A Beach Wedding in Destin for Joel & Jen

 

A Beach Wedding in Destin for Joel & Jen 

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for April 19, 2026

Thanks to everyone who’s been checking in on my mom. Her hip replacement surgery went really well, which was a huge relief. She did have a little extra excitement afterward when her heart decided to keep things interesting and she needed a pacemaker, but she handled it like a champ. She’s now back in rehab, working hard to figure out her new hip, and if all goes as planned, we’re hoping she’ll be back home in a couple of weeks.  At this point we’re convinced the prayers are working… so maybe don’t stop now.

Last week Miss Sheri and I flew down to Destin, Florida to celebrate the wedding of our old friends Joel and Jen. Not a bad place to watch two people say “I do”… especially when it involves white sand, blue water, and a guy walking around with a guitar like he’s ready to turn the whole thing into a Jimmy Buffett concert at any moment.

Joel and I went to high school together in Clear Lake, Iowa, and we’ve somehow managed to stay friends ever since. That’s pushing close to 40 years now… which is impressive considering most people tap out on me in under 20. So when the wedding invitation showed up, I was honestly just relieved to see I was still on the list.

Joel and Jen rented out a massive house right on Miramar Beach to host the wedding and reception. Pool, hot tub, the ocean steps away, and somehow enough space to sleep 22 people without anyone ending up in a closet. Miss Sheri and I played it safe and stayed in a condo down the beach… but we made sure to show up here every day and night like we actually lived there.

Jen comes from a big family… like a dozen siblings big, plus another 20 friends who all showed up for the wedding. Which meant I suddenly had about 35 new names to learn in a weekend. At this stage of life, that’s less “meeting people” and more “running a full-time memory experiment.” I tried every trick in the book… and when that failed, I just smiled confidently and hoped nobody asked me to prove it.

One name I did know was Joel’s brother Jake. Jake was born when we were in high school, so he was just a little guy back then. He’s much bigger now… which, to be fair, is exactly what you hope happens, so thank God he grew.

I also got to see Joel’s kids, Nathaniel and Mayah, who somehow went from being little kids to looking like they have agents, brand deals, and a skincare routine worth more than my first car. They’ve grown up like crazy and both looked absolutely great.

We couldn’t come to Florida and not go on at least one critter adventure, so we snuck away for a dolphin cruise at AJ’s in Destin. Somehow we managed to spot dolphins like professionals, which I’m pretty sure just means they showed up and we took credit for it. We stuck around for lunch afterward, and the Bang Bang Shrimp lived up to the name… not because it was spicy, but because it disappeared so fast it sounded like a small explosion at our table.

We had such a great time on the AJ’s dolphin cruise with Daniel and Cody on the Seascape. Perfect mix of everything… we saw a pod of dolphins, ripped around the gulf at full speed, and somehow the drinks never stopped coming. Hard-working crew, great energy, and honestly one of the best 90 minutes you can spend in Destin.

We also made a point to hit a few state parks and beaches in search of more critters. This sign pretty much sums up the experience… “alligators are dangerous” feels like the kind of reminder you don’t really need, but appreciate once you’re standing there staring at the water. We did spot a couple way off in the distance, which was perfect, because we love the idea of going “gator hunting” right up until the moment one decides to get a little closer. 

One of the park rangers walked up carrying this little guy like it was just another day on the job. She said it was a leatherback turtle and she was relocating him to the lake after he kept trying to cross the road… not exactly a winning strategy. I immediately asked if I could pet him on the nose, which she very calmly shut down. Probably a good call… I’m already operating with a limited finger inventory.

Eventually it was time to head back to the beach for the ceremony, and honestly, they couldn’t have picked a more beautiful place to get married. The weather was perfect, the water looked amazing, and everything about it felt like one of those weddings people pretend not to compare future weddings to. The only flaw was that it involved sand, which of course immediately found its way into my shoes and set up permanent residence. Other than that, absolutely perfect.

One of Jen’s friends officiated the ceremony and did a really nice job. It was great hearing Joel and Jen talk about how much they love each other and how happy they’ve been since they found their way together… you could just see it on both of them the whole time.

What really stood out was seeing all of their kids up there as part of the ceremony. Not just showing up, but fully in it… smiling, supporting, and clearly happy for them. That part felt pretty special.

Miss Sheri and I were so glad we made the trip to celebrate Joel and Jen… and we’re also at that empty nester stage where getting away like this feels pretty great too. Let’s just say if any other friends happen to fall in love and get married somewhere warm and beautiful, we’ll do our best to show up and support you as well

Sunday after the wedding we decided to drive over to Panama City Beach to check out a few parks and beaches, and accidentally stumbled into an airshow. Turns out we weren’t the only ones with that brilliant idea… pretty much the entire state of Florida had the same plan.

