From TSA to Schnitzel: My Washington Week with Emily

August 9–16, 2025 — Arlington, Washington

Saturday morning started before the sun—2:30 a.m. early. I woke up, got ready, and Christie, being the wonderful wife she is, was up right alongside me. By 3:45 a.m., we were at Hartsfield International Airport for my 6:30 flight. After making it through TSA, I settled in at the gate until boarding began at 5:50. At 6:21 a.m., the plane rolled down the runway, lifting off for Seattle.

 

 

 

After a 4-hour, 57-minute flight, I landed. Emily was there waiting, and our first stop was Pike Place Market—a must-visit in Seattle. Between the famous Gum Wall, the flying fish at Pike Place Fish Market, and lunch at Ben Paris, it was a perfect start. Later, we strolled through the Arlington Farmers Market and even popped into Arlington Hardware & Lumber. Arlington felt like a Hallmark movie set. Back at Emily’s, we put on Happy Gilmore 2—though we didn’t make it far before dozing off. That evening, after a Walmart run, we honored Jon Hyatt with dinner at Denny’s. Back at Emily’s, we wound down with TV before calling it a night.

Sunday

We started the morning with church at LifeWay in Arlington, held in what used to be the Olympic Theater. The sermon, titled “Jesus Problems,” hit home, with the pastor joking about the heat like a Southern Baptist preacher—a line I could relate to. Afterward, Emily, her roommate Jo, and I had lunch at the Stilly Diner, a place filled with vintage photos of downtown Arlington. I ordered a club sandwich, of course.

That afternoon, we took Benny, my granddog, for a hike along the Centennial Trail, walking from Emily’s apartment to downtown Arlington. People stopped us to pet Benny, and after two and a half hours, we headed back. Later, after a Walmart run for ingredients, Emily and I cooked chicken parmesan and stayed up until midnight just talking. A simple evening, but one of the best.

Monday

Despite wanting to sleep in, I was up at 5, Emily by 7. We eased into the day with an episode of Big Brother, then headed for Seattle. Our main stop: the Space Needle. After wandering the gift shop, we took the elevator up for breathtaking views—Mount Rainier, the skyline, even the Grey’s Anatomy hospital. The rotating glass floor on the lower deck was surreal.

Lunch was at The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass—wagyu sliders hit the spot. Then it was back to Pike Place for flowers, a visit to the Gum Wall, and finally, iced coffees from the original Starbucks.

Tuesday

The morning started with Starbucks—pup cup for Benny, coffee for Emily and me. We planned an easy day, exploring Arlington. I picked up a giant chocolate chip M&M cookie and dirty soda at Hammond Bread Company. At Arlington Pickers, I tried their stress-relief game: $1 to smash a glass against a wall. Oddly satisfying.

Wednesday

We set out for Mount Baker, stopping first in Burlington for my first-ever Carl’s Jr. At Artist Point, 5,100 feet up and 55°F, snow still dotted the trail. Emily and I hiked 3.2 miles, making TikToks along the way. Two hours later, we descended, stopping at Nooksack Falls before heading back.

Later that night, I cooked schnitzel for the girls. With Emily’s help, we made schnitzel, broccoli, and corn. After dinner, we sat up swapping stories until about midnight—a perfect way to end the day.

Thursday

A slower day. We started with brunch at the Stilly Diner, then took a short trip down the road from Emily’s apartment. After doing a little research, Emily found the Outback Kangaroo Farm, where we got to feed kangaroos, emus, and alpacas. That evening, we had dinner at Nutty’s Junkyard Grill—a quirky burger joint filled with automotive memorabilia.

Friday

Rain finally found us—classic Washington weather. We drove to Deception Pass on Whidbey Island and hiked 1.5 miles on Goose Rock Trail. Even in the rain, the views were incredible. Afterward, Emily showed me

where she works on Whidbey Island Naval Station. That evening, we had hibachi in Burlington and closed the night with Kevin Hart’s Lift.

Saturday

Departure day. Bags packed, we squeezed in a last stop at Arlington Hardware and one more club sandwich at Stilly Diner. My nerves got the better of me—I could only eat half.

Before heading to the airport, we figured out how to transfer my tickets for the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire. Emily and I went Saturday, where she enjoyed the sights and I got to see Jacques Ze Whipper perform.

