This year marked the first time in 41 years that I have not been tailgating in East Lansing before (and after) a Spartan football games.  Determined not to let this "get me down"....   When I heard of the Spartan Saga Tailgate Party, I immediately applied never thinking that it would be VERY hard to find a fellow Spartan in Lake Havasu City AZ.   The alumni office could not find anyone either.   So we arrived on Sept 13th---  I quickly talked to neighbors, the couple who used to own the house we bought, my massage therapist and her family, my realtor. With the party less than a week away we had to work fast to get it together.  No Spartan should have to get eyestrain from watching a game on TV,.,.,.so we took a day trip to Vegas to buy a 55" LED TV...went to Costco for beef tenderloin and shrimp (we wanted to impress everyone with our Spartan hospitality).  To make a long story a bit shorter.... we pulled it off.  I told everyone why I was having the party and they were very enthusiastic and helped me cheer on my TEAM!   We had a few teens to 8 year olds who thought all the MSU stuff was great.  My dog Charlie even had the dogs next dog for the party...(they did  get a bit crazy over the minii footballs and I'm sorry to say a couple got chewed up).  The food, friendshops formed, and, of course, the game was great.   So even though technically I was the only Michigan State GRAD, we banded together in true Spartan fashion to watch STATE beat the fighting Irish.  My Spartan tailgate tradition continues on...I won't lie ......I really  miss those Saturdays in East Lansing, my loyal MSU friends and everything that happens on a Football  Saturday on campus.  Thanks, House Party for making my party such a success