The 12th man

So I was going to continue my account of my first week in Washington, but I must sidetrack a bit and talk about today's events.

I awoke to a VERY RAINY and windy day. I went downstairs and made 2 pots of coffee since it felt like that kind of day. I made fire,....fire goooood.  I then went outside to bring the wood up to the house for the days warmth,  I sat by the fire and drank my cup of joe and enjoying the quiet of the house and the sound of the rain falling against the roof since everyone was still sleeping. It is now 9am and no one is up which is odd but decided that the weekend and everyone sleeps in. Well the next thing I hear are  the people getting up and talking about the big game and how we are going to watch it without cable. Being still new to this environment I asked what game. What game? Oh yeah you are from LA...The only game in town of course...THE SEAHAWKS! Personally I am a 49ers fan and knew that game was later on today but I got caught up in all their excitement.

We tried in vain to get the game on the computer but to no avail . With the game getting closer one of the owners of the farm had the smart idea to rent a condo in Roche Harbor to watch the game. My friend Scott and I went to get the snacks for the game.  So you know, there are only two markets on the island. One of them does not have a name on the building. I am figuring that either you must be a resident of the island or you go hungry since there are also no commercial chain ANYTHING on the island. No markets, fast food, restaurants and heaven forbid a Starbucks or Coffee Bean. Upon entering the store, there was a sea of Seahawk jerseys, hats and even a few people with painted faces. Okay, Washington people are really into the games. We bought bags of chips and salsa, sodas and frozen pizzas and drove off to Roche Harbor one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen, which will be described later in full description but that would take away from today.

Entering the condo we had a party started.. My friend Scott, one of his partners, the office manager and her two twin 11 year old boys, who proceeded to tell me the whole story about the stadium and how when the fans start yelling it can register as an earthquake at the university. I then asked the question what the flags that had the number 12 on them meant. The kids, in tandem which only twins can do, explained that only 11 players are allowed on the field and Washington fans are player number 12. The fans help the Seahawks win. After watching the game and seeing how this island of San Juan feels about football I truly understand the meaning of the 12th man.

Great game, fun time and a lesson in football made my day. Question is this....If the 49ers win today and they end up playing the Seahawks next week, will I be the 12th man or just odd man out....I guess time will tell.