Back in Arlington, we took one last walk with Benny. With the air show flying overhead, we wandered to the airport, reminiscing about the week. Eventually, the drive south to Seattle came, and with it, goodbye. Emily hugged me tight before I headed into the terminal.

This trip was one of the best week of my life—definitely my best with Emily. The memories we made will stick with me, and I can’t wait to return, next time with Christie by my side to share it all.

:🎓 A Trip to Remember: Emily’s Graduation in Pensacola

The time had finally come—Emily was graduating! After a three-year tour in Spain with the U.S. Navy, she was now stationed at NAS Pensacola, and we couldn’t have been prouder. We had talked about heading down for her graduation, and when the big day came close, we knew we wouldn’t miss it.

🚗 The Early Bird Gets the Brisket

We hit the road bright and early Saturday morning. And by early, I mean 4 a.m. alarm, 5 a.m. wheels rolling. With a five-hour drive ahead of us, we aimed to meet Emily by 10 a.m. — and more importantly, meet her brand new puppy, Benny Lane.

Let me just say: Benny has the energy of a toddler who drank espresso. He was adorable, full of personality, and made an instant impression (mainly on our shoes and legs).

✈️ Museum Tour & BBQ Traditions

Our first stop was the National Naval Aviation Museum — a must-see if you’re ever in Pensacola. After exploring aircraft displays, soaking up history, and possibly rescuing Benny if he was with us on the visit from chewing on a helicopter tire (don’t ask), we made our way to Sonny’s BBQ for lunch.

Sonny’s has become our Pensacola tradition, and Emily's favorite is their BBQ salad. Joining us were Mary, Emily’s grandparents, and Meemaw. Good food, good laughs, and that Southern BBQ charm — what more could you ask for?

😴 Power Naps & Pizza

After lunch, we checked into our downtown Pensacola hotel. Running on fumes, we all agreed that a nap was non-negotiable. A few hours later, refreshed (sort of), we ordered a pizza, stayed in, and called it a night.

🛩️ Take Two at the Museum

Sunday morning, we headed back to the Aviation Museum to finish what we started. This time, we were determined to eat at The Cubi Bar Café, which we almost managed the day before — missed it by just 30 minutes! But Sunday? Victory. And yes, it was worth the wait.

After lunch, we hung out at Emily’s place for a while before heading out to Bavaria Pensacola, a German restaurant Emily picked for her going-away dinner.

We were joined by her Navy friends Jo, Pink, and Eli — names we’d heard a lot about, but were meeting for the first time. They didn’t disappoint. By the end of the night, it felt like we’d known them for years. And yes, I ordered the schnitzel. (Honestly, can you even go to a German place and not order schnitzel?)

🎓 Graduation Day – Finally in Person!

Monday morning brought the moment we’d been waiting for: Graduation Day.

This was actually our first time seeing Emily graduate in person. COVID had made her high school and boot camp graduations virtual, so this was incredibly special for all of us.

The ceremony was held at Corry Station Naval Base. We waited outside the gate for Emily, Pink, and Eli to escort us on base, and about 20 minutes later, we were in. The ceremony was short, formal, and filled with pride. Watching Emily and her classmates stand in formation and receive their certificates was a true proud Dad moment.

🍳 Brunch, Goodbyes & Rainy Days

After graduation, we headed downtown for brunch at The Ruby Slipper. The food was great, the conversation even better. But eventually, it was time for goodbyes — to Emily, Pink, Eli, Mary, and the grandparents. It was bittersweet, but that’s how life works sometimes.

Emily headed back to Georgia, while we stayed one more night. Our original plan? A relaxing beach day. But Mother Nature had other plans — it rained all day long. So... what did we do? That’s right: another nap. When in doubt, sleep it out.

That evening, we ventured out to Crabs in Gulf Breeze for dinner. Rain or shine, the food didn’t disappoint. Full and content, we headed back to the hotel to pack for the trip home.

🏠 The Perfect Ending

Tuesday morning, we checked out and hit the road back to Alabama. But before we even made it home, Christie messaged Emily and asked if she wanted to grab dinner. That evening, we met up in Bremen with Emily, Dawson, Harlie, and our sweet granddaughter Lucy.

