Football Fans & Feathers

What a successful day!
     Demi accompanied Coco on the campus tour of Auburn.  I got to go with Caz.  I wanted her to see the view from the Eagle’s Nest.  I think they both enjoyed the tour immensely.  I hung out around the Quad with Gizmo.  It was nice.  We hit a food truck for ice coffee.  Gizmo attained Auburn Rock Star status, making friends all over.  Caz got of out class just before the tour ended.  I sent Gizmo running across the grass to Caz.  What a happy puppy!  A happy boy too.  He was excited to see his dog.
     We bought grilled pimento cheese sandwiches and lemonade from Toomer’s Drugstore.  We hit the bookstore.  We visited Caz’s room.  The boys watched the dog, while Demi and I went to an event at the Raptor Center.
     Every Friday, before a home football game, the Southeast Raptor Center on campus runs a birds of prey exhibition.  They trot out owls, vultures, falcons and eagles.  These birds are well trained.  They fly right over patrons heads.  The instructors explain how the birds come to the sanctuary, how they are cared for and how we can help protect them.  It is really an amazing display.  We were so glad we went.
     Following the Raptor Center, was dinner.  BBQ at Jim & Nick’s.  Always a crowd pleaser.

Auburn 2018 - The Visit

It is off to Auburn again.  The whole family is going again.  That includes the Giz.  She is wracking up the frequent flyer miles.
     This trip would include an official campus tour of Auburn for Coco.  Caz is slowly warming up to the idea of his brother attending the same institution.  We also had tickets to the football game.  What a coincidence, right?  What were the odds?  Caz was also cooking up a big tailgate, since his girlfriend’s parents, and her roommates parents would be going to the game.  We were expecting a good turnout.
     It has only been a month since we dropped Caz off and moved him into his dorm.  But we really only got to see him for less than 24 hours that trip.  It will be nice to spend some more time with him.  At least he is coming home for Thanksgiving this year.

The Greensheet

DHS Guidance uses “The Greensheet” for seniors to send their high school transcripts to their potential colleges of choice.  A student has to fill out their list of colleges, with applications deadlines.  They also have to pay a $10 fee.  A one time fee.  It doesn’t matter how many schools are on one’s list.
     We needed Coco to submit this ASAP.  We had already submitted the application for the University of Alabama.  Their admissions office was only waiting on his grades.  A couple of other applications deadlines are right around the corner.  If the guidance office is like most administrative offices, then speed of delivery is not in their wheelhouse.
     Check off another item on the to do list.

Dragon Football 2018

This is it.  The first home game of the season for the Duxbury Dragons.  The last season for the seniors.  These are the guys I had the privilege of coaching for 7 years.  I am excited to see them play.  I am excited to see them excel.  It has been such a great time watching these boys grow into fine young men.  They likely have no idea how happy I am for them.  They do seem to love playing the game.  That is all I ever wanted for them.  Sure, winning is great.  But the love of the game should keep them together for years to come.  Much like the bonds I developed with my teammates, way back in the day.
     A lot of these guys are Coco’s friends.  They have been such solid, stand up guys over the years.  I hope Coco keeps these friendships for many years, decades to come.  It will be exciting to see how they fare after graduation.  It will be nerve wracking too.  Some of these friendships may not last.  This group seems like they will endure though.  If I had to bet, I would bet on them.  Go forth and conquer lads.  Carpe Diem.

September 11, 2018

A day of rememberence.  A day to have conversations had before.  You recall where you were.  You recall what transpired and when.  I recall wanting to be home with my family.  I took Coco for a walk in the stroller.  I ran into my parents who had been up Salem at a museum. It is important to have these conversations.  It is important to remember.  It is important to carry the oral tradition on and pass it on to our children.  Caz is off to college, so right now Coco has to bear it alone.  He is the history guy though.  He likes to talk about historical events.  He will help us remember.

College Application - Part Deux

Fire in the hole! The first college application for Coco has been submitted!  This one was actually really easy to work through.  We sat together but Coco was in the driver's seat.  He needs to be hands on.  At least, I think so.
     This application is an opportunity take the lead, to be self-sufficient.  It is all apart of the growing process.  Coco actually didn't put up any resistance.  I think he is a bit excited.  Now, the waiting begins.  This also creates the possibility of an in house rivalry.  Application number one has been submitted to the University of Alabama.

ACT 2018

Coco took the ACT today.  It should be the last standardized test for him.  His SAT’s were great and all the schools on his list take the SAT.
     At least he has a calculator this time.  He got his stuff together last night.  He got up, albeit slowly, on time.  He got out of the house on time.  He says he feels confident about his performance.  I hope he is right.