Christmas in Carolina

 First Christmas in Charleston for the Chins.  It was a success and a memorable one.  I am happy the four of us were able to be together.  There was no way were going to leave Caz alone on Christmas Day. 

It was certainly a different kind of Christmas.  We didn't cook.  We ordered BBQ.  We feasted on brisket, smoked chicken and pulled pork, with mac & cheese, tater tots, baked beans and cornbread.  There was an amazing pecan pie.  A Southern classic for sure.  There were also some seasonally appropriate dark beers too.

The video camera was running Christmas morning.  The boys actually got up at a decent hour.  Of course I had been up for hours but that is par for the course for me.  I got in a few hours on the Christmas puzzle and watched Christmas Chronicles 2.

When the boys went back to bed to nap, Demi and I explored more of the area.  We drove to Folly to see the Morris Lighthouse.  What a view!  The beach was cool.  Driftwood lay strewn across it. Trees buried in the sand, stuck out willy nilly.  It was warm and sunny.  The wind blew a bit but what a nice day.

A great Christmas Day for the Chin.

Christmas Eve in SC

 Christmas Eve.  All 4 Chins are together.  Our first in Charleston.  That we are together is what is important.

We kept Christmas Eve traditions alive.  We ordered Chinese Food for dinner.  We watched a Die Hard movie (finished the series actually).  I read T'was the Night Before Christmas to the boys.  Demi got an exact copy of the book we have in MA for this purpose.  It was a very nice Christmas Eve.  

I feel the same about the holiday as my father.  As long as we are together, I am happy.  Which is sort of bittersweet, since I am away from my father.  He totally understands though.

Thanksgiving in Lowcountry

 Our family's first Thanksgiving in South Carolina.  In many ways, it was very different.  In many ways, it was very familiar.  In the end, it was perfect.

It is hard being away from our families, both in MA and NY/NC.  COVID sort of makes that inevitable that the bubble stays small.  We figured we might still be with one or the other families.  However, this is more like Thanksgiving 2019 in Alabama.  The four of us were on our own, so that we could attend the iron bowl.  We knew even back then, that Thanksgiving 2021 would be in South Carolina for the Palmetto Bowl.  We just figured it would have been in COLA.  Back then, we never dreamed we would have a second house, let alone in Charleston.

Demi created another Thanksgiving meal for the ages.  She faced quite a few challenges.  COVID made some food supplies scarce.  Our new location meant some of our staples were not found here.  Stuffing bread is not a thing here.  Jones Sausage is not a thing here.  I got to made a Southern side dish.  I chose sweet potato casserole.  I think it came out really well, if I do say so myself. I also made a rustic apple gallete.  I am pretty proud of how that turned out too.  The chocolate cake from scratch tasted very good.  I really liked the frosting.  However, it did not look aesthetically pleasing.  The family didn't likely notice but of course the chef did.

Demi made her famous sausage stuffing, which was great.  The turkey (which was a tough item to get) was perfect.  She made our SIL's corn pudding.  It would have made St. Louis proud.  We ate like champs.

In the morning, I was able to at least stream the Duxbury/Marshfield football game. It was an excellent game.  We started a family puzzle.  We had a nice walk outside in shorts and t-shirts.  We called our families.  And the four of us spent quality time together.

Work Project

 Only a few months into Caz's first job and he marks a career milestone.  The first project he worked on just went up for auction.  It is a big moment for the young company for sure.  It is for sure a huge moment for Caz.  Christie's in NY is no joke.  That is big time. He even made brief appearances in videos posted on social media.  What a thrill for all of us.  He can finally talk about the project in the open.

We had a great time setting up family viewings of the auction.  A lot of the extended family were enthusiastic about watching.  We streamed it on the big TV in the living room.  It was lot #7, so we didn't have to wait long.  The bidding was very exciting.  The final sale was double what the expected sale price was.  Time to celebrate for sure.