We got to see the Thunderbirds, which was a first for me. I’m not exaggerating when I say they scared the living hell out of us when they first came roaring in like America had decided to personally kick down the sky. Once my nervous system recovered, it was incredible to watch. The speed, precision, and control of those 

F-16s was unbelievable, and the whole thing was one of the coolest parts of the trip.

Before we knew it, our Florida vacation came to an end. With a couple hours to kill before our flight, we stopped at the Air Force museum next to the Destin airport and I was pleasantly surprised by how many cool exhibits they had. At this point in life I’m starting to think I might want to be a jet pilot when I grow up… just need to work on a few minor details.

@toddswank A nice day with AJ’s Dolphin Cruise in Destin, Florida. #dolphin #cruise #destin #florida ♬ Danger - SoundAudio

@toddswank The Thunderbirds flew over Panama City Beach yesterday and made the rest of us look like we’re barely committed to our jobs. Absolute maniacs. Gorgeous, deafening, highly recommended. #PanamaCityBeach #Thunderbirds #AirShow #Florida ♬ The Face of Victory - Music4video

@toddswank The new Club M at Mystic Lake is going to look amazing… like Vegas and Prior Lake had a very shiny baby. #MysticLake #ClubM #Casino #PriorLake ♬ 原创音乐 - s.santehnika

@toddswank Some of our best clips from the Thunderbirds performance at the Panama City Beach air show last weekend. #airforce #thunderbirds #f16 #airshow ♬ sonido original - Uncle Sam 🇺🇸

@toddswank Free Bird starring the Thunderbirds! #airshow #thunderbirds #freebird ♬ Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

@toddswank Forty years of knowing Joel, and this was my first time hearing him sing. We’re in Destin celebrating his wedding weekend with Jen, and I’ve got to say… the love of a good woman can bring out something special in a man. Happy for both of them. #Destin #Florida #WeddingWeekend #LiveMusic #GoodWoman ♬ original sound - Todd Swank

Easter 2026: I Used to Hunt Eggs… Now I Watch My Blood Sugar

 

Easter 2026: I Used to Hunt Eggs… Now I Watch My Blood Sugar

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for April 5, 2026

Tuesday night we got together with Sheri’s college friend Cathy Klimek and her husband Jeff to celebrate Cathy’s birthday from earlier. Somewhere between drinks and dinner, the conversation turned into what every Minnesota night eventually becomes… complaining about the Vikings, the Twins, and the weather pretending it’s spring. Just a steady rotation of things that look promising right up until they don’t.

Luke had his 6-month checkup with Dr. Leise at Mayo, and it was exactly what we were hoping for… uneventful. In our world, “nothing changed” is basically a standing ovation. You get the good news, exhale a little, and then spend the rest of the visit just catching up like you’re not in a medical office at all. Dr. Leise is one of those guys who makes that easy too. Good at his job and just a genuinely good dude.

Easter morning started bright and early with a visit to see Grandma Linda at rehab. We briefly considered hiding an Easter basket for her, then remembered she’s in a wheelchair and decided maybe this wasn’t the year to test her agility. So we kept it simple, hung out, and enjoyed some time together instead.

Her hip replacement is scheduled for Tuesday, so we’d appreciate any prayers or positive thoughts for a smooth surgery and a quick return home.

We wrapped up Easter with the boys at a contemporary church service, then headed to brunch at Legends Golf Club, which did not disappoint. Great food, good company, and one of those mornings that just felt easy. Abby couldn’t make it since she was working and flying home from Amsterdam, although she was kind enough to send pictures of herself standing in perfectly blooming tulip fields… so it’s possible we were the ones who made the wrong Easter plans.

Happy Easter Everyone!

@toddswank Autonomous wheelchairs at Mayo Clinic… so naturally I tested it like an idiot. Turns out it reacts faster than half the drivers on 35W. The future’s here, and it’s already safer than us. #AI #Robotics #FutureIsNow #Minnesota #TechHumor ♬ BMX - CLOWNY BEATZZ

@toddswank After Tiger’s latest adventure, this might be the most believable sponsorship of his career. Pour. Drive. Repeat. #TigerWoods #GolfTok #BrewDriver #SportsComedy #Golf ♬ original sound - Todd Swank

@toddswank Mystic Lake is changing fast. Had to stop and imagine what this expansion is going to look like when it’s finally done. #MysticLake #Shakopee #Casino #Construction #PriorLake ♬ Timeless - Franksille

Looks like Spring. Smells like a Setup.

 

Looks like Spring. Smells like a Setup.

