It is another glorious and that means it is time for another not-so-glorious Thursday Rundown. Let’s roll tonight’s five topics…

7/11 Day – For at least the fourth year in a row, Sloan and Beau partook in 7/11 Day by enjoying a Slurpee. The added wrinkle this year was that I joined them for the first time and I got to enjoy a Slurpee as well. We celebrated at the brand spanking new location in Mead at the corner of Mt. Spokane Dr. and Newport HWY. When we entered there wasn’t much of a line. However, after I helped the kids get their Slurpees (thank goodness Beau let me help him) a pretty long line had formed that I had to stand in to get mine. It was well worth the wait as I couldn’t remember a Coca-Cola Slurpee tasting so good.

Beau and Sloan pose with their Slurpees outside of 7/11 on July 11, 2026.

Independence Photos – Although my children will only be at St. Paschal Educare for one month this summer, I will still cherish the single photo op they took part in. For those who don’t know, each month St. Paschal offers a seasonal backdrop and takes a picture of each kid in front of it. This is at least the third photo of Beau I have in front of the Fourth of July backdrop…

St. Paschal Educare takes a photo of each kid every month in front of a seasonal backdrop. This is Beau’s photo.

And here is Sloan…

This is Sloan’s St. Paschal Independence Day-themed photo.

RIP Lindsey Graham – I was sad to hear about Lindsey Graham’s sudden death. He represented me for nearly six years when I lived in South Carolina. I had the chance to watch him speak in-person once. It was 10 years ago when Sid and I attended a Jeb Bush rally for his unsuccessful 2016 presidential run at the Springmaid Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach (we would attend other Republican and Democratic rallies that year). Graham opened for Bush and although his introduction was a little awkward, it was cool to see a sitting U.S. senator. Please pray for the repose of Lindsey Graham’s soul.

Sidney and I saw Lindsey Graham speak in-person 10 years ago.

Costco Tenders – Various social media food accounts in the Spokane area posted that our local Costcos now offer chicken tenders in the food court. This is great news for my wife and children who could eat chicken tenders every single day. I am sure we will try them next time we pay Costco visit. But did anyone else think the same thing that went through my head the second I saw the photo?…

Where are the fries?!

We will definitely try these soon but there should really be fries included in that serving boat.

Home Run Derby – And finally, just some quick feedback on the home run derby. These days, I don’t watch too many sporting events but since the derby was broadcast on Netflix, Sid and I tuned in. I thought it was fun! I wanted Kyle Schwarber to win as I thought the Philadelphia Phillies’ hometown player coming out on top would have been a great story. But as I saw Jordan Walker go up against a hostile Citizens Bank Park I started cheering for him. What he did when he was down to his final swing was unbelievable TV. Congrats, Jordan! And yes, the derby format this year was improved.

I enjoyed watching the home run derby. I snapped this photo of my TV after Jordan Walker won the competition in thrilling fashion.

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Thanks for reading, everyone. We have a fun weekend planned so I am excited to get to it. Be safe and I will catch up with all of you next week. Don’t Blink.