Fall Break 2021

 Fall break was back to normal this year.  You know.  Normal, like 1 BC - Before COVID. I feel with classes back in the classroom and Coco taking the shuttle back and forth to campus, he needed a break.  It was very nice having the whole family together for a few days.  Just the casual interactions are amusing to me.  I like the time spent together.  We had binge watching sessions, college football, cornhole and of course, plenty of food.  We never starve when we are all together.

Isn't this what life is supposed to be?  Surrounded by your loved ones.  Making memories.  It doesn't have to be an epic trip.  You remember the feelings when you are all together.  I know I will

Game Day 2021

 It's Saturday in South Carolina!

First game back in a football stadium since the Iron Bowl.  I admit.  This seemed like a better idea in April when we were starting getting vaccinated and things seemed to be returning to normal.  I bought season tickets to the Gamecocks football games.  It was motivated by the Palmetto Bowl being held in COLA this year.  The week of Thanksgiving should be really fun.  The Gamecocks play Auburn at home (again - not sure how that schedule happened) the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  The Chins will be in Charleston for Turkey Day, which will probably be BBQ day.  Then the Saturday after Thanksgiving is the rivalry game for the Gamecocks!

This week though, it is the first home SEC game of the season for the Gamecocks.  The Kentucky Wildcats are in town.  It is a primetime match up on ESPN.  Demi cooked all day Friday to provide food for the tailgate and for The Boys.  Wings, chili, gyros, sandwiches and all the fixin's.  Caz and I drove up with it all.  We met Coco and The Boys at their apartment.  Then we loaded up 2 vehicles for the State Fairgrounds parking.  The Boys were very excited to have this old man at the tailgate.  Or at least that is what they said.  Kidding.  We really did have fun.  The game was very close and exciting as well.  It was a very good day for the Chin Boys.  

The Working Man

Caz completed his first week of work.  His first job out of college.  It wasn't the mechanical engineering role he pictured in his head.  But it could lead to that.  It allows him to apply a lot of what he was doing at Auburn.  And he really likes the company.

Hearing your child gush about work it really an experience.  I cannot even describe it.  It makes me happy that he is so passionate about the job.  This new start up company is giving him a lot of responsibility for not only a new employee, but a person fresh out of college.  It sounds like they are also giving him guidance and support.  That is heartening to hear as a parent.  

This is such a great start for the recent graduate.  It is fantastic that the job is here in Charleston.  Sure.  Technically, he is living at home.  But he is saving money.  He is not spending on rent or car at the moment.  This will let him get on his feet and get established.  What more can we ask for?

Twenty Years Later - Never Forget

 It is hard to believe it is twenty years after one of the most horrific days in history.  9/11 is a day I will never forget.  For so many reasons, it will be a day that most of our general consciousness will recall with reverence.  The confusion.  The concern.  The lack of information.  The lack of communication.  The lack of leadership in certain venues.  The sadness.  The relief.  The guilt of feeling relief.  All of these powerful emotions are felt as strongly now, as they were then.  

I remember rushing home to hold the boys.  I walked Coco.  I shielded Caz from the news on TV.  I slowly accounted for family, friends, friends of friends, loved ones, and casual acquaintances.  The next few days, the next few weeks were filled with so much uncertainty,

It is astounding the list of casualties is still growing.  All of those brave first responders are paying the price for their heroics, even now.  At the time, they seemingly did not give a thought to what may happen down the road.  They didn't hesitate.  They ran head first into danger.  For them.  For those we lost.  For their families.  We continue to remember.  We continue to honor them.  

Labor Day Weekend 2021

 What a weekend for the Chins.  We were not all together.  But I am happy all the same.  Demi and I got to spend a great day at the beach with family and friends.  The day turned out far sunnier and warmer than predicted.  The kids behaved very well.  There was no drama.  As always, there was no shortage of food or drinks.

What really made me smile?  The boys were together.  Caz drove up to COLA on Friday night.  I gave Caz my tickets to the Gamecocks game.  Primetime kickoff meant the boys had Friday night and all day Sat together.  I remember visiting my brother at college after I graduated.  It helped us bond even more.  I hope it does the same for them.  

