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.

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.  

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.  

Draft 2020

The first ever virtual NFL Draft!  It was certainly different.  The NFL had a captive audience.  This was the first live sporting event in months.  Something to get excited about.  Finally.  I joked about watching every single pick for the first time ever.
     Watching the first round was something I hoped would be a family event.  The boys had a vested interest with players from their colleges.  At least one from each was projected going in the first round.  I knew better to wait for the Patriots pick and for them to make it.  I was confident that Bill would trade out of the first round.  Sure enough, he did.  Coco was eager to watch.  Demi was a good sport.  She hung out with us, while Coco and I discussed and watched each pick.  Unfortunately Caz was not looking to engage.  According to Coco, Caz was playing a video game with friends.  Virtually, of course.  The virus hasn't changed that.  The kids have played online with friends for years. 
     Coco bowed out of night two.  So I watched rounds 2 and 3 on an iPad, silently.  Demi and I watched the new Chris Hemsworth movie on Netflix.  That was a win win. Thor for Demi to watch.  Action movie and draft for me to watch.

Move-In Day 2019

It's go time!  Move-In Day (2 of 2) for the University of South Carolina.  It would have really been nice to have the first move-in day.  At least Coco drew the first time-slot of the day.  "First one to the park.....first one to leave."
     Overall, I would say it was a good move-in experience.  It is still organized chaos though.  The volun-tolds were there.  There was not a clear leader.  They didn't seem to have been give clear and consistent instructions.  Coco's dorm was not cart friendly.  Good news is that we were provided a cart and two volunteers to help move.  Bad news is the cart was a cardboard box on an unattached set of wheels.  On uneven ground, that cart design is poor. 
     The RM was extremely nice and very helpful.  Bonus points = he is a Red Sox fan.  Coco even got his bed elevated while we were there.  UofSC didn't want students or parents messing with the bed frames.  I wish Auburn had felt that way.  Coco had his priorities.  Get the smart TV up and running, then XBOX One.  I will say, Demi did far less nesting than she did in Caz's room.  That meant we were able to make our third Target run a lot earlier. 
     Coco was anxious.  But all in all, I think he held it together.  He was nervous about this book order.  We all walked to the bookstore.  I will say, it wasn't clear where to go or what to present.  Coco got it done in the end.  He could have done it alone but hey, he felt better with us there.  A target to vent on, but what are parents for? 
     Best news of the day?  When we went to pick up Coco for dinner, he texted that he would be a bit late.  He was at the Strom Thurmond Health & Fitness Center, playing basketball with his roommate and with some new friends.  That's right.  He was out of his room.  And he was meeting new people.  I can't tell you how relieved Demi and I were.  We knew our boy would be ok.

Off to USC

Off to South Carolina!  This is it.  We are taking Coco to college.  A short flight to Charlotte, then a short drive to Columbia. 
     We got an early flight.  We wanted to have plenty of time to drive down, check into the hotel and then go to Target.  One thing we did really well with Caz for preparing to take him to college, was to order things from Walmart and have it all delivered to the store closest to campus.  For Coco, it's Target. 
     Move-in day is tomorrow.  We have an 8 am time-slot.  I made sure to remember the Move-in packet.  It has a parking placard for the car.  It also has a placard that Coco needs to check-in and to receive his room key.  We have to leave the house at 4:30 am.  Man, is it early.  I actually couldn't sleep.  I was up at 2 am.  I watched most of the Predator before I meditated, stretched and made coffee.  I heard Coco up pacing too.  He was definitely nervous, which in turn, made me nervous.  I know in my heart, Coco will be alright.  My heart needs to tell my head that.  And then convince it.

