Birthday Weekend

This year, my birthday weekend was one for the books! It all started on Friday night when Nicole and I attended a special catered dinner hosted by the organizers of Wings & Wheels. The highlight of the evening was listening to the captain of the USS Cole recount the harrowing events of the bombing, describing the incredible efforts the crew made to save the ship and minimize casualties. It was such a moving experience. To top off the night, I bid on—and won—a delightful wine and cheese basket during the auction.

Saturday was a day I had been eagerly anticipating. I got up bright and early to get myself and my Mustang over to the Wings & Wheels car show at Georgetown airport. By 8 AM, I was all set up and ready to enjoy the day. But the real thrill came at 11:30 AM when I climbed aboard a PT-19 WWII airplane, with a German pilot at the controls. For 45 exhilarating minutes, we soared over Rehoboth Beach, flew up the Delaware coastline, crossed Cape Henlopen State Park, and ventured over Prime Hook before heading back to the airport. It was my very first time flying in a non-commercial aircraft, and I can confidently say I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Later in the afternoon, around 3:30 PM, the car show organizers began handing out trophies. To my surprise and excitement, my Mustang won 2nd place in the Millennial class! It was such a proud moment. After the show, Nicole and I celebrated by heading out to do some Halloween decoration shopping—a fun way to wrap up the day.

On Sunday morning, we continued with our Halloween prep by picking up pumpkins from Home Depot and grabbing some corn stalks from How Sweet It Is. That afternoon, the weekend festivities concluded with a fantastic dinner at The Red Roost in Whitehaven, MD, where all my friends gathered. We ate, drank, laughed, and made great memories before parting ways.

It was an absolutely wonderful weekend, filled with good company, exciting experiences, and plenty of fun!

Michigan Trip

Our Michigan adventure began on August 31, when we set off on a journey that would take us through miles of scenic roads, visits with friends and family, and some stunning lakeside views. After hours of driving, we arrived in Novi, MI, just in time to enjoy the holiday weekend. On the evening of September 1, we found ourselves by a lake, watching a breathtaking display of fireworks reflected in the water, a perfect way to kick off our trip.

We spent the next few days in Novi, catching up with friends and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. But on September 4, we packed up and headed north to visit Nicole’s brother, anticipating the scenic drives ahead.

The real adventure began the morning of September 5. We set out on a route that took us west of Grand Rapids, passing through charming towns and vast stretches of nature. The roads were peaceful, lined with lush trees that seemed to stretch forever. From there, we drove east toward our destination in Traverse City, where we had a waterfront room waiting for us at Hotel Indigo. The view from our room was nothing short of spectacular—watching the sun set over the water made for a perfect ending to each day we spent there.

After a few days of exploring Traverse City and soaking in the local sights, we headed back south on Saturday. Our next stop was Rochester Hills, where we picked up Nicole’s mom for the final leg of our journey. She was coming back with us to Salisbury to spend a week together, making this trip even more special.

Before making our way home, we made a stop in Pittsburgh on Saturday night for some rest. The next day, we completed the last stretch of our 2,000-mile journey, driving through a lot of different landscapes, making memories, and enjoying each other’s company. This trip was a mix of family, fun, and the freedom of the open road—one we won’t soon forget.

OBH7 Announcement

When My Morning Jacket announced One Big Holiday 2025 in Miramar Beach, FL, I knew right away that Nicole and I had to go. We’ve been to One Big Holiday before, so we already know just how incredible the experience is. There’s nothing quite like it—amazing music, the beach, and the energy of being surrounded by fellow fans who are just as passionate as we are.

Nicole and I talked about it as soon as the news dropped, and it was an easy decision. We’ve made some of our best memories at One Big Holiday, and there’s no doubt that 2025 is going to be just as fun, if not better. The vibe, the setting, the music—it all comes together in a way that makes it feel like a dream. We’re already counting down the days, imagining ourselves back in that atmosphere, soaking it all in.

This trip is going to be another amazing chapter in our shared love for music and adventure. We know what to expect, but that just makes it all the more exciting. We can’t wait to get down to Miramar Beach, enjoy some great music, and make new memories together.

Blessing of the Combines

I decided to take my Mustang to the Blessing of the Combines in Snow Hill, MD. It’s one of those unique small-town events that bring together the community, and I thought it would be fun to check out the car show while I was there. However, as with most plans, things didn’t go exactly as expected.

I got a late start and, as I rolled into Snow Hill, I found myself stuck behind the combine parade. These massive machines were slowly making their way down the main street, and there was nothing to do but enjoy the view and soak in the atmosphere. It was actually kind of cool to see the combines up close, but I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious about getting to the car show.

After what felt like forever, I finally found a spot in the show. I parked, got out, and started wandering around, taking in the other cars on display. Not long after, I ran into my mom and dad, who had also come to enjoy the day. We spent some time wandering around together, checking out the cars and the various vendors set up along the street. It was nice to catch up and share the experience with them.

Eventually, the heat and the crowds got to us, and we decided to cool off at Oaked, a restaurant nearby. We grabbed a table, ordered some lunch, and enjoyed a few drinks, relaxing and enjoying the air conditioning. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle outside.

After lunch, we parted ways—mom and dad headed off to explore more of the festival, while I decided it was time to head home. As I drove back, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a fun day it had been, even with the delays and the unexpected turns. It’s days like this that make owning the Mustang even more enjoyable—getting to be part of different events, running into family, and just enjoying the ride.

Wheels on the Waterfront

On July 27th, I made my way down to Crisfield, MD, for the Wheels on the Waterfront car show. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the energy in the air. The sun was blazing, and the heat was almost overwhelming, but that didn’t stop the crowds from gathering. The waterfront was packed with an impressive array of cars, trucks, and bikes, each one polished to perfection and ready to be admired.

I parked my Mustang in a prime spot, making sure it stood out among the sea of vehicles. The chrome gleamed, and the Velocity Blue paint seemed to glow under the relentless sun. It was one of those days where the heat was intense, but the excitement of the event kept everyone going.

As I walked around, I was amazed at the variety on display. There were classic muscle cars that took you back to the golden age of American automotive history, alongside modern supercars that looked like they’d just come off the racetrack. Trucks and bikes added to the mix, each one showcasing the unique personality of its owner. Every few steps, I found myself stopping to take a closer look or to chat with another enthusiast about their ride.

Despite the heat, everyone was in high spirits. It was the kind of event where you could spend hours just admiring the craftsmanship and passion that went into each vehicle. The sun may have been scorching, but the camaraderie and shared love for all things automotive made it all worthwhile.

By the end of the day, I was hot and tired, but it was worth it. Attending Wheels on the Waterfront was more than just about showing off my Mustang; it was about being part of a community that appreciates the art and power of these machines. As I drove home, the sun setting in the rearview mirror, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I was to be able to participate in such an amazing event.