Rosenbush Cafe

The tailgating turnout was smaller than usual, thanks in no small measure to the unexpected gasoline gouging that struck Tuscaloosa Friday afternoon. As in Birmingham, gas prices soared into the mid and upper $4 range and all because they could do it unregulated. We had calls from our regular customers and others did not call or cancel their reservations; we knew, however, why many stayed home.

A weekend of football enjoyment can be circumvented by greed. Besides the surprise we experienced seeing prices jump quickly between 3 and 5 o’clock it occurred as many fans streamed along University Boulevard for the weekend football game in their expensive gas gulping vehicles. Our usual gangs always come over on game day and were fortunate to be at home in Huntsville, Montgomery, Dothan, Mobile and the eastern Alabama/western Georgia borderline. They could decide if a Tide opponent who was 28-point underdogs was worth the extra expense.

It obviously wasn’t as over a dozen cars and pickups were absent from the lot.

It was still a productive day with our first slideshow to accompany Alabama’s 41-7 win.

Less fans cut down on the traffic even though the attendance would dispute a mass refusal to get soaked in crude oil for the sake of college football. Less vehicle towing meant the Uni lost some of their newfound revenue. The Strip was hopping as usual with the young and old mixing alcohol and wings and hawkers still sold programs, memorabilia and refreshments around the campus.

Money still changed hands and revenue was still in the positive. The Quad looks like an Indian reservation will all the tents covering both sides as another money maker for the serious wealthy. Even when the weather was humid and uncomfortable there were women in long low cut black dresses and men in ties.

Even with our low turnout there was enjoyment but no one stayed after to eat, drink and be merry. It was on the road home and while we missed the usual gang of tailgaters we expect their return for Kentucky in three weeks. Perhaps gas will be restored to less greedy prices and the weather in October will be more pleasant than September.