It was the perfect ending to a short but meaningful trip — filled with family, pride, laughter, and just the right amount of schnitzel.

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Father's Day Weekend: Pneumonia, Pulled Pork, and the Braves

What a weekend.

Father’s Day 2025 didn’t exactly start the way I’d planned. On Friday, I found myself in urgent care — not how you want to kick things off. I hadn’t been feeling right, and after some tests, I was told I had pneumonia and was dehydrated. Honestly, I still don’t know how it happened. One day I felt fine, the next day I felt like I got hit by a truck. But, hey — life happens.

Even with that rough start, I wasn’t going to let it ruin the weekend. Saturday rolled around, and we headed over to Aubree-Anna and Matt’s. Matt had a Boston Butt on the smoker, and just stepping into the backyard and smelling that thing working its magic made me feel 10% better on the spot. Christie and Aubree-Anna took care of the sides, and together they made one seriously good meal. I’m talking the kind of food that makes you pause mid-bite and go, “Now this is living.”

Sunday morning, we got up and made our way to Cobb County to watch the Braves take on the Colorado Rockies. We lucked out with seats under an awning — which meant we didn’t have to bake in the June sun. It made the whole experience even better. There’s something so nostalgic and refreshing about being at a ballgame. The smell of peanuts and hot dogs, the sound of the crowd, the rhythm of the game — it never gets old. Unfortunately, the Braves didn’t pull off the win. Still not sure how that happened — I mean… it was the Rockies — but it was a great time anyway.

After the game, we headed back to grab a bite at Aubree-Anna and Matt’s, then made our way over to Matt’s parents’ house for another cookout. Nothing fancy — just some good grilling, hanging out, and soaking up the time together. The kind of evening that doesn’t need a lot of planning to be special.

I did miss having all the kids around. I get it — life is busy, people are scattered, and not every gathering is going to be perfect. But I know those days are coming, and when they do, I’ll soak them in even more.

Even with pneumonia trying to hijack the weekend, I’m thankful. Thankful for family. Thankful for good food. Thankful for baseball and shade on a hot day. And thankful for a God who gives us these sweet, simple moments in the middle of it all.

Until next year — I’ll take it.

Our Garden: Dirt, Dreams, and (Hopefully) Vegetables

So… we did a thing.

For a while now, I’ve been talking about starting a garden—probably longer than I care to admit. I had this grand vision of growing our own food, living off the land, and maybe even wearing a straw hat like I know what I’m doing.

After a solid week of clearing space, breaking up stubborn Alabama clay, and realizing just how many muscles I forgot I had, we finally did it—we planted our very first garden!

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What We Planted

It’s small, but mighty (and I say that with hope in my heart). Right now, we’ve got:

• Corn
• Tomatoes
• Jalapeños
• Radishes
• Cucumbers
• Squash

Basically, if it’s crunchy or spicy, we’re trying to grow it.

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The Waiting Game Begins

I won’t lie—when we dropped that last seed into the ground, I might’ve declared, “Let the farming begin!” Yes, like I was auditioning for Little House on the Prairie

Now it’s time to water, wait, and hope that the neighborhood critters don’t think we opened a salad bar just for them.

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Looking Ahead

Even though this garden is small, we’re already dreaming about next year. Bigger space, more veggies, and probably more ibuprofen. Gardening ain’t for the weak!

But for now, we’re thankful for this beginning. We’ve got dirt on our hands, sun on our backs, and faith in our hearts.

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> “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

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Stay tuned—next update might

include sprouts… or squirrels. Either way, it’s going to be an adventure!

Pensacola April 2025

The hum of the tires on the asphalt marked the beginning of our adventure. Tuesday afternoon melted into evening as Christie and I made our way towards Auburn, the familiar landscape a comforting prelude to seeing our daughter, Emily. The energy around Plainsman Park was electric as we met up with Sawyer for an Auburn baseball game against UAB. The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd – it was the perfect way to kick off our trip before settling into our Auburn hotel for the night.

