The Worm Word

Rested and Ready to Go

Sorry for the long break between posts. Silkworm is always closed the week between Christmas and January 1, and this year I headed out early and came back a little late. I had a great holiday visiting friends and family, I hope you did too.

It seems just a little too early in the year to have much going on yet, but I know that will pick up in no time. I've been following the SIU men's basketball team, and have been a little sad at the results. I have faith that even if they don't do so great this year, we have some really talented guys who will shine next year. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on this year though, I definitely expect to spend a good weekend in St Louis for the MVC tournament.

I don't have too much to report right now, but you can look forward to some definite changes in the look of Silkworm in 2009. If you live in or near Murphysboro, you might have already noticed the new sign in front of the building. If you haven't seen it, you should come by and check it out. There are also plans for a new look to the website this year. If you aren't on the lists yet, you should definitly sign up to receive email blasts about Silkworm featured products; you can sign up on the main Silkworm page, or by emailing me.

I hope everyone out there is set for a great year and plans on keeping all of their new year's resolutions. I know I am, but I never share what they are.

Sezmore

What to Wear? What to Wear?

The Christmas party time of year seems to have come up quickly on me. I have more invitations coming in than ever before, and I only have so much time. And I still have to finish up my shopping before the holiday. What is a worm to do?

I was hoping for a nice little gift of a SIU basketball win over Charlotte this past Saturday, but that was not to be. The guys played a pretty good game, and it just didn't work out for us in the end. The next game will be on December 22nd against Western Michigan at 7pm. Maybe I can have that Christmas present of a win then.

Just a quick reminder; Silkworm will be closed from December 25th through January 2nd. I will be traveling down to Texas as usual. I like a breath of warm weather in the middle of winter. I will try to take some pictures if I get anywhere exciting.

Good luck with that last minute shopping,

Sezmore

Things to be Thankful For

The SIU men's basketball team may not have done well in New York last week, but I'm not fretting. We were up against some really good teams and we fought them pretty hard. I have faith that the guys will only get better as the season goes on. They will play against Western Kentucky tonight at 7:00pm, and will be televised through Mediacom. I think we are due for a spectacular come-back.

Though the basketball team has been down for the past few games, the same definitely can't be said for the football team. The Salukis take on New Hampshire this Saturday at 1:00pm in Carbondale in the first game of the playoffs. Last year I got to see the Dawgs play in the playoffs, but unfortunately they lost. This year, I expect much better!

Remember to drive safe this holiday, enjoy your time with family and friends and be thankful for everything you have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sezmore

The Dawgs are Headed to New York

I could hardly breathe at that basketball game last week. UMass put up one heck of a fight, but I was glad to see SIU come out on top. On Thursday the Dawgs will play Duke at Madison Square Gardens. I can't imagine how excited they must be. I think I may have to go to the SIU Alumni Association Online store and pick up another SIU shirt to wear when I watch the game on TV. GO DAWGS!!!!!

In other Dawg related news, the football team won against South Dakota State, 38 to 35. Unfortunately I missed it, but with a score like that it must have been an exciting game to watch. This coming Saturday the guys will take on Illinois State in Normal. If we win this game we will be tied for first place in the Valley Football Conference. I love seeing the guys do well, and the fact that they have done so well with this being Coach Lennon's first season is spectacular. I wish the football team all the best and hope they make it to the playoffs.

On a more personal note, the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Jackson County/Murphysboro is  already up and running for the year. You can find out about upcoming meetings, what teams have joined or other fun going on at www.relayforlifeofmurphysboro.com. At the site you can also register a team, join a team or make a donation. All donations to Relay For Life are tax deductible, so you might want to make one before December 31, even though Relay won't be until June. It is never to early to start.

Have a great week,

Sezmore

Did You Vote?

Today is going to be one for the history books no matter who wins. We will either have the first black president, the first woman vice president or the first worm president. You did know that I am running for office, didn't you? I was promoting myself pretty hard at the Apple Festival, but I wasn't invited for any debates or anything. Maybe competition was just a little too steep for a small town worm this year. You can bet I will be back in 2012 though.

Speaking of victories though, SIU is on a roll this year. First the football team took down North Dakota 40 to 21 on Saturday, then the men's basketball team took Missouri Southern 82 to 59. The fun just keeps on going with the basketball team taking on Southwest Baptist on Thursday, November 6th, at 7:05pm and the football team going up against Western Illinois on Saturday, November 8th, at 2:00pm.

I have to admit I am a little distracted waiting for this evening to find out who our next president is. If you have anything I should mention in this blog you should let me know.

Have a great election day,

Sezmore

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

Fall in Love with Fall

Today is the first official day of autumn! I think fall really might be my favorite time of year; I love the crisp air, the colorful leaves, football and all of the festivals and events. Unfortunately, the temperature is supposed to be in the 80's all week and the leaves are just beginning to change. However, there will be football this weekend. On Saturday, September 27th, at 6:00 pm, SIU will take on Northern Iowa. It is also Family Weekend at SIU so I expect a large and energetic crowd at McAndrew Stadium. To really get yourself in the mood you should go to the SIUC Alumni Association Online Store and get yourself one of our new "Instant Lunatic" kits. The kit includes an "Instant Lunatic" T-shirt, two sticks of face paint (one maroon, one white) and a fuzzy maroon wig. I really like the wig and think I might be at the game with my kit on this week.

Can you believe that October will be here next week? I want to know where September went, because I'm pretty sure it was just starting last week. I'm not too upset though, October has so many fun things going on in it; corn mazes, haunted houses, Colorfest. I feel like there are more things going on than I can mention right now, but I will be sure to keep you updated as the great stuff comes up.

Have a great fall,

Sezmore

One Worn Out Worm

I think I need a week long nap after all the excitement of last week. The Murphysboro Apple Festival was a blast, but I feel like I was there more than I wasn't. Last Tuesday a group of Silkworm Team Members went to the Sponsors' Reception to see Bob get the Benefactor Appreciation Award. On Wednesday I helped some Relay For Life members make a float that they used in the Parade. Thursday was the Apple Pie and Apple Butter Competition and Auction. We had two Team Members that each entered two pies, unfortunately neither of them placed. I got to participate in the Auction on Thursday night and I even bid on a pie, but I got out bid really quickly. Fortunately Captain Applesauce gave me a pie, and I gave him the Sponsor's Choice pie because he looked like he needed it. I heard that Silkworm Team Member Doris Jines took a few awards in the Apple Peeling Contest, but she doesn't like to brag so I'm not sure just how many she won. Saturday was the Grand Parade and I have to say that my walkers looked great in their "Sez For Prez" shirts. I'm not sure what I will do if I actually get elected president though.

This coming weekend is a BBQ fan's dream come true. Both the Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off and the Carbondale Main Street Pig-out are going on this weekend. You can get information on the Murphysboro event here, and the Carbondale event here. I know that I will be torn between the two options.

I wish you luck in deciding which Barbecue event to go to,

Sezmore