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. :-)

First Day of School

MaeMae starts kindergarten, Elias a new preschool, Caleb registers for his classes at UCSD.

It's been an eventful summer, now the school year begins. MaeMae has adjusted well. A few months ago, I would not have imagined such as easy first day of school...no anxiety, no nerviness, just the excitement of learning. Fairfield has an intimate rural country-like setting a few mile out of town.

Elias starts Applegate with Christian and Timmy. He has never had a problem adjusting to new situations, so I don't anticipate any problems.

For the next month, on the days that Pearl works, Caleb will be driving his young siblings to and from school. I sometimes wonder if these responsibilities will convince him not to have kids :-)

He signed up for classes on-line today. Overall, he got most of his classes with the exception of SE-1 (wait list). The only downside is he has classes from 5-7pm every MWF.

Pearl started her classes as well...a new grade (1st).

Bikers and Drivers

Caleb (hopefully) gets his driver's license tomorrow. MaeMae learns to ride a bicycle. Two milestones I vividly remember in my own life, I re-live again through the eyes of my children--at two vastly different stages in their lives.

Maelin's face lit with exuberance and pride. She immediately wanted mommy to see her, repeatedly saying "I can't believe I can ride a two wheel bike." I see her confidence growing in so many ways: riding a bike, swimming, learning her letters, easily moving into new settings.

Neither of us, Caleb and I, are shoppers, yet yesterday, we bought dorm stuff for the future: comforter, desk lamp, fan, some clothes, electronic charging station. We also set up some financial accounts: an ATM/credit card, online banking, so I can transfer money to Caleb as needed. After Mt Herman, I thought to myself how relaxing it is to be with a responsible college student as compared to two lovely (but needy) little kids.

Mount Herman

We just returned from a week of family camp at Mount Herman. I found it a relaxing time, despite the flurry of activities for our varied group. Watching after my mom (85) and our little ones MaeMae (5) and Elias (3), I am the sandwich generation. Yet, it was joyful to see Elias and MaeMae greeting my mom, the first one up, in the morning and playing with her cane--their favorite toy.

Our experience at Mount Herman has been one of community as our extended group included David and JoAnn and their boys, Christine Lee and her kids, and JoAnn's friend Tanya and her two kids. 17 in all--a cacophony of voices, people gathering for meals, children laughing, crying, and joyfully playing.

The ropes course--a high wire series of balancing tasks-- was exciting. Philip and Joshua took the canopy tour, a collection of zip lines through the beautiful redwoods. We spent one day at the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk, where we all enjoyed a acrobat show. Elias also enjoyed a "dragon" ride, while my mom walked the boardwalk.

This was the first year that Caleb (18) did not attend because of a summer job. His absense was felt. In one month, he is off to college.