Wednesday morning dawned early, a promise of soaring jets and aerial artistry. Our 6:00 AM departure aimed squarely at witnessing the famed Blue Angels practice in Pensacola. The drive was smooth until we hit Blue Angel Parkway. An hour and a half crawl later, it was clear that many shared our Wednesday morning ambition. Finally, we navigated onto NAS Pensacola and found our parking spot at The National Naval Aviation Museum. Excitement bubbled as we walked towards the airstrip, only to have it gently deflated by the news: low clouds and gusty winds had grounded the practice. A collective sigh swept through the small crowd.

Our disappointment, however, was short-lived. As we made our way back to the truck, a timely reminder popped up – lunch with Emily at Chick-Fil-A. Seeing her bright smile quickly erased any lingering frustration. After a happy reunion and a quick bite, we headed back onto base to secure our passes. Emily’s room became our temporary haven as we waited for her class to end. Soon, she was whisking us away, first to the historic Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and then to the soft sands of the nearby beach, a tranquil escape just a short walk from her doorstep. Our afternoon concluded with a mini-tour of NAS Pensacola, a glimpse into Emily’s world.

The aroma of the Gulf beckoned us to Gulf Breeze for dinner at Crabs. The menu was a seafood lover’s dream. I opted for the rich Crab and Shrimp Linguine Alfredo, while Christie and Emily both savored the Crab and Shrimp Tacos. Our calamari appetizer arrived, a generous portion that could have easily been a meal in itself! Stuffed and content, we returned to our haven for the night.

Thursday offered a slower start. After a leisurely morning, we met Emily for lunch again, this time at Sonny’s BBQ. It was a nostalgic treat; the Atlanta-area locations had long since closed, making this taste of familiar Southern barbecue all the more enjoyable. The afternoon found Christie and me back on the base beach. I learned a valuable lesson that day: even under cloudy skies and a brisk breeze, the Florida sun can pack a surprising punch. My resulting sunburn served as a slightly painful reminder. Despite my newfound redness, the gentle rhythm of the waves was still a soothing balm. That evening, we ventured downtown to Bavaria Pensacola, where I indulged in a hearty schnitzel, a taste of Germany in the heart of Florida.

Friday was a welcome short day for Emily. By 12:30 PM, she was free, and we headed to Captain Joey Patti’s, a charming little diner that immediately won our hearts. Christie and I always seek out these local gems, and this one certainly didn't disappoint with its authentic flavor and friendly atmosphere. We spent a relaxed afternoon at Emily’s place before heading to the cinema to experience "The Chosen: The Last Supper," a powerful and moving film. Our day concluded with a late-night sushi adventure at Rock n Roll Sushi, a vibrant spot with creative rolls and a lively ambiance.

Saturday morning took us back to Gulf Breeze and a new culinary experience at First Watch for brunch. Emily’s boyfriend had sung its praises, and we soon understood why. The fresh, flavorful dishes were a delightful start to the day. Fueled by a delicious meal, we engaged in a spirited round of mini-golf, where I proudly (and narrowly) claimed victory by a single point. A stroll around Gulf Breeze followed, leading us to Wal-Mart to gather ingredients for a homemade salad dinner. Emily was craving a home meal, and Christie expertly crafted delicious salads back at our suite. The evening culminated in watching Auburn compete in the Final Four. Although the Tigers didn't secure the win, the joy of sharing the moment with Emily, who stayed the night, made it a victory in its own right.

Sunday morning brought the familiar ritual of packing the truck. Saying goodbye to Emily always tugs at the heartstrings, but the memories of our Pensacola adventure, from the anticipation of the Blue Angels to the laughter over mini-golf and the shared meals, filled the quiet drive back to Heflin. This first trip had been a tapestry of family, food, and Florida sunshine, a reminder of the precious moments we cherish.

Atlanta Race Weekend February 2025

The weekend started as a typical February race weekend in Atlanta, with chilly weather. Christie and I walked around the Fan Zone, catching a few live shows before heading inside to wait for our friend Marco. While waiting, we went ahead and renewed our tickets for the 2026 season.

When we started our NASCAR journey, we decided to attend both Atlanta races and both Talladega races each year. Saturday’s Xfinity race didn’t disappoint—our favorite Xfinity driver, Austin Hill, took the win, securing back-to-back victories at Atlanta.

