Minnesota Viking Updates

[Lee Borgersen]

Vikings' Zimmer: 'There's a possibility' Bridgewater returns this season.

  ...
The Minnesota Vikings have been careful not to put a concrete timetable on Teddy Bridgewater's return, opting to manage expectations as the quarterback rehabs from his devastating August 2016 knee injury.

However, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer seemingly admitted for the first time Saturday that Bridgewater has a chance to play in 2017

  ....
"Every day he gets a little bit better," Zimmer told FOX Sports, according to Scout.com's Tim Yotter. "He believes 100 percent in his heart he's going to overcome this. There's a possibility he could get back this year."

  .....
While Zimmer is still exercising caution while discussion Bridgewater, the Vikings' public acknowledgement of a potential return this campaign is a significant step.

Bridgewater remains on the physically unable to perform list, and will need to be activated before the regular season or he'll be sidelined for the first six games.

Sam Bradford is set for his second season as Minnesota's starter in Bridgewater's absence.

[glenn57]

last nite watchin the tube i flipped channels watching the game...............for a preseason game that last 5-8 minutes where pretty entertaining!!!!!!! gawda give that 3rd string QB some credit, he did a hellava job with some grit and determination!!!!!!

[Steve-o]

I wouldn't want to be one of the starters in the meeting rooms this morning after last night's performance.

The O-line and defensive backfield both looked inept and lost.  I can only hope that they were laying a trap for New Orleans Week One.

[LPS]

Ya I almost turned it off and went to bed.  BUT I hung in there.  The second and third string play a better game than the first string. 

[Lee Borgersen]

Yep after viewing da recent posts here I'll have to agree that "DA Bears" will be da team ta watch in da central division. Welcome aboard "DA BEARS" fan club fellas!

[glenn57]

Yep after viewing da recent posts here I'll have to agree that "DA Bears" will be da team ta watch in da central division. Welcome aboard "DA BEARS" fan club fellas!

there ya go again Lee.........................stirrin da pot!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lee Borgersen]

  Leidner likely to make Vikings debut in exhibition final.

8/30/17


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MINNEAPOLIS — Mitch Leidner made sure to soak up the moment a few hours before the Vikings' exhibition game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 27 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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While he knew he probably wasn't going to play, simply putting on the pads and warming up with the Vikings was a dream come true for the former Gophers quarterback from Lakeville.

"It's everything I could've asked for, being in that situation and hoping to get that phone call and get an opportunity," said Leidner, who was working part time for Bite Squad, a food delivery company, before signing. "I've been really fortunate, and I'm very thankful to the Vikings for giving me this opportunity. I've really enjoyed it so far."

  ..........
Leidner was a four-year starter with the Gophers who signed as an undrafted free agent last week. He has a zero percent chance of making the Vikings' 53-man roster. But there's almost a 100 percent chance he plays in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins.

Remember, Joel Stave and Brad Sorensen split reps at quarterback in the Vikings' preseason finale last season.

"I have no idea," Leidner said when asked if he will play Thursday. "I haven't heard anything."

  .....
Still, there's no way the Vikings are going to risk starting quarterback Sam Bradford getting injured a little more than a week before the season opener, and backup Case Keenum likely will play only a couple of series before he's taken out.

That leaves Taylor Heinicke, who led a game-winning drive against the 49ers, and Leidner to finish out the game.

"It's a great opportunity for him," Keenum said. "I was a local kid. I went to Houston and then was signed by the Texans. I know exactly what he's going through. It's really cool that he gets to come out here and have the horns on his helmet and get to compete with us."

His best outcome would be to earn a spot on the Vikings' practice squad.

Leidner went undrafted after an four-year career with the Gophers in which he passed for 7,287 yards, with 36 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.

Both sides of the spectrum were on display at practice Tuesday, with Leidner looking sharp at times and less so other times; he threw what would have been a pick-six had cornerback Mackensie Alexander been able to haul in the errant pass.

After practice, Leidner stayed on the field an extra 15 minutes to get reps with tight end Josiah Price. He is doing everything he can do make the team, no matter the odds.