Friends Reunion (Dragons Style)

 Caz had a really nice run this weekend.  He got to see a lot of his old high school friends.  That designation seems odd to me really.  Some of those guys he has known since before kindergarten.  Whatever they are, they are still good friends.  I am glad he got to see them.  He actually went out right after we got back from the airport on Friday night.  Saturday he got to have a farewell breakfast for Dix, who is off to active duty in CA for more training.  Caz also got to attend a college graduation party for another friend.  Sunday was more of the same.  And all his friends got to congratulate him on his recent graduation.  

Caz Comes Home (MA) '21

 Caz flew in late tonight.  It is nice to have him in MA.  He hasn't been here since New Years.  We set up his room earlier this summer.  I can't wait to see his face when he looks at the room.  Hope he likes it.  I am looking forward to having him here for a bit and to spending time with him.

FDOC USC '21

 First day of classes for Gamecock Nation!  Coco starts Junior year.  He is officially an upperclassman now.  He is excited for his classes.  That is a great sign.  Go crush it, kid.  You got this.  

Back to USC 2021

 One son comes home.  One son leaves home.  It is back to college time.  This year, it is back to one child heading back.  Even though we have done this before, it still seems strange.  

Coco drove up back to Columbia, SC today.  Classes for the University of South Carolina do not start for a few more days but he wanted to get settled back into his off-campus apartment.  I tried to stock him up at Walmart but he really did not think he needed much.  We ate a nice lunch at The Southern Belly.  Coco played it nicely by ordering the Wookie.  That sandwich, besides being awesome, is double meat.  That means two meals for him.  Well played!  It feels different dropping him off an hour and forty minutes away, than an hour plus drive and a plane ride.  I still feel sad when he goes.  I know he is where he should be, but I miss him already.  Good luck, Coco!

Friday the 13th - Boys Week Update

 We seem to have weathered the worst of the storm.  Coco and I both tested negative.  Demi tested negative in MA.  Caz is just bed sore from being restricted in his movement.  The farthest he has traveled is next to his room, to the bathroom.  He didn't really seem to mind but I am sure he was going stir crazy.

Finally, I had been able to grocery shop.  I stocked up the supplies as best I could.  i consulted Caz about what he might need after I left to return to MA.  

I got to spend a lot of quality time with Coco.  Some one on one time, is always appreciated.  Coco was good about it too.  He was willing and got into the spirit of Father/Son bonding time.  Yes, we spent quite a bit of it watching movies or general TV.  However, we had a lot of healthy dialogue too.  We reminisced over highlights and tributes centered on Bobby Bowden.  Coco is an avid student of history in general, but particularly sports history.  We discussed current events.  And we watched some quality entertainment.  I furthered his important (pop) cultural literacy by watching Midnight Run.  What a classic movie.  

We all made the best of the circumstances.  And we realized how lucky we are.  We are still more fortunate that a lot of people during these times.  It is not lost on any of us.

Boys Week in CHS - POSTPONED

 Today was supposed to be Day One of boys week in Charleston.  It was over before it began.  I was just logging into work, when Caz came down to the kitchen.  I thought he was up earlier than normal.  He said he didn't feel great and his ear hurt.  Being prone to ear infections, he decided, on his own, to go to Urgent Care to be checked out.

About an hour and a half after Caz left, he called.  He called from the parking lot.  He tested negative for strep. His ear didn't appear infected.  The other shoe dropped.  He tested positive for COVID.

That information took a moment to process in my brain.  That process felt longer, than it lasted.  Caz is smart.  He called from the parking lot on purpose.  We made a plan.  I clean and disinfected the house.  He came in wearing a mask.  He went to a dedicated bedroom.  I had created a dedicated bathroom for him.  I informed Coco what was going on.  We all hunkered down for the long haul of isolation and quarrantine.

War Eagle Graduation

 Happy Graduation Caz!  Most of what I have to write had been said, written in cards, written in letters and written in journals. This milestone is too momentous to let pass here.  I started this blog as something for you and your brother to read in years to come. It was inspired by you two.  Becoming a father is why I starting writing this.  It is what I had wanted.  It wasn't long after I graduated college, that I knew this is what I wanted.  I didn't want a career to speak of.  Work wasn't going to fulfill my heart.  This is what I knew in my heart of hearts, that I wanted.  And it's been more wonderful than I could have ever dreamed.  

