Happy Birthday Caz

 Happy 23rd Caz! Wish you were home to celebrate.  I am sure being in Italy is a good alternative.  Enjoy your day.  Get a special cannoli.  Love you.

Happy 21st Coco

Our youngest son, Coco, turns 21 today.  A house full of legal age adult who can imbibe.  That went by in the blink of an eye.  Looking forward to having Coco home next weekend to celebrate in person.  Glad Coco got to be with The Boys for his monumental birthday.  Looks like they had a lot of fun.

Happy Birthday, Son.  We love you. 

Make good decisions :) 

Lunar New Year 2022

 Happy Lunar New Year! Coco and the McBros are referring to it as the Year of the Animal which shall not be named.  Caz is happy for Auburn as it is the Year of the Tiger.  Auburn created some really nice memes for the event.

The boys received their lucky money.  The minions received theirs as well.  The McBros were included in it as well.  They were very appreciative.  The mailing of the lucky money has become a nice new tradition.

Bomb Cyclone '22

 It is very weird being in SC, while a blizzard rages in MA.  Nor'easter. Bomb Cyclone. Snowmageddon. Call it what you want, it is a full on winter storm.  The snow totals are ridiculous.  It is always the timing and the winds that play the major factor.  Sure, the tides wreak havoc with flooding.  But when the storm hits and how strong & sustained the winds are, determine the severity.  

The timing for this storm is perfect.  The snow started falling at midnight last night.  Most folks woke up to whiteout conditions.  It is a Saturday, so there are not the school and work commutes to clog the roads.  Folks seem to be behaving and staying home.  I think all the limb and tree maintenance over the summer is paying off.  The power outages seem to be small compared to other storms.  I am sure it does not seem small to those without power.

We even had snow flakes fall here in SC.  The winds were very strong and gusty.  Watching snow fall here is a rarity.  Still pales on comparison to watching it fall in MA from a far. 

I am glad our friend and family are making out well during this.  I almost feel guilty for being so far out of the path of the storm.  Almost. :) 

First Whip

 Caz's first car arrived today. The car he bought on his own. It was quite the lead up.  He started while in Nashville celebrating New Years with E.  He used Carvana which is such a Gen Z thing.  Of course he kept getting stumped in the process and needed both help and information from Dad.  Now.  Needed help now.  Funny how the communication and the attention increase when a child's interests are in play.  That is an age old phenomenon.  After the scramble to get the insurance square away, and a delay due to a snow storm, the car arrived today.  A Toyota GT 86.  I had no idea those existed until Caz picked it.  But there you go.  And now we have one happy camper.

Happy 2022

 3 of the Chins flew back to MA to spend some time with the Duxbury Family & Friends.  For the second year in a row, we got to spend New Years Eve at Camp in Maine.  The way life should be.  Vacationland. It was perfect.  We got to see snow and ice, but didn't have to shovel.  We hiked a scenic trail with a waterfall.  And we spent it with the Minions and their parents.  Not a bad way to start off the new 365.

Happy 2022 to you all.  Hope it brings you health and prosperity.

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.