"I'm just focused on coming out here and getting better every day," Leidner said. "It's pretty crazy how far I've come in a week. I'm really starting to get the playbook down and figure out what's going on. ... It's been going good."
 

[Lee Borgersen]

Zimmer will use final preseason game to finalize Vikings starters.

8/29/17


  ....
MINNEAPOLIS — Starters usually don't play in the final preseason game, but that might not matter to Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.

Still steaming from a lackluster first half Sunday, Aug. 27 against San Francisco, Zimmer didn't rule out playing some starters Thursday against Miami at U.S. Bank Stadium.

"I've made up my mind, but I haven't told the team yet or anything like that," Zimmer said Tuesday. "I haven't told the coaches yet, either. After the other night, I feel like they should play, but we'll see."

Although the Vikings beat the 49ers 32-31 at U.S. Bank Stadium, they fell behind 14-0 while starters played the first half. In 12 preseason possessions, the Vikings' first-team offense has managed to score just three points, and quarterback Sam Bradford has been sacked five times.

Zimmer said he has settled on his starting offensive line but declined to reveal the lineup. In the battle to start at center between rookie Pat Elflein and Nick Easton, Zimmer told NBC sideline reporter Michele Tayofa at halftime Sunday he had made up his mind without naming the winner.

According to Pro Football Focus, Elflein had by far the better game against the 49ers, rated a 70.7 to Easton's 37.3.

  ....
Elflein got most of the first-team snaps in practice Tuesday while Easton played right guard in place of Joe Berger, who sat out team drills. Other first-teamers in practice were left tackle Riley Reiff, left guard Alex Boone and right tackle Mike Remmers.

The only position on defense that appears open is weak-side linebacker. Edmond Robinson started the first exhibition, Ben Gedeon the next two. Emmanuel Lamur also is in the mix, but he didn't practice Tuesday after leaving the 49ers game in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.

"This will be a good week to get these guys in there one more time and finish the process," Zimmer said.

Zimmer didn't deny Gedeon might end be better suited as a middle linebacker.

"But we're just trying to get the guys in there that can play, and I figure if we're playing 30 percent base, it's a chance to get him in the game more," the coach said.

Competition continues between kickers Kai Forbath and Marshall Koehn, and punters Ryan Quigley and rookie Taylor Symmank. Jerick McKinnon might have nailed down the kick-returner job after an 108-yard touchdown return against the 49ers.

The Vikings must cut their roster from 90 to the regular-season limit of 53 by Saturday. And even if Zimmer does use some starters against the Dolphins, they don't figure to be in there long.

"(Thursday's game is) going to be extremely important," said rookie defensive end Tashawn Bower. "(Reserves are) going to have a lot more plays and we're not going to have as much rest. That's why you really need to stay in shape and do your assignments."

Roster decisions will be tough on the defensive line. Bower is in good shape but still might be competing with rookie Ifeadi Obdigndo at end. At tackle, Will Sutton and Datone Jones might be competing for a final roster spot.

The tight end is a battle worth watching. Rookie Bucky Hodges and Kyle Carter are vying for a third and possible final spot, although the Vikings might keep three tight ends behind starter Kyle Rudolph.

"A lot of starters are not going to play this week, so that gives a lot of opportunity for the young guys to step up and make plays like myself," Hodges said. "It's the last preseason game. I just want to showcase what I can do."

[Lee Borgersen]

Report: Vikings cut starting OG Alex Boone.

  .....
In a stunning bit of news Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings have reportedly cut starting guard Alex Boone has started 73 games the past five years with the San Francisco 49ers and Vikings. He was a highly prized free agent acquisition by Minnesota last spring, signing a four-year deal worth $26.8 million.

  .....
He was very much a disappointment last year, as was Minnesota’s offensive line as a whole. The Vikings are obviously ready to simply move on from their mistake.


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[Lee Borgersen]

            You be da Judge!