I suspect it is different for you.  You knew what you wanted to go to college for.  You knew you wanted to be an engineer.  I feel like you know where your life is headed.  Work will guide your next path.  And that is great.  That's not to say you won't have a family or be a father.  But you feel about your chose field of study, a calling of sorts.  It will be fun for me to watch what comes.  It will be exciting to see what you do with this degree.  The Sam Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University.  That is impressive.  That should bring all kinds of exciting opportunities for you.  Seize them when the come.  Of course you have don't that since leaving high school, so I am not sure why I feel I need to tell you that.  

Demi and I are so proud of you.  I suspect Coco is too.  He might even tell you that himself.  :)

MLB Draft 2021

 Usually, there is no real hype associated with the baseball draft.  Typically, I would wait until the Sox made their picks and read the reviews in the days following.  This year, that has changed.  Coco is really into baseball this year, including the draft.  Demi is into the draft too.  Her cousin's son is a legit MLB prospect, coming out of high school.  He is the number one prospect in NY (I know, I know, but bear with me).  Her cousin is very excited, naturally.  He is really good.  He is level headed with realistic expectations.  He is proud of his son and is enjoying his son's success.  Good for him.  He should.

It is funny to listen to Demi get into the draft.  She is very happy for her cousins.  It is exciting just to be close to it.  I still can't tell you how the draft operates and all the strategy involved.  But this kid gets to decide between pro baseball and college.  He was offered a scholarship at a top tier college program.  Those are good choices to have.  Can't wait to see how it all pans out.

Happy 4th - 2021

 Independence day is certainly different this year.  Actually, it is different in many ways.  It is cold and rainy.  The temperature is the exact same as Christmas was (60 degrees).  COVID restrictions have mostly been retracted.  Folks have two years of 4th spirit to let loose.  

Here, at the beach house, we are not complete.  Caz is in Auburn.  It is for a good reason.  He is finishing his senior project, so he can graduate in August.  It is not the same without having the five of us (the boys always get excited if Gizmo is excluded from the total family headcount) together.  Coco got to spend some quality time with his high school friends.  They hadn't been together in a while.  I am glad they got a chance to see each other.  They are a great bunch of people.  

The tide was high again.  The private fireworks displays all had to launch from behind the beach wall.  It was fun to watch though.  Gizmo is a great dog.  She is not bothered by loud noises at all.  She walked with us, under the cover of night, to the beach wall.  She hung out on the beach wall, while we watched the shows.  No bonfires though.  The ocean would have washed them away before they could have been lit.  Maybe next year.

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise?

 Tomorrow I get my wisdom teeth pulled.  Four of them.  At least they are not impacted.  I am told that is better.  But is it?  Can I trust that assessment.

Coco got his one tooth, though impacted, out last Thursday.  He did really well.  He was loopy for a bit but really was not in a lot of pain.  Of course he has 30 years of youth on his side.  I am also told that the older you are when you have these teeth out, the more complicated and lingering the recovery is.  Great.

Could be worse right?  

Happy Fathers Day 2021

 Happy Fathers Day to all you fathers out there.  Hopefully, this year's day is a bit more normal for folks.  As long as I have my boys around, it's a good day.  So I am missing Caz.  I wish he were around.  But I know he is where he needs to be at the moment.  Coco and Caz got together to get me a Father's Day present.  They really schemed a bit.  And not only was it a gift, it was an act of charity.  They picked a product that gave a portion of the proceeds to charity.  That was actually the biggest draw for the boys.  And I could not be prouder.  I would rather they pick something charitable than spend their money on me. Thank you boys. 

Juneteenth

 For the first time, Juneteenth is a national holiday.  It took too long for that to happen, didn't it?  But let's celebrate that it finally did happen.  Let's just celebrate.  Period.