On Sunday, we met up with Marco again, picked up our Pit Passes, and headed down to Pit Road. We checked out the cars and did some people-watching, spotting Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray, Michael Waltrip, and Dion "Rocko" Williams.

After exploring Pit Road, we made our way to our seats—once again, we had a great view and enjoyed spending time with friends. AMS never disappoints, and we’re already looking forward to the Atlanta Night Race in June!

Talladega Fall Race Weekend

 Talladega race weekend erupted in a storm of adrenaline. It was Saturday, and after buying our tickets that morning, we arrived at the legendary speedway around 1:30 PM. The air was already buzzing with energy. The sound of engines revving in the distance felt like the calm before the storm, but I knew that calm wouldn’t last.

Parking closer than usual since it was the Xfinity race, we hurried through the merchandise haulers, the smell of burnt rubber and fuel mixing with the electricity of thousands of fans. Our seats for Sunday’s race were prime, so we decided to claim them early as we waited for friends to join. Stage 1 blazed by, the cars screaming past us, the roar of the engines shaking the bleachers. The speed, the intensity—it was palpable.

Stage 2 arrived like a wave crashing onto the shore just as our friends made it to the stands. We barely had time to settle back in before the tension on the track ratcheted up. Austin Hill, our guy in the No. 21, was dominating. But with just two laps to go, disaster struck. Metal crunched as his car got caught in a wreck, the spinout throwing debris across the track. Overtime was called. Sammy Smith took the victory, but it was the chaos of that last lap that left us breathless, hearts pounding. This was only Saturday. Sunday promised even more.

Sunday’s Yellawood 500 was another level of anticipation. The sun rose over Talladega, casting a golden glow over the stadium as we arrived at 10:15 AM, ready for something new—the Garage Experience. After nearly an hour waiting for the tram, we were finally in the infield, but it wasn’t quite the behind-the-scenes action we hoped for. The cars were already staged on pit road, the garages eerily quiet, save for a few older race cars and Earnhardt’s famous No. 3. Still, being this close to the action felt like we were on the edge of the battlefield before the fight.

After a quick reunion with my cousin from Trackhouse Racing, we made our way back to the grandstands. The roar of engines was like a battle cry as the cars lined up. The Yellawood 500 was underway, and the track became an arena of pure speed. From the very start, the drivers were locked in combat, two-wide, then three-wide, and before the end of Stage 1, four-wide racing that defied belief. The tension in the air was so thick you could feel it in your chest. Ross Chastain, our driver in the No. 1, was right in the middle of it, fighting for every inch of track like a warrior on the front lines.

Stage 2 intensified. Ross was pushing for first when disaster struck. On the final lap of the stage, Blaney got turned by Bowman, the cars spinning wildly. In the chaos, Ross slammed into the wall, his car erupting in flames. I could barely breathe as his car came to a smoking halt. Flames licked the sides of the wreckage, but Ross managed to pull himself free. The relief that washed over us was immediate—he was shaken, but he was okay.

And then came “The Big One.”

Lap 185. The tension had been building for hours, the cars trading paint, weaving in and out of three-wide formations. But when the crash hit, it was like a bomb went off. A 28-car pileup on the backstretch. The carnage was unbelievable—cars stacked, smoking, debris flying through the air. The red flag came out, the race brought to a sudden, violent halt. For 45 minutes, we waited, watching the track crews scramble, the aftermath of the crash hanging over the crowd like a storm cloud.

But when the race restarted, the final laps were a high-speed blur. The roar of the engines was deafening as Keselowski, Stenhouse Jr., and Byron battled it out for the win. It was a fight to the finish, inches separating them as they hurtled toward the line. Stenhouse Jr. edged out Keselowski by 0.006 seconds—another legendary Talladega finish that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The day ended with the sun setting over the track, but the excitement still raced through my veins. Talladega had delivered its trademark chaos, and we left the stands with hearts still pounding, knowing we had just witnessed something unforgettable.

Radioactive from the Yellawood 500

Birthday Week: A Journey of Joy and Reconnection

It all began on Friday night, the kickoff to what would become a week full of laughter, reunions, and cherished moments. Christie, Aubree-Anna, Matt, and I headed to Truist Park to watch the Atlanta Braves take on the Blue Jays. There’s nothing like the energy of a baseball game, and the Braves didn’t disappoint, pulling out a 3-1 win. The crowd roared as the final out was called, and it felt like the perfect start to my birthday week.