Why we’re going all the way
The Vikings are on the short list of the best defenses in the NFL. The defense is going to carry them, and the belief is that the team has done enough with the offense this offseason. The Vikings shored up the offensive line and added a dynamic playmaker in Dalvin Cook to ensure that the defense doesn’t have to spend an inordinate amount of time on the field like it did toward the end of last season. If they can achieve that balance, the Vikings will be in for a big season in 2017.


The season is hopeless if [THIS] happens
The big thing that derailed the Vikings’ season last year was injuries, particularly along the offensive line. The team should have better depth this season, but even then, the Vikings wouldn’t be able to withstand the sort of injury issues they had in 2016. With the talent on this team from top to bottom, the injury bug is just about the only thing that can derail them.


Who is your biggest rival and why?
It’s probably the Packers, even though most of us understand that we’re not their biggest rival. Obviously, having them only about a four-hour drive away means that there are a lot of turncoats -- er, rival fans -- in the Twin Cities area, and they’ve had a good run over the past few years. All of that combines to make it a pretty miserable experience, but hopefully the tide will start turning the other direction here soon.


Tailgate food that best describes your team?
Barbecue chicken wings. Sure, they start off hot and delicious and make you feel really good for a while, but eventually they get all cold and things get all messy and the next thing you know you’ve got nothing but bones and carnage all around you and you’re wondering what happened. That pretty well sums up the Vikings’ 2016 season, actually.


What does your team do better than anyone else?
Finding new and creative ways to kick their fans directly in the teeth on a regular basis. Sure, some teams may have the occasional epic loss, but the Vikings have managed to turn it into an art form.

[Rebel SS]

 

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[LPS]

I think letting Boone go is a good thing.  He was supposed to be great but didn't seem like a good fit.  Hopefully things will work out for the OL now. 

[Lee Borgersen]

  Eleven rookies make Vikings' final 53-man roster


Sep 2, 2017 at 10:35 p.m.


  ...
Minnesota Vikings center Pat Elflein (65) snaps the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason game last month in Seattle. Elflein, a a third-round draft pick out of Ohio State, was one of 11 rookies to make the Vikings' final 53-man roster. Kirby Lee / USA TODAY SportsMINNEAPOLIS

The theme of the Vikings' roster is yout.


The 53-man unit was set Saturday, and 11 rookies made it, including three who were undrafted. In the surprise move of the day, the Vikings released an eight-year veteran in Alex Boone, 30, who had been their starting left guard.

Boone was let go after declining to take a pay cut. Of Boone's $6.6 million salary for 2007, $3.4 million of it is guaranteed, and will count against the Vikings' salary cap. He also already has earned a $100,000 workout bonus.

The move assures that rookie Pat Elflein, who had been battling Nick Easton for the job, will be the starting center, with Easton shifting to left guard to replace Boone. The other starters on a reconstructed offensive line will be left tackle Riley Reiff, right guard Joe Berger and right tackle Mike Remmers.

Elflein is one of the three selections from April's draft in line to start as rookies. Running back Dalvin Cook is a lock to open Monday, Sept. 11, against New Orleans at U.S. Bank Stadium, and weak-side linebacker Ben Gedeon is also likely to start after getting the nod in the last three preseason games.

The Vikings officially announced Saturday a trade agreed to Friday to send a seventh-round draft pick in 2018 to Seattle for cornerback Tramaine Brock. They officially announced the release of 34 players, although 14 of the moves had been reported Friday by the Pioneer Press.

The Vikings placed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, out since suffering a torn left ACL and dislocated knee Aug. 30, 2016, in practice, on the physically unable to perform list to start the season. He can't practice or play for the first six weeks.

The Vikings put defensive tackle Datone Jones on injured reserve with a shoulder injury,and could work out an injury settlement to release him. They kept defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, who has a knee injury, on the reserve/non-football injury list. And wide receiver Michael Floyd, serving an NFL suspension for the first four games, was placed on the suspended list.

Quarterback Taylor Heinicke and wide receiver. R.J. Shelton were waived with injury designations. Heinicke suffered a mild concussion in Thursday's preseason finale against Miami and has been dealing with a strained right oblique muscle. Shelton suffered a fractured foot against the Dolphins.