We have had quite a few family discussions around this day.  I enjoy each and everyone one of them.  I feel like we all educate each other.  This is an important topic on which to be educated.  It is continuous, as education should be.  As we should try to improve each day.  I work at being an ally every day.  I want to be an ally.  But I can't call myself an ally.  I can't say whether I am an ally or not.  That is for someone else to determine.  I figure when I measure up, maybe that will happen.  But whether or not that every happens, I will keep working at at.  We are all in this together.  We need inclusivity.  

Sebec 2021

 We are finally able to make it to Sebec Lake with family and friends this year.  It is always great to be with family and friends.  I am really happy that Coco decided to come with us.  He is twenty now.  He is in college.  I was going to say that college kids have different priorities but actually, same priority but they want to be with their friends.  Coco has a good sense of family though.  He knows it is important.  And I think he has fun with this crew and in this location.

I wish Caz was with us.  He will be missed.  Family time is incomplete without either one of the boys.  

Time at this lake is extremely therapeutic. For many years, this camp had very spotty to no cell service and no wifi.  The only TV was an old school tube TV with a VHS hooked up to it.  One could really unplug from life.  I love it.  My wallet only comes our for supply or trash runs.  My phone only comes out for use as a camera.  The days are early.  Sunrise is beautiful, as it comes up from across the lake.  Night are late, spent around the campfire.  The beer fridge in the boathouse is always stocked and is always open.  It's beer o'clock all the time.  Everyone does as they wish.  If you want to socialize, great.  If you want alone time, also great.  We have many memories and can't wait to make more.

The Boys Are Back

 The boys are back home.  In their new home, here in SC.  This will be our first extended time as a family, in the good weather, here on Johns Island.  Caz drove from Auburn to USC.  Coco took over from USC to Johns Island.  They stayed ahead of the really bad weather.  Their little break for pulled pork sandwiches cost them though.  Coco took the brunt of it.  He had to drive in the torrential downpour.  At least the thunder and lightning held off.  

Demi and I are happy to have them here.  We miss them.  We had a lot of things we want to share with them in this area.  It will be fun to explore through their eyes.

Happy 20th Coco

 Happy birthday youngest child.  Hope you have an excellent birthday.  Make good choices.  I know you can't go to a bar until next year.  Right?

Happy 22nd Caz

 Happy birthday oldest child.  Hope you have a better birthday experience than your 21st, early in COVID 19 quarantine.  Maybe you can actually go to a bar (outdoors) this year.  At any rate, enjoy it.  We love you.

Easter 2021

 Great weekend!  Demi got a semblance of her family holiday weekend.  Coco and some of his crew came to visit for the weekend.  It was really nice having them here.  Demi didn't get to host like she likes due to her injured wing.  But she was excited and made the most of it.

Only a couple of weeks removed from shoulder surgery, I didn't even want to offer to cook, knowing Demi would still try to help and would over do it on her shoulder.  I convinced her to order dinner.  After doing some research, she found the jackpot.  Six pounds of pulled pork, double mac & cheese, double tater tots, cornbread and two BBQ sauces.  Not a veggie in site.  Perfect college kid food.

The boys arrived Friday night, right after the Final Four tip-off.  We got pizza and wings.  The game was exciting.  It went right down to the last shot.  It was an sad outcome for the Gamecocks but what a game.

Demi got time with one of her sons.  Coco's friends are fine young gentlemen.  Both our sons continue to surround themselves with good people.  It is so nice to see.  That was the real purpose of the weekend.  Spend time with our son and the people close to him.  

Snowbirds Part 1

 Coco and Caz barely adjusted to downsizing and to moving out of the childhood home, when more home change came about.  Demi and relocated last fall to the Charleston, SC area, specifically James Island.  Two cars were loaded up.  We drove from MA and headed south.  We stopped for the night in NC.  The next day we headed off to Columbia, SC.  We toured around Coco's new off campus apartment complex.  Then we unloaded Coco's items into storage and sent Caz on his way to Auburn.

