liquid rabbit's big day at the Lawton Center

WARNING: Fairly long CSB to follow.

I am in Baton Rouge for the first time since January 2012 (a visit I'd rather forget) because I'm celebrating a milestone birthday. A big one. All my family is coming to town, including my three 1-year-old granddaughters.

This morning, we planned to visit Mike in his habitat, but when we arrived, we discovered that his living quarters were being spruced up, so he was out of pocket. The day wasn't a wash, however, as Mrs. Rabbit and her cohorts had secretly arranged a guided tour of the Lawton Center, which I had never seen.

We viewed a highlight film of the 2012 season in the auditorium, and passed through the hall where recruits are entertained, with portraits of great Tigers and plaques of each NFL team and the Tigers who have played for them lining the walls.

Then through a dining area where covers of old bowl game programs are framed and fill the wall. We passed through the Tiger locker room and the room where players are interviewed after games.

Then the highlight -- the chute leading into the stadium. I got to slap the WIN bar before coming out into that beautiful field. The 90+ heat was beating down on the deep green grass and I was sweating but I didn't care. It has been way too long since I was in that edifice.

When we passed through the locker room, we stopped for lots of pictures. Here's one of me and Mrs. Rabbit resting in a locker.



If you haven't seen this excellent facility, I hope you do get that privilege one day. For anyone who bleeds purple and gold, it's an awe-inspiring tour.