The Vikings are not going with young players for their specialists, however. In expected outcomes, kicker Kai Forbath beat out Marshall Koehn and punter Ryan Quigley won the battle with rookie Taylor Symmank.

Other drafted rookies on the 53-man roster are defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson, guard Danny Isidora, wide receivers Rodney Adams and Stacy Coley and tight end Bucky Hodges. Defensive end Tashawn Bower, linebacker Eric Wilson and tackle Aviante Collins made it as undrafted rookies.
Three seventh-round picks from April, though, were cut. They were defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, linebacker Elijah Lee and safety Jack Tocho.

"I'm disappointed," Odenigbo said. "I tried. There's still lots I can improve... I still think I should have been on the 53-man roster. ... We have quite a bit of D-ends, but I happen to be the odd man out."

It's a young middle of the offensive line with Elflein, 23, and Easton, 25, a third-year man who played in his first 11 NFL regular-season games last year. However, NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth said at recent Vikings practice he was "really impressed" with how Elflein looked at center and Easton at left guard in an Aug. 18 preseason game at Seattle.

That game marked the top performance of the preseason by the line, and played a role in Boone's release. Boone, who signed a four-year, $26.8 million contract with the Vikings in March 2016, sat out that night with knee injury.

Along with Boone, other veteran players cut by the Vikings included cornerback Jabari Price, a 2014 draftee; center Zac Kerin, undrafted in 2014; and linebacker Edmond Robinson and offensive linemen T.J. Clemmings and Austin Shepherd, all 2015 selections.

Players with local ties let go were former University of Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner and wide receiver Isaac Fruechte and cornerback Terrell Sinkfield, a Minnetonka native.

Another young player to make the 53-man roster was fullback C.J. Ham. Although he's not a rookie, he didn't get into any games last season after being an undrafted free agent.

[Reinhard]

Great work with the Viking updates Lee!!!  Yes Boone was a bust, but who knows there could have been other issues like being injured a lot.  I'm glad they are keeping more rookies.  Keep that team young with some proven veterans to guide them along.  Zimmer is a good coach and nobody wants to win more than him.  Teddy must be improving since they are keeping him on the pup squad.  So I"m optimistic.  good luck.

[Lee Borgersen]

 Vikings claim TE Blake Bell off waivers, get QB Kyle Sloter for practice squad

September 4, 2017


The Vikings spent Sunday looking to beef up their passing game.
They might have helped it for now by claiming tight end Blake Bell off waivers from San Francisco. They might have helped it for the future by agreeing to a practice-squad deal with quarterback Kyle Sloter that will pay him $20,000 a week, nearly triple the minimum salary.

“They put their money where their mouth was, and that meant a lot to me,” Sloter said.

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To make room for Bell on the roster, the Vikings waived rookie tight end Bucky Hodges with an injury designation. Hodges left in the first half of last Thursday’s preseason finale against Miami to be evaluated for a concussion.

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The Vikings also added to the practice squad seven players they cut Saturday: defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo and linebacker Elijah Lee, both seventh-round picks last April, and defensive tackle Dylan Bradley, tight end Kyle Carter, running back Bronson Hill, wide receiver Cayleb Jones and cornerback Horace Richardson. After Sloter signs, they will have two spots open on the 10-man squad.

Bell caught just four passes last season for the 49ers but had 15 receptions for 186 yards as a rookie in 2015 when the tight ends coach was Tony Sparano. He is now Minnesota’s offensive line coach.

Bell provides additional experience behind starting tight end Kyle Rudolph. Backup David Morgan is a second-year man who had just one catch as a rookie.

Sloter, an undrafted rookie from Northern Colorado who was waived Saturday by Denver, gives the Vikings a third quarterback in practice behind starter Sam Bradford and backup Case Keenum. With their deal of $20,000, nearly triple the practice-squad minimum of $7,200 a week, the Vikings were able to outbid the Broncos, Washington, Philadelphia and Atlanta for Sloter.