Griswolds' Vacation 2019

This year's vacation was epic!  Top 5 for sure.  It's funny, it didn't start out that way.  The idea of it rankled me from the beginning.  Personally, I wasn't happy that we had to go to North Carolina to celebrate our son’s high school graduation with that side of the family.  Over 20 years, we have requested them to be in one place, all together, at once, and by us, 4 times.  Two times at about each end of those two decades.  I was a bit sour about it.  But Coco didn’t seemed phased, so I just went with it.
     We started in Raleigh, NC.  In a 24 hour period, Demi and I went to three open house and caught up with old friends.  My college roommate, his wife (also a Colby alum) and kids have lived in Cary, NC for 15 years.  Demi’s high school friend and husband moved there 4 years ago.  The six of us had a great time out in Cary.
     Team Griswold drove out to Topsail Beach over 2 1/2 hours.  It was a straight shot.  Was the reward for that drive ever worth it!  Our first time using VRBO and we struck gold!  This beach house was amazing.  Three floors, a huge garage, fenced in back yard with an enormous deck for walking the dog, two front deck balconies with clear views of the ocean, great open kitchen and living space, all had our own rooms and bathrooms and private beach access.  What a HQ!
     I was in the ocean every, single day.  The water was warm.  The waves were huge but not overpowering.  One did need to beware of riptides.  I swam and floated in that ocean for over an hour at a clip on party day.  The beach was sandy.  Instead of hunting for beach glass, people were searching for shark teeth.  The weather was perfect.  Even at close to 100 degrees, we were happy.  There was one overcast day.  No rain.
     The party was a huge success.  We spent a lot of time with the family.  We had an amazing dinner at my sisters-in-law’s in Snead’s Ferry.  She did a shrimp boil for 30, with two sets of spices.  There was an incredible Vietnamese/Thai restaurant in Wilmington.  We got ice cream, then walked the riverwalk in Wilmington.  The highlight was the jet ski trip.  About ten of us cruised a 9 mile stretch of the Intercoastal.  The boys had so much fun they went back another day.  Caz had an ear to ear grin, permanently spread across his face the whole ride.  I saw dolphins twice, with one diving under my jet ski.  Forget swimming with dolphins, go jet ski with them.  Caz and Coco perfected their bodysurfing.  Caz was at it daily.
     A truly marvelous vacation.   The Griswolds won this one!

Patriots vs Duxbury

What a way to end the month!  The Patriots Charity team came to DHS to play the Duxbury “All-Stars” for charity.  Our friends & neighbors had extra tickets & invited Coco and me.  Not only were they tickets, they were VIP tickets.  We got in early.  There were wristbands for autographed footballs, thrown by Patriot players.
     We stayed out seats in the front row, right by the Patriots bench.  We were eager to see which Patriots showed up.  I recognized Jonathan Jones early.  He played college ball at Auburn.  War Eagle!  Coincidentally, I had my orange Auburn sweatshirt on.  I tried to get his attention.  I had to sneak a picture of hi on the bench to send to Caz.
     Coco initially turned down a wristband.  He gets shy at the oddest times.  Even when Rosie, Caz’s buddy got one, he bailed.  A second attempt did the trick though.  He capitulated.  In the end, he got to catch on over the shoulder pass from Elandon Roberts.  What a memory!  I am so glad we went.  We have such a short time left before he goes off to college.  I plan to take advantage of all that time.

March Madness 2019

Day one of the Big Dance!  The boys and I made our brackets.  We each did our own thing, so we weren't directly competing.  I decided to start a group text with the boys and Demi.  I thought Demi might enjoy the banter.  Did she ever. 
     The boys were watching the first game, right out of the gate.  Auburn was an early game.  It started at 1:30 pm EDT.  That meant I would not be able to watch tip off.  I actually only caught the last few minutes, using my iPhone.  That was enough to totally stress me out.  It was wild.  The Tiger let NM St stay close.  Too close.  It was almost like Auburn was going to give the game away, in the last 20 seconds.  They missed their free throws.  They turned the ball over.  They didn't play the right defense.  Somehow they maned to squeak out a one point win. 
     We all lost the very first game.  Lousiville choked.  I didn't realize there was some interesting links between Minnesota and Louisville.  I do think had I known Rick Pitino's son was coaching Minn, I might have picked them.  That is what I get for being a part time fan.
     The boys texted updates.  They "voiced" their enthusiasm.  Demi really enjoyed seeing the interaction.  We all won!

