Tag Archives: Lilac Parade

Wine Thursday Rundown

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Hello again friends. I know I always act surprised when a new month is around the corner, but can you believe that next week’s Thursday Rundown will be published in June? But for the time being let’s not worry about next month and instead focus on this month with tonight’s rundown. Here are five topics…

National Wine Day – Happy National Wine Day to all my wine connoisseur friends who enjoy nothing more than curling up on the couch with a glass (or two). However, you won’t find me celebrating. I have been pretty vocal about my distaste for wine, going as far as to include it on my famous The Drinks I Hate list. I find wine too complicated for a simple dude like myself. I like my drinks to be refreshing and wine is definitely not a beverage you drink to satisfy your thirst. I admit it, when it comes to this “holiday” I am a scrooge.

I received a Total Wine gift card for Christmas and I love the store! But I won’t be using it to buy wine 😉

Lilac Parade – Last Saturday, I took the kids to Spokane’s Armed Forces Torchlight Lilac Parade. The day set a city record for hottest May 20 ever which boded well for a night parade. We met my sister and her children for the event that features floats, military personnel/vehicles, and high school bands. After taking Sloan to last year’s parade, Beau got to experience it for the first time this go-around. Everyone had a blast and the kids had no problem returning to the house at 11 p.m.

Beau and Sloan at the 2023 Lilac Parade on Saturday night.

A Man Called Otto – Sidney and I recently watched “A Man Called Otto” on Netflix. Starring Tom Hanks, the film originated in theaters but is now available to stream. The whole time I watched it, I couldn’t help but think this just an updated version of Gran Torino. Not saying that is a bad thing because I thought “Gran Torino” was an awesome movie and I felt the same way about “A Man Called Otto.” Tom Hanks plays a bitter aging man who is eventually able to make peace with the world because of some people who come into his life. Hanks is great in the film and I would 100% recommend it if you are looking for a movie to watch with your spouse this Memorial Day weekend.

Sidney and I enjoyed watching “A Man Called Otto.”

Spirit Week – St. Mary School just wrapped up Spirit Week. It started with Mismatch/Crazy Hair Day on Monday, Career Day on Tuesday, Sports Day on Wednesday, and concluded with Decade Day today. Sloan participated each day and enjoyed the opportunity to take a break from wearing her uniform.

Sloan on Mismatch/Crazy Hair Day of Spirit Week at St. Mary School.

Classic Chinese Restaurant Experience – There is nothing better than an excellent outing at the local Chinese restaurant. Last Friday night we ate at the Dragon Inn on Sprague in Spokane for the first time. It had everything from a marquee with an inspiring message to a fountain with a dragon emerging from it to a yummy sweet and sour sauce. Did it stand out enough for us to go out of our way to visit again soon? No, but if we are ever in the area and hungry we will definitely consider walking through the doors.

We had a decent experience at Dragon Inn in Spokane Valley on Sprague.

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That will wrap things up. If you enjoyed this blog post with a glass of wine, more power to you! Stay safe out there and let’s pray for kindness and civility in our country. Don’t Blink.

Lilac Thursday Rundown

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Good evening everyone and welcome back. I know a lot of us are hurting right now after the unimaginable and horrific events in Uvalde so perhaps the following random five topics can provide you a short respite if you desire it.

Happy Ordination Anniversary, Fr. Jeff – I want to start by recognizing Fr. Jeff Lewis as he marked his 11th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood today. Fr. Jeff is the pastor at St. Mary Parish in Spokane Valley and is an invaluable influence on my family. In two years since we have become parishioners at St. Mary, Fr. Jeff has graced us with spiritual guidance, his valuable time, and the holy sacraments as we try to walk closer with Christ. He is also a great friend with a spectacular sense of humor. Sidney, Sloan, Beau, and I are so thankful to have a true disciple like Fr. Jeff in our lives.

Fr. Jeff Lewis celebrates his 11th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood today. He means a lot to our family

Lilac Parade – This past weekend, I took Sloan to the Lilac Parade (also called the Torchlight Parade) in downtown Spokane where we met my sister and her children. Sloan had a blast as she soaked in her first night parade by dancing the night away and exchanging high fives with the parade participants as they walked by. For me personally, it marked another annual Spokane event that I was able to experience again after a couple decades missing out. To view a video from our adventure, tap here.

We had a great time at the 2022 Lilac Parade

Seven Years In Tibet – I spent a couple hours this week watching “Seven Years in Tibet.” The movie was made in 1997 and stars Brad Pitt who assumes an Austrian accent for the role. The film depicts Pitt’s triumph in Tibetan culture and favor with the Dalai Lama in relation to his brokenness with his own family back home. I liked “Seven Years in Tibet” for its west vs. east comparisons, historic lessons, and chilling musical score. It is currently on Hulu.

I watched “Seven Years in Tibet” this week. Decent movie.

Flashback – I took the below photo on May 26, 2020, as it was one of the first images I captured of Sid and Sloan after their move to Spokane. It also happens to be one of my favorites. We were exploring an undeveloped area close to my parents’ house and the sun seemed to shine perfectly as they flashed their million-dollar smiles. Such a nice memory!

This photo was taken exactly two years ago on May 26, 2020.

Innocence – A tragedy like the one on Tuesday hits parents extremely hard. It makes you look at your kids with even more love and protection than usual. I took the below photo last night. We let Sloan and Beau watch TV in our bed so we could devote our time to the special engaged couple we are meeting with for Pre-Cana marriage prep. When we finished up, this is how we found them. There truly is nothing more precious or innocent than the life of a child.

Sloan and Beau fell asleep in our bed last night. Observing their peacefulness had an enhanced meaning for me.

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As we conclude, I did want to say one quick thing: It is trendy these days when violence strikes for people to discount and scorn prayer. My friends, never cease to pray in the face of tragedy, especially for the victims. Prayer does help and don’t let anyone else tell you differently. Don’t Blink.