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 :) 

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.

First Visit 2019

Our first trip to the University of South Carolina to visit Coco was a success.  Great trip, even with the rain all day on Saturday.  Friday was beautiful.  The most perfect weather.  It was sunny.  It was cool enough to walk around without sweating, even wearing jeans.
     Coco really enjoyed being our guide on a walking tour of campus.  He tooks us to all the buildings in which he has a class.  He walked us through the Horseshoe.  I asked to go by the bookstore, of course.  Coco guided us into Russell House, the Circle and the Theater.  He was really eager to show us his college.  He really seems happy there.
     Game Day on Saturday was a noon kickoff.  That made for interesting tailgating.  Demi and I actually slept in.  I had picked a hotel about a half mile walk to the stadium.  I thought I was so smart, not having to deal with parking.  What I failed to realize was that the South Carolina State Fair was going on.  This was the last weekend of it.  Friday was a bit of a circus with the amount of traffic in front of our hotel.
     Demi and I had rolled into Columbia about lunch time.  We were hungry.  We hit a local BBQ joint.  We had called on our drive and the room was not ready yet.  After lunch, we figured we would give the room a shot.  At least we would leave our bags.  Four lanes of dead stop traffic was in front of the hotel.  The gate to the Fair parking lots had just opened recently.  Poor timing on our part.  We used Waze to try and bypass traffic.  We ended up on a dirt road, running parallel to train tracks.  It felt like part Stand By Me and part Lost Boys.  We ended up getting around traffic, sure, but then we had to make a left, across all four lands of stopped cars.  Southern Hospitality helped us.  They parted the Red Sea, to allow us access to the hotel parking lot.  No way that happens in Massholia.
     Demi and I walked to the game.  It was misty.  A sprinkle shower passed quickly.  We checked out Cock-a-boose Alley & Gamecock Park.  We hit the Jameison's tent.  I thought it was a standard bar at first.  We got two free drinks each, but all were of course, Jameison's based.  No way Demi was going to like it, right?  Wrong.  She really got into the Jameison's and Ginger. It is now on the favorites list.  The game was a bit rainy.  It actually hailed for quite a bit.  But we were prepared and managed to stay dry.
     We did not see Coco that night.  He and his boys napped after the game and the early AM tailgate.  I get it.  A college kid wants to hang with his buddies.  We had breakfast in the morning.  It seemed clear he had been out with said buddies that night.  It was a really nice trip.  Can't wait to go back.

Auburn v Miss St 2019

Boys trip to visit Caz this year.  I talked Rosie into a big time college football game a few months ago.  Later on I had possession of an extra ticket.  So I offered it to Rosie's son and Caz's best friend.  Seemed a great way to get one of Caz's friends from home down to see him.  They weren't going to do it on their own.  I can't blame them.  It's a long way.  They are college kids.  Typically, college kids don't have excess spending money. 
     This was the hottest it has ever been in Auburn, while I have been visiting.  It was 97 degrees and close to 98% humidity.  I was okay day one.  Or at least I think I was.  I felt it.  But we did a lot of walking and I felt fine after.  I hydrated all day.  I though we might lose little Rosie but he hung in there.  It was game day that got me.  After parking the car and walking to Toomer's corner, we walked into the bookstore (J&M).  After a while, I felt dizzy and nauseous.  I got a huge bottle of water right away.  I downed it methodically.  I didn't guzzle it but I put it down with purpose.  We jaunted over to the the stadium and bookstore.  We went to a BBQ place back at Toomer's.  In both place, I felt off.  I didn't drink a drop of alcohol.  I felt so bad, I couldn't eat.  We are inside, so not in direct sunlight.  Before we went into the game, I got a smoothie, just to get something into me.  I kept drinking water. 
     In the 4th quarter, i put on my FitBit.  My pulse was way high.  It was 40 bpm higher than my normal resting heartrate.  I didn't want to be the guy that ignored a warning sign and then had a health problem.  I went to First Aid and started asking questions.  They took my vitals.  The gave me water.  They wanted to give me an EKG but that was in the main facility on the first floor.  I had to walk it (or ride in a wheelchair).  I had to take it slow.  They decided not to do an EKG but monitored my vials.  They gave me more water and granola bar.  At that point, all I could do was walk back to the car with Rosie. 
     We stopped for Rosie to grab a bite.  I thought a shake was a good idea.  I was wrong.  I was up in the middle of the night in intestinal distress.  I had to take the nuclear option of immodium.  I did feel better in the AM though. 
     All in all it really was a good guys weekend.  Auburn won big.  The tailgate was still fun.  Rosie and his son got to see a big time college football game.  Caz got his buddy to visit.  And his buddy was shown some real Southern Hospitality.  Win, win.

College Visits

Coco got his first visitor at U of South Carolina.  Uncle Lex had some work in Charlotte, so he drove down to stay the night.  I am really happy he did.
     Those two had a good time.  Coco took around campus.  He showed Uncle Lex the Horseshoe, his classroom buildings, the library, and Russell House.  Then they went to dinner at the Southern Belly BBQ.  Of course they dialed up the Wookie.  What else could you order besides double pork and double bacon?  It’s really cool another family member got to see campus.  My brother got a lot if information out of Coco.  It confirmed our guess that Coco is loving Gamecock life.  Spurs up!

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.

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.

Patriots Parade 2019

Demi texted me yesterday about what I thought about Coco going to the parade with his friends.  He hadn’t said anything to either one of us.  We both thought it was a good idea.  Demi broached it with him after school.  We thought he would go with his crew.  And Coco started planning with them.  In the end, he ended up going with his prom date and her friends.  Interesting twist.

     It didn’t dawn on me until this morning that Coco had never been on the T on his own.  I texted him a bunch of information during my morning commute.  I also urged him to leave earlier than planned.  The crowd was already heavy when I was headed into the city.  I made sure he knew how to get to me in the city too.  He did really well. He called and texted with questions after the parade, when they were trying to get on the T.  He and his friends bought the right ticket.  They got on the right train.  More importantly,  they had fun.  They had an experience that will last a lifetime.

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!

Week 17

The last regular season game for the Patriots.  A first round bye is on the line.  And both my boys are home.  Best part of the game right there.

     In honor of the occasion, I made a muffuletta.  I also baked some potato skins.  I had to make sure my growing boys were well provided for.  It’s not often these days that I get to watch the Patriots with both my sons.  Those opportunities are growing less often.  Carpe diem.

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.

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.