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for March 29, 2026

It feels like spring showed up. It’s 70, the sun’s out, and everyone’s acting like we made it… then you look at Prior Lake and there’s still ice sitting out there. We even saw a few boats already, which feels a little aggressive. We’ll give it a bit before we jump in.

Grandma Linda is still plugging away in rehab, and we stop by a couple times a week to break up the boredom… which is winning by a mile right now. One more week until her hip replacement, and we’re all hoping that’s the last stop before she’s back home. Her neighbors even reached out because they hadn’t seen her and were thinking about a welfare check, which is really sweet… and somehow made me feel guilty for something I’m pretty sure I didn’t do.

Thursday night we hit Crooked Pint with the Walters for some bingo. Miss Sheri came in hot, split the first coverall with another player, then came back and took the second one all by herself. I’m just sitting there realizing… I had no idea how much it turns me on to watch my wife yell “Bingo” in public.

Friday night was Music Bingo with the Euchre crew at the VFW in Shakopee. Our luck cooled off a bit, but it was a lot of fun trying to remember song titles from the 70s and 80s like your reputation depends on it. I asked everyone to grab a picture… and didn’t notice the guy in back chiming in with the universal sign for “this was a terrible idea.” Apparently my photo request really struck a nerve.

The only other real highlight of the weekend was checking out the brand new Caribou Coffee at Mystic Lake. Very fancy setup… which is exactly what you want right before making questionable gambling decisions. Nothing like a little extra caffeine to speed up the losing process.

@toddswank Every comeback feels real… until it isn’t. #TigerWoods #GolfTok #SportsDrama #ComebackStory ♬ Bad to the Bone - B.sound

@toddswank “Silicon Valley joked about Middle-Out. Turboquant just made it real. AI just got faster and cheaper overnight.” #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Turboquant #Google #middleout ♬ Suspense｜Heavy bass line of unsettling tension - Timeless AI

Four Seasons. Same Dang Week!

 

Four Seasons. Same Dang Week!

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for March 22, 2026

It was the first day of spring this week, but in Minnesota that doesn’t mean much. Our weather is completely bipolar. Last Saturday we got almost 14 inches of snow, this Saturday it was pushing 80 degrees, and today we’re right back down to 35 like nothing ever happened. At least the ice on the lakes, ponds, and rivers is finally starting to give up. Judging by this crew, the birds have been waiting all winter for their pool to reopen… and they’re not wasting a second.

I was pretty excited to get this shot, even though apparently this guy is a fairly common sight around Prior Lake. ChatGPT tells me it’s a male Hooded Merganser, which sounds impressive until you realize it’s basically the bird version of “yeah, we’ve got a lot of those around here.”  Still… look at him. This guy walked into the barbershop and said, “Just a little off the sides,” and the barber chose violence.

Long-time readers of my blog know our history with albino squirrels. I’d never seen one in my life, and then after our twin boys were born, they started showing up in our yard every time something stressful was going on.  This happened across two different houses in differnt cities.   It got to the point where we started thinking of them as little guardian angels. Then the boys moved out… and the sightings stopped. Until this week. My mom called with good news that her hip surgery was being moved up, and while I was on the phone I looked outside and saw this guy across the street. I told Grandma Linda that means she’s gonna be just fine.

Tuesday night was our last regular season home game for the Timberwolves, and also our last time sitting in the end zone. We only had these seats for part of this season, but it was a fun perspective… minus the small issue of the basket occasionally blocking everything important. After a few games of guessing what just happened, we decided to switch it up for next year and try a new angle. Same team, same energy, just hopefully a clearer view of the actual game.

The opponent Tuesday night was the Phoenix Suns, a team that’s given the Wolves problems before, and we had to face them without Anthony Edwards. Add in the fact that we’d lost 4 of our last 5 and the Western Conference playoff race is basically a knife fight right now… not exactly the confidence boost you’re looking for walking into Target Center. Everything I was seeing beforehand said this was a huge opportunity for Phoenix with Ant out and the Wolves slipping a bit, which is usually right about the time Minnesota fans start emotionally preparing for the worst.

Then the game started and all that worry went out the window. They were down early which felt very on brand, but once they settled in they completely took control. Julius Randle was unstoppable with 32, Bones Hyland gave them a huge spark off the bench, Gobert owned the glass, and the defense started making life miserable. They broke it open with a big run late in the third and cruised to a 116-104 win. No Ant, no problem.

With the temperatures finally warming up this week, we’re trying to take advantage and get back out for our hikes. On Thursday we made it over to Sunset Pond in Savage and did a loop around the water, which is still covered in that dirty, end-of-winter ice that looks like it could give up at any second. It’s that awkward Minnesota phase where it’s warm enough to be outside, but everything still looks like winter’s hanging on out of spite.

