lot of noise and lit up! The Ducks and Beavers clothing was on sale. Twenty five percent off! And we had to have snacks and treats for the trip. Shortly after he arrived at Miss A's house the next morning he surprised her with her new shirt and hat. It didn't take long before they posed for a picture.

They hadn't been on the freeway heading south very long before they began to see one car after another heading to the game. Some cars made sure everyone knew where they were going and what team they were supporting. Miss A. was in charge of the camera while Papa drove.Nearly two hours later they arrived, parked the car and walked toward the entrance to Autzen Stadium. The home of the Ducks!They found their seats in time to watch the pregame activity on the field below.Their seats were near the end zone where they could see some of the touchdowns up close. Unfortunately, they saw more touchdowns for Boise State than for Oregon.Sometime during the game my sweetheart suggested that the two of them pose for a photo. He took this picture. It is my favorite. I love the look on each of their faces.Two people who love each other dearly and who love to be together. It seems like just yesterday that this dear Papa stood in a hospital room and held his firstborn grandchild - a granddaughter, Miss A. - in his arms. He smiled with such pride then. And he still smiles with great pride when she is near. Now she has plans to enter a drawing to win tickets for two to the big 'Civil War' game in November. The game between Oregon and Oregon State. The Ducks and the Beavers. If she wins, she plans to take her Papa. No one else. Just Papa and Miss A.!

16 comments:

  1. How wonderful. This will be a treasured memory.

    I have fond memories of my father taking me to football games. It was such a special thing for me.

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  2. Such a sweet story...aren't we truly blessed many times over thru our grandchildren!
    love, bj

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  3. I love to see and read "happy posts".... and this one is a happy post, indeed! :) It makes me joyful! Miss A. and Papa are both too cute! :)

    Sending my love...

    cielo

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  4. Precious pictures, Adrienne and a sweet story ~ I'm glad they had such a wonderful time. And tell her I said "Great Pictures!"

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  5. Miss A. will remember this the rest of her life. ;)

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  6. wonderful outing for both of them. I was very close to my grandfather and I have many happy memories of times spent with him. I am sure Miss A will too:>)

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  7. What a wonderful memory for both of them. A couple of years ago I couldn't attend the theater with my husband so he invited one of our granddaughters, then 15. They had dinner before and then went to the theater together - a date with Grandpa she called it. So special! blessings, marlene

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  8. What a wonderful post. They looked like they were having so much fun and the memories they made will last a life time!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  9. That is so sweet! What wonderful memories for them both.

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  10. Now that is just the cutest couple.
    I did some changes this year too. I still have to touch up,but got the most done.

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  11. How fun and what a wonderful time that she will remember forever!
    ~Kelli

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  12. Adrienne, it's been a complete pleasure visiting you this morning! What a wonderful post!

    We're at the lake and will stay until late next week. I'm doing some catching up in blogland, while enjoying a bit of rest and relaxation.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  13. Hi Adrienne
    What a special day for both of them. I have a wonderful memory of a time my dad took me to a professional football game. I was trying out for the cheerleading squad in 9th grade and he felt I needed to know how the game was played! It was a memory I will always treasure.
    Hugs,
    Rhondi

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  14. What a sweet story! I got excited just reading it! Miss A will always have a special memory of this time with her Papa!

    Katherine

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  15. P.S. - I forgot to tell you - I just published some of my fall decorations, come on over, we'll have spiced apple tea!

    Katherine

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  16. Everything about this post is wonderful! (Love how you call your husband your "sweetheart"!)
    Blessings to You!
    Claudia O.

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.