  .....
“I just weighed my options, and felt like Minnesota was the best opportunity for me to further my career,” Sloter said. “It just made the most sense financially. They were really aggressive with coming after me, and I think for any player it means a lot when a team comes after you like that.“They told me they weren’t focusing their efforts on any other quarterback. … They told me that they watched all of my snaps during this preseason, and also as far as going back and watching all my college tapes. It just felt like a place where I was wanted.”

Sloter went the entire way in Denver’s 30-2 win over Arizona in the preseason finale, completing 15 of 23 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown with a solid passer rating of 110.8. He was let go when the Broncos agreed to sign free-agent quarterback Brock Osweiler.

“They told me that had Osweiler not been available, they were looking at keeping me on the 53-man (roster), but I understand it’s a business,” Sloter said. “‘I enjoyed my time (in Denver), but I’m excited to be (in Minnesota), and I’m ready to get to work.”

By choosing Sloter, the Vikings didn’t sign to the practice squad undrafted University of Minnesota rookie quarterback Mitch Leidner, who was waived Saturday after playing the entire second half in the 30-9 loss to the Dolphins and generally doing well. The move also calls into question the Minnesota future for quarterback Taylor Heinicke.

Heinicke, who suffered a mild concussion against the Dolphins, was waived Saturday with an injury designation and cleared waivers Sunday to land on injured reserve. Rookie wide receiver R.J. Shelton, who suffered a fractured foot against Miami, also cleared waivers and was placed on injured reserve.

Three players Minnesota had waived Saturday were claimed, with guard T.J. Clemmings going to Washington, linebacker Edmond Robinson to the New York Jets and center Zac Kerin to Detroit. The Vikings wanted Robinson for the practice squad had he not been claimed.

A source said the Vikings paid Lee a bit more than the $7,200 minimum to stick around after San Francisco and Buffalo expressed interest in putting him on a practice squad.

The Vikings had waived three draft choices, all seventh-round selections. While Lee and Odenigbo landed on the practice squad, safety Jack Tocho was not offered a spot.

UNDRAFTED PLAYERS:

When the Vikings named their 53-man roster Saturday, it featured 11 rookies, including three undrafted players: Defensive end Tashawn Bower from LSU, tackle Aviante Collins from TCU and linebacker Eric Wilson from Cincinnati.

“It’s just really a blessing,” Wilson said. “That’s the least I can say. I wouldn’t say I was surprised. I’ve been working really hard for a long time.’’

The Vikings have 18 undrafted players on the 53-man roster. One who made it Saturday was fullback C.J. Ham, who spent last season as a rookie on the practice squad before he was put on the roster for the final two games but didn’t play.

“My family and I are very blessed to have this opportunity,” Ham said. “Nothing is guaranteed in the league so I’m going to do all I can to help our team win games. This is a great organization and I’m very happy to be here.”

[Lee Borgersen]

Former Vikings LB Chad Greenway says "Alex Boone cut for being out of shape".

 UPDATED: September 8, 2017 at 3:16 pm


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Greenway retired last season after 11 years with the Vikings. He played one year with Boone after the guard had signed a four-year, $26.8 million contract as a free agent in March 2016.

Former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway said in a radio interview Friday that guard Alex Boone was released because he was out of shape.

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The Vikings let Boone go when they cut the roster down to 53 players last Saturday, paying him $3.4 million in guaranteed money on his $6.6 million deal for 2017.

“I had heard through some players that I know that are out there every day that said he came back not the Alex Boone of old, a little bit out of shape, and wasn’t really prepared for the season, and I thought that was pretty interesting,” Greenway said on KFAN.


  ..
“It really did surprise me,” Greenway said on Boone being released. “I like Boone. I played with him last year. I thought he brought a really good mentality to the offensive line…. I am surprised they ate that much guaranteed money, but that tells me that something was clearly off with his game, with his style of play, that they said, ‘We have to just eat this and move on and go to a younger player and see how that works.’ ”

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer would not say Friday whether what Greenway said is accurate.

“I don’t know that Chad was in any of the meetings or the other players when we talked about the cut to 53,” Zimmer said.

