February 3, 2008. Super Bowl Sunday, the greatest day in sports. If the World Series took place in a day it would probably be better, but it doesn’t. Today also marks the third consecutive major sport’s finals in which New England is participating. In October, the Red Sox; November, the New England Revolution; and after suffering for two and a half long months without a championship game, the Patriots will play for the Super Bowl. Even if they lose, which they won’t, this has been one of the greatest stretches this region will see in our lifetimes. Should the Celtics make it to the finals in June, it may be the best stretch ever.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves or caught up in the recent past. Today is a day to appreciate the Patriots, and that is why I am breaking my streak of 156 days without touching a cooking pan or baking dish, to make the guests of my Super Bowl party a dip for their tortilla chips. After enjoying months of Patriot perfection it’s the least I can do. As I said two weeks ago, I expect this perfection to continue and, in honor of the three past championship Pats teams, am picking New England by 3.

And with that short post, it’s off to the kitchen. I’ll be back sometime after the game, either tonight or tomorrow, depending on how late we party. If you’re hoping for tonight, don’t hold your breath.