Super Bowl Sunday 2019

aka Janet Jackson Appreciation Day
     Patriots vs Rams Part Deux
I admit, I was getting increasingly nervous as kickoff approached.  I am not sure if the cause was the game or that it was going to be my last one watching with one of the boys.  It had hit me days ago, that next year, I will be watching with Demi only.  Then the curve ball came.
     Forty five minutes before kickoff, Coco asked if he could go to a friend’s house.  His crew was getting together to watch the big game.  There was no way to say no.  I love that he would be with his friends.  But a part of me was sad.  Demi and l offered food & snacks he could bring.  We gave him the standard warnings.  We asked him to be wary of other drivers.  He promised to text when he was leaving.  Then he was off.
     At least the Patriots won.  Title number 6.  Lowest scoring Super Bowl ever.  Not exciting for the casual fan.  But cue the duck boats!  It’s time for a parade!

Thanksgiving 2018

It certainly was nice to have the whole family together this year.  This Thanksgiving seemed more traditional.  Family traditions are important.  (I may have mentioned that before:))
     I got up a bit early to go to the gym and to run.  I wanted to get in a workout to offset the gorging to come.  I ran better than I have in months.  That made me very happy.
     I woke the kids up for the Duxbury football game.  Caz was eager to have Angie experience a Duxbury Dragons football game.  She was nervous about the weather.  In fact, we all were.  It was a record day of cold.  We trotted out all the winter gear.  Caz and Angie even wore snow-pants.  The hand-warmers were collected in droves.  I busted out the LLBean Baxter State Parka.  It is the warmest coat they make.  It has pocket for your hands, that go into the down, so I knew my hands would be in great shape.  The wind chill was down to zero.  We all had face shields and sunglasses.  We didn't leave any exposed skin.  At half time, my toes were cold.  I had the smart wool socks and my warm, insulated LLBean rubber shoes.  Those couldn't keep the chill out.  The kids all had blankets but I don't think Coco wrapped his feet.  He was frozen at halftime.
     We met at the warming station, in the Steele building.  I saw the kids head there at halftime.  We had a split vote.  Caz really wanted to stay.  Coco really wanted to go.  Angie put on a good front and voice her desire to say, but I think her head and heart wanted to go.  The Dragons were up 21-0.  They looked like they were rolling.  We eventually decided to cut the game short.  We stopped for breakfast and hot chocolate on the way home.
     Thanksgiving at Lex's was great.  The battle of the turkey's, smoked against baked, was entertaining.  We all ate and ate.  The kids all played in the basement.  We actually had to pull the drinks off the deck before they froze.  We sat by the fire and watched football.  It was a really great get together.  Coco and Caz should have memories from this for all time.  That is all I really want.

Texas 2018

My buddy, Thatcher, had been telling me I had to come see a Texas Tech football game for years.  So since Coco was not playing a fall sport this year, I saw the opportunity to make that trip happen.  I picked the game months ago, Texas Tech at home, against Texas.  I set the date with Thatcher and now game time is finally here.
     It was a long trip on Friday.  We had to get up and leave for the airport shortly after 3 am.  That is early, even for me.  Demi was not happy but it was worth it to go see our friends.  We were really looking forward to seeing Lubbock.  This time was also exciting because their oldest son, and our youngest are in the midst of the college application process.
     Their son, Luke, had been accepted to Ole Miss, Arkansas and Texas Tech.  A couple days prior, Luke had been granted an exception to attend the TTU Business College as a Freshman.  Coco had just finished submitting the application to FSU.  We were still gearing up to apply to the South Carolina Honors College.  Auburn deferred Coco to general admission.  The boys would have a lot to talk about.
     It was cold in Lubbock.  The air temperature was 40 degrees, but with the wide open land, that wind just blows on and on.  There is nothing to bock it and it just does not stop.  It reminded me of the Loveliest Village on the Plains.  We didn't stay out long for the tailgating.  We moved quickly into the clubhouse to take advantage of the buffet.  I mean, a Texas buffet with brisket?  What's not to like?
     The game turned out to be very exciting.  We got to see the Masked Rider lead the team out of the tunnel.  The students throwing burrito wraps onto the field was interesting.  Seemed a bit of a waste but having thrown oranges at Colby, who am I to judge.  Tech came from 17 down in the 4th quarter to tie it up.  They left too much time though and Texas won it on a last second field goal.
     What a trip though!  We went to Cook's which was so cool.  It was right out of American Pickers.  The old gas and oil signs leading into and monopolizing the parking lot made for quite an entrance.  The antique signage continued inside, with both metal and neon signs.  Old restored cars were strewn outside and inside.  The food was great too.  Chicken fried steak!  Have to have it in Texas.
     The Thatchers were greats hosts.  Their home was so comfortable.  Everything is bigger in Texas and houses are no exception.  Single floor living is really appealing.  The white grape moonshine became our signature drink.  I can't wait to go back.

