(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

The time has finally arrived providing anticipation and excitement to see and attend their favorite football team and cheer for a good outcome.

Football is one of America’s most popular games and athletes start taking part from Pee Wee football teams to Junior High to High School and many hope to even play college football. The competition is extremely hard and can be disappointing if they do not make the team of their choice.

At the same time there is danger of getting hurt physically due to football being a contact sport and that should be taken into consideration before taking part.

I know my husband along with millions of people always looks forward to the football season and rooting for their favorite teams but at the same time can become very stressful when your favorite team is losing.

It is hard to believe the millions of dollars that is spent yearly for admission to the various games that have become outrageous not to mention sky high costs at the concession stands and souvenir stands…and of course the astronomical parking rates so many charge with usually a long walk to the stadium. To me it is ridiculous to pay $7 or $8 for a plastic cup of Coca Cola or $9 or more for a cup of beer for 3 1/2 cups of beer purchased at a game when you can buy 30 cans (cups) at a grocery store.

I realize that it is more exciting attending games with all that takes place but they can also stay home at their convenience and watch the game and even replays on television in a nice warm environment, LOL. But still I realize there is a big difference in the environment of being at the game physically and taking an active part along with thousands of fans screaming and cheering for their team.

We must also remember a very important part that takes place before the game, “tail-gating,” which is a very enjoyable and important pre-game activity..

Pro football is another aspect of great talent and a display of super athletes that are paid such extreme high salaries along with the coaches that make it very difficult for an average family to attend the games without causing financial difficulty.

We are pleased that West Virginia won their first game and we are looking forward to attending the game where WVU plays Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Of course this presents a small problem since we have a sophomore granddaughter Eleni and senior grandson Franklin who also is on the OU cross country and track team while a sophomore granddaughter Kiki who is a cheerleader for West Virginia University.

So who do we cheer for ?? We are playing it safe and each is going to wear both Blue & Gold for WVU. and Green & White for Ohio University. LOL!

It’s great that those football players and coaches make a lot of money but for sure they work hard and they deserve it!

Football matches are filled with incredible moments that can define the game or even the players’ career. Some of the most amazing moments that fans often remember are.last-minute goals, World Cup finals, stunning goals, penalty shootouts, record-breaking events, emotional farewells, team celebrations, all these moments and many many more capture the essence of football showcasing drama, skill, passion and the unpredictability of the sport!

We had a remarkable West Virginia Symphony League membership meeting this past Thursday night with many old and new members and friends that came to join us. Thanks to Sydney Weber for providing the beautiful new Resiliency Center and also she gave us tours of the place. Entertainment was provided by Mike Seely on saxophone accompanied by Peter Sours also vocalist Sherry Wilson Braid and Reinnie Leavitt! Thank you to all my talented friends and members that provided their delicious appetizers for us to enjoy and my wonderful committee that helped me to have a successful event!

So proud of all of you. Appreciate everyone and each one of you!

SAVE THE DATE

“Fall into fashion” Fashion show/Cocktail party at the Parkersburg Art Center on Saturday, Oct. 4, doors open at 5:30 p.m. and event starts at 6 p.m! A fundraiser and sponsored by West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg!

You don’t want to miss this event with fashions and accessories for women and men from Hornor and Harrison, Teri Ann’s , Crown Decor and Gifts, and Baker & Baker. Heavy appetizers from our favorite local restaurants, two cash bars, wine pull, and a signature drink. There will be music by Dr. Isidro Amigo.

Tickets sell fast, call to reserve your table or individual sitting. Call Terry at 304-481-0364 or Carla at 304-482-9503

Till next week.

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TOUCHDOWN SALSA

1 (3 ounce) can pitted black olives, chopped

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

1 medium onion chopped

1 large tomato chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar

3 tablespoons cooking oil

1 teaspoon of garlic salt

Combine first four ingredients, Combine remaining ingredients and pour over vegetable mixture. Chill at least two hours, serve with nacho flavored or corn chips, makes about 2 cups.

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TAIL-GATE OLIVE SPREAD

2 (3ounces each) packages cream cheese softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Dash of pepper

1 cup chopped salad olives

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

2 tablespoons olive liquid

1 loaf very thin sliced white bread crust removed.

Mix all ingredients except bread. Chill at least two days. Layer bread on baking pan. Toast in oven at 250 degrees F for 30 minutes. Turn and toast 30 minutes more. Serve with spread. Spread may also be served with crackers.

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HALFTIME PEPPERONI CHEESE LOAF

1 loaf frozen bread dough

1 egg beaten

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

2 (3 1/2 ounces each) packages sliced pepperoni use 3-inch rounds if available

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.

Thaw dough and allow to rise according to package directions, roll out dough into a large circle on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush egg over dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Layer pepperoni and mozzarella cheese on top, sprinkle with oregano, roll up jelly roll fashion, sealing edges and tucking under ends. Can be refrigerated at this point until ready to bake. Bake, seam side down at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes. Slice to serve.