Chris & Pitts BBQ

By Randy De La O

It does not get any more "Old School " than Chris & Pitts BBQ  here in Whittier. If you grew up in the Whittier, Santa Fe Springs or Pico Rivera area, you have probably eaten here at one time or another.

Sadly, their days are numbered. Chris & Pitts will be closing their doors in December. It's no exaggeration to say I have eaten here my entire life. I ate here with my mother and father growing up.

The place has some wear and tear on it  and is definitely dated. Still, it possesses a certain kitschy  charm. Walking through the doors is always, if only for a short while, a step back in time. 

The service has always been prompt and friendly and always appreciated. These types of eateries  are, slowly but surely, disappearing from the American landscape. It breaks my heart to see it go.

Jeri had the Pulled Pork sandwich with BBQ beans and cole slaw, I had the pork spareribs, baked potato and BBQ beans, which I love. My dinner came with a choice of soup or salad. I chose the beef barley soup, which I also love.

If you've been meaning to get your Chris  & Pitts on, you better git to it!

The Graduate II

The Blessings keep coming....

Today our granddaughter Sidney (daughter Lori & son in law Tom) graduates from California State University  Fullerton, with Honors. We couldn't  be more pleased or proud.

Unfortunately, my wife and I are both sick and cannot attend the ceremony.  

Still, we celebrate her achievement and victory. May God continue to Bless her and guide her.

We love you, Nana & Pop Pop

The Graduate

Introducing  our graduate, our granddaughter Mariah. She said she was going to do it and she did. Graduating class of 2022, California State University, Dominguez Hils. We were there in full support. We celebrate your achievement. 

Congratulations granddaughter. We love you. Also, congratulations to my daughter Meranda, who put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice to make this happen. It was the culmination of a shared dream.

We love you! We are beyond proud!

Nana & Pop Pop

LAX, EATS AND HOME

My wife Jeri and I picked up our son Andrew at the LAX. He's home visiting from Washington for a few days. It's good to have him here. It has been a few years.

He wanted to stop at Mario's in Pico Rivera for a green chile burrito, so that is what we did.

Old Friends Reunion

I had a great day yestertoday. I met up with my lifelong pals, Mike Teran and Ken Robledo.. It had been years since the three of us had been together at the same time. We stopped at Mario's in Pico Rivera for some red and green Chile burritos, then to Legg Lake - Whittier Narrows Regional Park to hang out and catch up.

We go back to Meller Junior High School and El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera. We were the Three Musketeers. All of us are grandfather's now.

It's true what they say, regardless of the time, good friends can pick up right where they left off. God is good!

A Falcon in the Midst

I got a nice surprise yesterday morning. I went out back by the avocado  trees to feed the birds and clean the birdbath. As soon as I walked away the falcon showed up. It was a privilege  to behold. A little wink from God perhaps.

A Land Called America

Continuing with a Season of Thanks....

It's not always easy to feel thankful. I know that as well as anyone but I am thankful.

I am thankful and indebted to my great, great, great, great grandfather, Cristobal De La O, who, in late 1600 or possibly the 1700's, with a sense of adventure and a dream of a better life for his descendants, left his native Spain and made his way to the New World.

I am part of that dream that began so long ago. A dream that culminated in a land called America. His descendants, my children, my cousins and branches are scattered throughout the country. We are Americans! His dream came true.

When life gets overwhelming, and it does, I need only to think of Cristobal De La O and the hardships he must have faced.

We all have a story and we all have much to be thankful for. God Bless this land called America!