Saturday felt like Minnesota showing off, flirting with 80 degrees like it hasn’t spent the last five months trying to freeze us out of existence, so we headed over the Bloomington Ferry Bridge to soak it in. The Minnesota River was actually moving like it remembered its job, which was nice to see, but the trails were still a soggy mess, cutting our walk shorter than we wanted. Classic early spring here… perfect weather, terrible footing, and just enough hope to keep you coming back.

We wrapped up the walk with a stop at The Landing, which always feels like you accidentally stepped onto the set of Little House on the Prairie and nobody told you to act normal. It’s this preserved 1800s village along the river with old shops, homes, and just enough history to remind you how different life used to be. We don’t get out there often, maybe once every few years, but every time we do it’s a cool reminder that people survived just fine without Wi-Fi, DoorDash, or complaining about soggy trails.

This week we got lucky and had Avery and Abby stop by twice, which doesn’t happen often with how busy their schedules are. Sometimes a couple weeks go by without seeing them, and then out of nowhere we get back-to-back visits like this. Nothing big planned, just time around the table catching up, but those are the nights you realize how much you miss it when it doesn’t happen.

@toddswank Japan finally sending in its most reliable maritime reopening specialist. Strait of Hormuz crisis: solved. Hashtags: #StraitOfHormuz #Godzilla #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #Satire ♬ Rites of War - Damien Deshayes

Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Grill

 

Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Grill

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for March 15, 2026

This was taken down at Target Center during the Timberwolves Select-A-Seat event, which is basically where fans walk around the arena pretending they’re calm, rational adults while deciding how much more money they’d like to emotionally invest in a basketball team. The Wolves had just ripped off a five-game win streak and climbed all the way to the 3rd seed in the West… and then immediately started playing like absolute garbage and lost four of the last five. So naturally Miss Sheri and I decided it was the perfect moment to reinvest in season tickets for next year. Minnesota sports logic at its finest.

Grandma Linda is getting settled into rehab and had a good week, including getting her hip surgery scheduled for the end of April. We’re still not sure if insurance will let her stay there until then or if she’ll have to go home for a while, but in the meantime PT and OT are clearly working. She’s already figured out how to zip around the place in that wheelchair like it’s an F1 car, which is both impressive and slightly concerning for the rest of the hallway traffic.

Thursday night brought us to Hop House Brewery at Mystic Lake Casino to meet up with Miss Sheri’s cousin Mary and her husband Michael. Even though we all live in the Twin Cities, somehow these get-togethers don’t happen nearly as often as they should. Thankfully a couple beers and a table full of stories fixes that pretty quickly. Great catching up with them and remembering why we always say we need to do this more often… right before another six months slips by.

Friday night we drove down to Rochester to see Bert Kreischer. I’d never actually seen his stand-up before, but I did enjoy his Netflix show Free Bert and knew he was the comedian who takes his shirt off for some reason. I’m still not entirely sure why that’s part of the act, but apparently thousands of people are perfectly happy paying money to watch a grown man take his shirt off and start telling stories. Honestly, the more I think about it… that’s a move a lot of guys I know would try for free.

This was actually Luke’s Christmas gift to us. He bought tickets for us to see John Mulaney in Minneapolis, but that show got postponed after the ICE riots shut half the city down. So like any modern Christmas present, it slowly evolved into something different. You start with tickets to a sharply dressed comedian who’s openly battled cocaine addiction… and somehow end up at a show where the headliner takes his shirt off & starts telling drinking stories. Christmas gifts can be weird like that.

Bert put on a great show. A lot of his stories revolve around his legendary drinking days, but he mentioned he’s not drinking right now while dealing with some health issues. That part actually hit a little close to home for me since technically I’m a couple years older than him and have my own collection of health challenges these days.  It’s a weird moment when the shirtless party guy on stage starts talking about health and you find yourself nodding along.

Our week ended with dinner and games with our good friends Karl and Tina Zitzewitz. We’d originally planned to go out, but changed plans when we heard about the massive blizzard heading our way. For once the weather people actually got it right and Prior Lake picked up about 14 inches of snow in the past 24 hours. Just when we thought it was finally safe to start thinking about getting the lawnmower ready again.

@toddswank A few years ago I would’ve heard Python, Linux, and Ubuntu and thought, “Yeah… that’s for somebody smarter than me.” Now I’m building my own little AI lab and learning this stuff in public with ChatGPT as my trusted advisor. If I can do it, you can too. #AI #LearnAI #TechTok #SwankVentures ♬ Background music for training at a strength and bodybuilding gym - Lounge Vibes