Saturday morning, we made our way down to the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Xfinity race. The heat was relentless, but there’s something about being at the track that makes everything else fade away. Christie by my side, we watched Austin Hill take the checkered flag in the Focused Health 250. It was a special year for Bennett Transportation as they celebrated their 50th anniversary, and it felt like we were part of the celebration. 

Sunday was another race day, but this time we left the Blackstone behind and grabbed sandwiches from Subway. We ate in the reserved parking before heading to the Fan Zone. After a quick stop at the Trackhouse merchandise hauler, fate intervened. We ran into my old co-worker, Marco, who surprised us with pit passes and an invitation to sit in the O’Reilly’s Suite. We didn’t hesitate. It was a rare opportunity, and we were all in.

Walking along pit road, I kept an eye out for my cousin, though we never crossed paths. However, we did bump into comedian John Crist, which was an unexpected and amusing encounter. While in the suite, I reconnected with an old friend from my firefighting days who was working at the track. It felt like a full-circle moment—being there not just as fans but revisiting past roles and memories at the Speedway

Monday was a bit more laid-back. We spent the day with Aubree-Anna, Matt, and, of course, our granddog Lenny. That evening, we met up with Brian, Christy, and my best bud Matthew at LaBamba’s for dinner. As the night went on, Christie and I made an impromptu decision. We’d leave early Tuesday morning for a beach getaway to Daytona. It was the kind of spontaneous plan that sets the tone for a perfect vacation

At 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the alarm blared, and our seven-hour journey south began. By the time we arrived at the resort in Daytona Beach around 1 p.m., we were ready to dive into relaxation mode. After checking in, we grabbed lunch at Racing’s North Turn, a restaurant steeped in NASCAR history. The spot marked the North Turn of the old beach racetrack used in the 1940s and 50s, and it was the perfect pit stop for race fans like us.

Afterward, we strolled along the beach, letting the ocean waves wash away any remaining tension. Though the sky was overcast, it didn’t dampen our spirits. Wednesday was spent much the same—soaking up beach vibes, playing in the water, and battling the big waves. The waves won more often than not, but we didn’t mind. That night, we ventured out for dinner at The Dill, trying out some Eastern European dishes. We both ordered schnitzel, and it didn’t disappoint.

Thursday began with an unforgettable experience. I had set my alarm to catch the SpaceX rocket launch early that morning. By 4:45 a.m., I was the only person on the beach, watching the sky light up as the rocket carried satellites into space. It was a moment of awe, standing there alone with the sound of the ocean in the background as history unfolded before my eyes.

The rest of the day was spent at the beach and by the pool, making the most of our time by the ocean. That evening, we dined at Crabby’s Oceanside, enjoying one last seafood meal before we had to leave paradise. 

On Friday, we reluctantly checked out of the resort after watching the sunrise and headed north toward Brunswick, a town full of memories for me. We spent most of the day on Saint Simons Island, reminiscing about the time I had lived there. That evening, we had dinner with Dawson, Harlie, and Lucy Ray. Seeing them, especially Lucy, was a highlight of the day. She’s a big fan of Gordon Ramsey and might just have a future in cooking. Watching her enthusiasm, I couldn’t help but smile—perhaps she’s

Friday night, we stayed in Blackshear, and Saturday morning brought a surprise reunion. As we headed down for breakfast, I saw a man stepping off the elevator who looked oddly familiar. I walked up to him and asked, “What’s your name?” He responded, “James.” In that instant, I knew—it had been nearly 30 years since I’d last seen him. He was the father of a friend from my Brunswick days. We caught up for a solid thirty minutes before even making it to breakfast. Soon after, his wife Pam joined us, and it was as if no time had passed.

Later that day, we visited Christi’s store, DownSouth Living, where a vendor event was taking place. It was a great way to end the trip—surrounded by good people and memories of the past. As we made our way back home, I couldn’t help but feel that this week was exactly what I needed—a perfect balance of relaxation, reconnection, and spontaneous fun.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s beach trip, but for now, I’m content, filled with gratitude for the week that was.