Boys Weekend November 2018

It’s Coco and Dad weekend.  Caz is off at Auburn.  Demi is with the girls.  He had to work last night. So we didn’t get to hangout.  He missed a good Duxbury playoff game.

    Of course he slept late today.  He has been playing CoD ever since he woke up.  But football time is coming.  Alabama at LSU.  Pizza and wings.  We are set up.  Now we just need a good game.

World Series Report 2018

This post could get interesting.  A huge lack of sleep due to last nights game.  The longest World Series game ever.  It finished at 3:30 am.  Coco and I stayed up for every pitch.

     Coco was so into the game, I almost didn’t care who won.  Almost.  Coco was looking up all kinds of baseball statistics.   The longest World Series game by time.  The longest World Series game by innings.  The longest baseball game ever.  I had to remind hi of seeing the score of the longest game in a mural at Pawtucket.  He told me about the two hall-of-famers who played in that game.  The effort by Nathan Eovaldi was epic.  The emotions of the game were intense.  And Coco and I were right there with each other until the bitter end.

World Series 2018 - Do Damage

The World Series starts tonight at Fenway Park.  The Sox take on the Dodgers.  Old school clubs.  Beat LA!
     I will say this again.  My sons have no idea what it is like to go without a championship for a long time.  Enjoy it now boys.  This is unprecedented for a city.
     I love that all the Boston teams stick together.  The Patriots, the Celtics & the Bruins have all wished the Sox well.  I have no doubt, players from those teams will be attending tonight.
     It will be different not having Caz here.  I hope he gets to listen to the game.  He does that now.  He listens to the Sox on the radio.  He told me it was a sign that he "is getting old."

Southern Tailgate Saturday

Caz and his girlfriend organized a great tailgate before the football game.  Caz’s girlfriend’s parent brought all the necessary accoutrements from Huntsville.  Caz got up early to secure a spot in the shade by his dorm.  It was a great spot.  We definitely needed the shade.  And having a bathroom handy was key.
     We started at noon.  There was pulled pork, several BBQ sauces, cole slaw, potato salad, cookies, brownies and lemon bars.  The kids were great.  They tossed a football around.  They stayed out of the beer cooler......
     The kids had to leave for the game around 4, to get their seats in the student section.  We got to hang around a bit longer.  Thankfully, the sun was behind the stadium by the time Coco and I took our seats.  Our seats ended up directly behind Caz’s girlfriend’s parents.  What were the odds?
     Demi stayed behind with Gizmo.  She did 3 loads of laundry for Caz.  She cleaned his dorm room.  What a trouper.  Fortunately, it was only a month after move in date.  The room hadn’t gotten that bad yet.  She also kept an eye of the food, keeping it warm for the post-game tailgate.  What a great day.  It’s one we can all look back on and smile, in the years ahead.  Family time.

Friday Night Lights 2018

It’s father/son night.  Coco and I are going to the Duxbury football game.  It is going to be the first fall night.  It is going to be football weather.  It is also Black Out Night.  The student section is supposed to wear all black.  Coco is in the spirit.  I love when he gets fired up to participate.  He even wanted to use my black Duxbury hat.  And he doesn’t mind riding to the game and being seen walking in with his dad.
     I don’t think Coco had seen Coach Downey in years.  He at least said hi and a few words about college.  We were up on the hill.  The students hadn’t arrived yet, so Coco wanted to hang with us for a bit.  Of course, as soon as some showed up, he took off.  But it was nice for a while.  I hope we get to go to a few more of these.  This is our last chance.  The Coco Senior Year Farewell Tour.

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.

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.