WINTER WONDERLAND — The Weekly Opine

After two decades of mostly futility, Indiana University’s men’s basketball team last Thursday played like the good times are about to roll. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Back in the high life

There is nothing quite like a wintertime jaunt, when the sun is bright and the sky is blue – with occasional dollops of cottony clouds – accompanied by a thermometer that peaks around 25 degrees. Snow mostly absent from farm fields on both sides as a smooth, clear highway lays out in front of you. Refreshing is the best way to describe the feeling.

On the first leg of our 4-hour trip, driving an alternate route, traffic was so light that for the first time in years I felt comfortable setting the cruise control.

If a respite is what you seek, with ample time for leisurely conversation, wandering minds, and mellow plus up-tempo music, then last Thursday’s trip to Bloomington, Indiana, delivered. The unhurried drive allowed time for momentum to build slowly, like syrup pouring on Belgian waffles at Uptown Cafe.

By the time we reached B-town and Indiana University, for the purpose of attending the IU-Purdue basketball game, anticipation was boiling. For a few hours, as the Carly Simon song says, we were kept waiting.

The wait was worth it.

Wind turbines saluted as we rolled along Indiana Highway 52, north of Lafayette. (Photo credit Bethanny A.)

Pizza at Mother Bear’s was the perfect pregame meal. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Tickets to the big game. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall was packed and roaring last Thursday. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

After standing in the cold much of the day for first come, first served student section seats, youngins rushed to get inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. A few hours later they would rush the court after a thrilling victory by the home team. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

The pep band was on top of its game, too. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Cheerleaders are part of the pageantry at big-time collegiate athletic events. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Seats with a view. A great view! (Photo credit Bethanny A.)

This scene after the Purdue game was reminiscent of 2011, when students stormed the court after IU defeated unbeaten, top-ranked Kentucky. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Too old to rush the court but young enough to whoop and holler! (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

After the game there’s no better place to rest than the Biddle Hotel at Indiana Memorial Union. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Three days after the big win over Purdue the good vibes wilted as the Hoosiers played uninspired ball while getting pasted, 80-62, by Michigan at Assembly Hall. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Three days after the Michigan debacle, brilliant sunlight and fresh powdery snow, that made my yard look like a lunar surface, were reinvigorating. Go Hoosiers! (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Note: IU got back on track last night, thumping Penn State at Assembly Hall.