Alright, we are in mid-September and with that comes a fascinating mixture of summer and autumn here in the Inland Northwest. The best way I can describe this special time is with one word: glorious.

Friday Night Greasy Food – I live for Friday nights with my wife and kids. Whether we are watching a movie at home, catching a high school football game, or going out for dinner I will always cherish the carefree/celebratory evenings after a week of work and school. Last Friday we hit up Ron’s Drive-In, a classic hamburger place in Spokane Valley. We ordered burgers, chicken, French fries, and onion rings and it was so good. Look at the below photo of Sloan and our tray of food. Can you get anymore wholesome/American?

I live for Friday nights with my family. This past Friday evening we ate at Ron’s Drive-In in Spokane Valley. Our tray just looks classic!

Beau In Foam – Our St. Mary Parish Festival was held last Friday and for the second year in a row a foam machine was part of the festivities. Beau went a little overboard and got…ummm…drenched? Excuse my lack of a better word, I don’t know quite the term for being covered in foam (foamed?). Anyway, to be honest, I think Beau regretted his decision a bit. He actually got the chills but luckily I had a beach towel in the back of my trunk to wrap him in.

Beau was covered in foam during the 2026 St. Mary (Spokane Valley) Parish Festival

Quirkie Dough – I love it when one of my big ideas that I was too lazy to implement hits it big. Back in 2015, I pitched my idea for Cookie Dough Café, a dessert shop that resembles an ice parlor but instead of ice cream you are served cookie dough. My vision included edible cookie dough in various flavors served in bowls with toppings. I sat on the concept a little too long because this week I learned of Quirkie Dough, a shop in Coeur d’Alene that delights customers with cookie dough creations. I have not visited Quirkie Dough yet but when I do I will make sure to write a blog post about the experience.

I need to try Quirkie Dough in Coeur d’Alene. Don’t worry, I won’t ask them to pay me for my original idea 😉.

Soccer Season Is Here – Beau is back on the pitch! His fall soccer season started this month and he had his first game on Saturday. The White Sharks came out of the gates with a 6-3 win as Beau notched his first goal of the fall campaign. After this summer’s World Cup it seems like soccer is hotter than ever and our son is still manic for the sport. I will update you on how the season ends next month.

Beau poses with his teammate and classmate, Grant, after the White Sharks won the first game of the fall season.

Don’t Blink Feature – Industry recognition and kudos from your bosses is one thing, but affirmation from those you serve is another. During this week 11 years ago, the student newspaper at Coastal Carolina University (The Chanticleer) ran this front page feature on me. Of course the absolute best part was the title of the piece. The story has been completely wiped from the internet (😂) but the photo of the physical paper I took with my phone remains. Go Chants!

I felt special when Kara Thomas of The Chanticleer wrote this article about me.

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That will wrap up another Thursday Rundown. We have an extremely busy weekend that will include a trip to the Spokane Interstate Fair. Wishing you all the best until we catch up again next week. Don’t Blink.