It was quite an adventure on the way.  The boys had decided to drive together.  Their idea, not ours.  Coco drew the short straw, driving the shift which took us over the GW.  Even during a pandemic, the GW is terrible to cross.  They helped each other though.  Caz kept us in sight, spotted for Coco, and provided direction.  Coco white knuckled it the whole time.  He was a sweaty mess when he got out.  Caz went next and shortly after getting on the Jersey turnpike, the skies opened up.  He had never driven in a deluge like this.  That is when I notice the turtle shell carrier on top had popped open in the front.  Of course.  Right when it poured rain.  We had to wait a while but finally found an exit to pull off.   Keep that in mind for day two.

Shortly after leaving South of the Border, Caz and I pulled out into the left lane on the highway.  Coco called because Demi was driving.  Caz picked up the phone since I was driving the other car.  Caz said we might have a problem with the roof rack, then immediately shouted we needed to pull over immediately.  I had to cut off a big rig to do it but managed.  There was no real emergency lane so I was off in the grass.  The roof rack was open but somehow nothing was lost.  We had enough room to cram in the items from the roof into the car.  I closed up the shell as best I could.  That went into the storage unit in Columbia until we were able to dump it.

After we split up in Columbia, Coco, Demi and I headed to James Island.

Downsizing

 So.  What has been going on during this blog blackout?  I am choosing to start with Downsizing.  But I will begin this narrative with how I grew up.  My parents wanted a bigger house when I was about 6 or 7.  The bought 31 and we moved around around the corner from Temple St.  Growing up in that house was fantastic.  While growing up, I experience my first brush with Downsizing.  

When my brother and I were in high school, our mother started talking to our grandparents about moving.  They lived in Wilmington, where they had settled down for a long time, after moving a lot during my grandfather's early years with his company.  They loved the house and town. They owned 4.5 acres with a 14 room house on it.  As they got older, my grandparents found it harder to maintain.  Honestly, I think my mother found it hard too.  She was their only child living in the same the state.  My mother never drives much.  Driving from Duxbury to Wilmington was left to my Dad.

I was not a part of the discussions between my grandparents and my mother.  I believe my grandparents looked favorably on downsizing.  But I do not rightly now.  Whatever transpired, they seems to handle the change well.  All of them seem to agree that their new home would be close to Duxbury.  My grandparents didn't want to live in Florida or New York, by my Aunt or Uncle.  My Dad was always doing things for them, along with my mother.  I feel my grandparents realized my folks were their best and constant support system.  After talks and visits to independent senior living complexes around the South Shore, my grandfather pulled off a huge surprise.  While all of us attended my brother's football game, my grandfather stayed behind.  When we got home, he announced that he had put an offer on the house next door, 41.  The rest, as they say, is history. 

41 became their home for a long time.  Eventually, it became home for Demi, the boys and me.  How about that?  My grandparents "smaller" home was our family home.  It was plenty big enough for all of us.  22 years in 41.  41 will always be "home" in the memories of Caz and Coco.  I experience the emotional attachments my grandparents possessed to both Wilmington and 41.  It shouldn't have surprised me that our family created similar bonds with 41.  If I am honest, and always try to be with you, I thought I would die while living in that house.  I always joked that I would be carted out of that house in a box.  Somewhere inside, a piece of me was not joking.  

We all had different reactions to leaving 41.  Caz likely took it most in stride.  He was comfortable at Auburn.  He loves it there.  I believe that helped him with the transition.  Demi was ready to start a new chapter.  She saw all the possibilities before us.  Coco was not pleased.  At all.  Of course, all this started before he even left for USC.  He hadn't made a connection there yet.  I think I was somewhere in between, although, again, if I am honest, I was closer to Coco's side of the see-saw.  Change is always hard.  But Change is inevitable.  Fighting change is pointless.  You can't win.  And it only makes it harder.  You can just go with it.  And it will be fine.  But if you embrace it, you can make it wonderful.

Shady's Back

 It's been a long time.  One might think that during a pandemic and endless quarantine that I would have more time than ever to write.  Part of my time away has been spent writing in other mediums.  I started a letter writing campaign.  Yes.  Actual hand-written letters.  I also have several hand-written journals.  But I also didn't quite know what to write here.  What has this blog become?  What will my sons think of this electronic open letter?  Honestly, I am not quite sure.  But.  Let's find out shall we?