The Worm Word

Time for Some Team Spirit

Congrats to the SIU Football team on another win this past weekend. 23 to 17 against Missouri State and I heard it was quite an intense game. The guys will be in town for the next three weeks now; on November 1, at 2pm they will play North Dakota, on November 8, at 2pm they will play Western Illinois, and on November 15, at 2pm they will play South Dakota State. I am ready to get all Marooned up and cheer for the guys. If you need some new maroon in your life might I recommend the "All In" T-shirt which raises money for Saluki Way, or the Instant Lunatic Kit which comes with a T-shirt, maroon wig and face paint.

For those who don't want to sit out in the crisp fall weather but still like to support Saluki Athletics, basketball season is quickly approaching. On Monday, November 3, at 7:05pm the guys will take on Missouri Southern in the first home game of the season. FloorBurn U is back in action and raising money for Saluki Way this season with its own store through the SIU Alumni Association, you can see it here. The shirt this year was designed by Coach Lowery himself. The maroon shirt is the official shirt of the team and the white shirt is the official shirt of the coaches for the '08-'09 season. I bet this year will be even better than last.

I'm so excited about the Dawgs that I can hardly think of anything else to talk about. I do want everyone out there to be careful this Friday; kids need to watch where they are going and look out for cars and drivers need to keep in mind that there are kids out there and look out for them.

Have a safe and fun Halloween everyone,

Sezmore

Shorter but More Colorful Days

I love when the leaves change color. I can look out my office window right now and see red, green, yellow, brown, gold and orange. The colors would be a little more vibrant if it weren't for the rain falling outside right now. I guess we need the rain now so we don't get any on Halloween.

Can you believe the hurt the Dawgs laid on Indiana State in the homecoming game? I'm not sure that a game that ends at 60-7 would even be that much fun to watch. It seems a little one-sided. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm sorry I missed the game.

It sure seems like all of my attention should be on football, but basketball is sneaking in. Maroon Madness will happen this Friday, October 17th at 7pm. Both the men's and women's teams will be there to participate in the fun. There will be a slam-dunk contest, a 3-point shoot-out, two-ball competition and a short scrimmage by the men's team. There will also be contests and games for the audience. The event is free and seats are first come, first served, so my suggestion would be to get there early.

If you need a reason to get out and admire the leaves changing color you should head down to Makanda this weekend. VultureFest will be going on Saturday and Sunday. There are always neat arts and crafts to look at, and good music to listen to. If that doesn't satiate your need for leaves drive just a little further down the road and take a hike in Giant City State Park. Now that I mention that, I think I may just have to go out there myself.

Sezmore

Fall Feels Here

I know that technically fall began with the Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd, but today really feels like fall. I can't wait for the leaves to start changing colors. We live in a beautiful area for getting out and enjoying autumn weather.

One of my personal favorite things to do in the cool, crisp air is corn mazes. Just when you think you are almost done you turn a corner and see more corn. It all looks the same and is very confusing, but I love it. The two mazes I know of are at Bandy's Pumpkin Patch in Johnson City, IL and Beggs Pumpkin Patch in Sikeston, MO. Both are a lot of fun, and I hope to make it to both this year. Both locations open tomorrow and will be open through the end of October.

Next weekend (October 11th specifically) I am going to have a hard time deciding what to do. All through Southern Illinois there will be ColorFest events going on. The wineries and orchards will have bands and all sorts of fun stuff. In Anna there will even be a festival with weiner dog races. In Carbondale the focus will be on a different kind of dog; the Salukis. At 1:30 pm on Saturday the 11th, the Dawgs will be taking on Indiana State in SIU's Homecoming game. I may make it there, but I can assure you that I will be visiting the "Art Around the Square" on Friday the 10th, from 7pm-10pm.

So much fun I can hardly contain myself. Now to decide what to wear for Halloween.

Sezmore