Backyard Chickens

It's been 18 weeks, a short journey: building the coop, raising chicks, heating the nest. Yesterday, the reason for this undertaking came to fruition. Maybe, not a sign of affection to its owners, but nonetheless treats to behold: finally our first egg! Two more eggs followed today... a never ending supply. MaeMae and Elias are delighted to check for eggs each day. They are small, brown, delicate, and tasty. I affectionately ask Elias, "Did the chicken lay a golden egg?"

Raising chickens has been fun--among my most memorable birthday gifts. This year, Caleb and Philip gave me a chicken coop for my birthday. With some help from my friend Steve, we designed and built the coop on the side of our house. The little chicks, warmed by a light bulb, first lived in our kitchen, then our garage. At 6 weeks old, they braved the elements in their new home.

Of the six, one was a rooster and woke us up each day. So we brought it to Dad, who slaughtered it. MaeMae and Elias seemed okay seeing Dad remove the feathers in near boiling water.

Next, I tinkered with perches, stairs, and nesting boxes. I watched the chickens eat all the greens in the area. I learned how to use chickens to turn compost. Finally, the eggs came. It's been a fun journey for all of us.

Caleb moves to San Diego

Pearl and I "launched" Caleb on his college career. I have been home but an hour and his absence is already felt.

It was a strange weekend, knowing that we would be returning without Caleb. I sensed that Caleb was apprehensive, but also excited: a healthy response to the stress of so many changes. During our orientations, our paths occasionally crossed and I wasn't sure if Pearl and I should approach him or let him be with his new peers. It was a balancing act--how much to let go, how fast. It always is. I was pleased to see Caleb grow, seek his own path, and take the initiative in meeting his new classmates.

As for me, the emotions run deep. It is a mixed feeling. I recall my own "launch" a flight across the country, a taxi ride across Groton bridge, arriving at Chase Hall near midnight. While I miss him, I sense that Caleb is ready, so I am excited for him. Letting go is a process. I felt the weekend helped me sort through my own feelings as well. I sensed that Caleb was ready and that feeling was the source of my strength. The parent orientation hosted a panel and numerous books on "letting go" insisting that parents can't expect their students to call everyday. It helped me to see Caleb excited about the future. I am proud of him and look forward to forging a new relationship with him.

Raider game with Caleb

Last night, Caleb and I went to the Raiders' game at the coliseum for monday night football. It was the first time for either of us to attend an NFL game, something for us to do before Caleb is off to college. The game was exciting, the crowd wildly enthusiastic, and the memories lasting.

We left around 3:30pm to the Richmond BART station. We shared a simple meal at Taco Bell, next to the BART station. I gave Caleb a letter from Pearl and I, basically sharing how proud we are of him, growing up from a baby to a responsible adult--that he had our blessings. Then, we took BART to the coliseum. The game went down to the wire. The Raiders took the lead with just over 2 minutes to go. San Diego would need a touchdown. Unfortunately, they marched down the field and scored with only a few seconds left. Getting out of the stadium took forever. We were slowly walking for close to an hour before we got to the BART station.

The fans were on their feet practically the whole time, that our legs got tired. Despite the ruckus atmosphere and Raider reputation, everyone was polite as I knew they would be. The ethnic diversity was evident.

During the national anthem, two jets flew overhead timed exactly to the sing. Their engines roared and I thought for a moment the terror they would invoke if they were enemy jets--with US air supremacy.

It was a great night that I will never forgot. I recall the day that Caleb, our first child, was born and I held him in my arms--my son. Now, he is moving away to college.

Cross Country

Philip just got his cross country uniform. As he tried on his uniform, I could tell he felt uncomfortable wearing running shorts. He got the "long" running shorts, which to him were still too short. I'm sure the shorts felt fine: for Philip it was merely the perceived social awkwardness of wearing shorts that are "short", as compared to his more familiar soccer shorts.

MaeMae was excited to see Philip in his uniform. She called out, "Philip, you look awesome!" in her usual cheerful voice.

I'm sure he will get use to his new uniform. It can't be as strangle as wearing a wrestling singlet for the first time.

Cross country seems like a great sport. It's a large, social, co-ed team. They have pasta feeds before meets. Everyone shows great improvement over the season. It doesn't have an overly competitive tone. I look forward to watching his meets. Maybe, Philip will even motivate me to dust off my running shoes, but to keep up with Philip, I'll need my bike. :-)