Replacing Boone, 30, at left guard is Nick Easton, 25, who started the final five games last season at center. Pat Elflein has taken over as the starting center.

Greenway liked the job Easton did at center. He was surprised to see him moved to left guard, and wondered how he will fit in with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s attack, which includes plenty of screens and outside runs.



                 More.....  Good News!

  The Vikings are paying big bucks to another departed player.

  Vikings reach injury settlement with Datone Jones, pockets at least $1.8 million .

9/8/17
                 
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Minnesota on Friday agreed to an injury settlement with defensive tackle Datone Jones, placed last Saturday on injured reserve with a shoulder problem. Jones apparently departs with at least $1.838 million for this season.

The Vikings last Saturday released guard Alex Boone, and will pay him $3.4 million of his $6.6 million salary for 2017. Boone, who signed a one-year deal earlier this week with Arizona, also got a $100,000 workout bonus.

Jones received a $1.6 million bonus when he signed with the Vikings last March, and that will count against their salary cap. He also got a $150,000 workout bonus and was in line to receive at least one game check of $88,235. Jones had a $1.5 million nonguaranteed base salary, and it was unclear if he will be paid for any additional weeks.

Being placed on injured reserve meant Jones wouldn’t play this season for Minnesota, but his injury is not believed to be serious and he now can play for another team. Jones apparently was hurt Aug. 27 against San Francisco, and then sat out the Aug. 31 preseason finale against Miami.

Jones was beaten out for the backup spot at three-technique defensive tackle by rookie Jaleel Johnson, who was drafted a month after Jones was signed following four years with Green Bay.


      Show Me Da Money!

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[glenn57]

oh my the boo boo bears lost today!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rebel SS]

Of course! They played the upcoming superbowl champs!

[glenn57]

Of course! They played the upcoming superbowl champs!

[Lee Borgersen]

     Here we go again...as usual...Guess who's gone

Here I start a nice respectful topic:  Re: "Minnesota Viking Updates" and here comes Laurel & Hardy!

"Da bears" played a heck of a game yesterday and lost. No shame here because it was a good game right down to da end and da best team won!

You's guys can now but I'll be doing da  ing at this game!

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[glenn57]

  it was about football!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bobby Bass]

Da Bears get their first game out of the way on their way to a 0-16 season.

 

[LPS]

Boy the Seahawks got robbed by the Refs yesterday.  They lost possibly 2 TD's due to incompetent officiating. 

[Lee Borgersen]

Boy the Seahawks got robbed by the Refs yesterday.  They lost possibly 2 TD's due to incompetent officiating.

 
Sure and DA BEARS Got robbed on 3 should-a-been touchdowns

[Steve-o]

Boy the Seahawks got robbed by the Refs yesterday.  They lost possibly 2 TD's due to incompetent officiating.

Its not incompetence when you know exactly what you are doing.  The refs gave the Packers the homer calls.  Sad to see with so much riding on each NFL football game - emotionally and financially - but there is no other way to explain it.  I agree with what the announcer's said, "I wouldn't want to be the one at the NFL front office who has to take Pete Carroll's call Monday morning."

[glenn57]

i didnt watch any football yesterday.................the wife had the Hallmark channel on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rebel SS]

Hey Laurel,       

[glenn57]

Hey Laurel,       

hey dipstick.............i said football in mu post so its NOT 

[Lee Borgersen]

Hey Laurel,       

Is it my imagination or has our boy Glenn been dubbed wit a new nickname  (Laurel)by his faithful companion (Mr Hardy)
 
                                           
 
  Therefore: Hence forth let it be known thru-out da land dat our two battling boys from dis day forward shall be known as Laurel & Hardy


This video was supplied to me by Mr. Hardy (aka)....Rebel SS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VR-eeTlJkw&list=RD8VR-eeTlJkw&t=14

[Rebel SS]

Glenn wouldn't admit that's what happened when he and the Boober family came down last Winter.  He was so glad to get a barometer, and me my fish, and smomed boober goodies, we just couldn't help it.