The Week We Remembered Outside Exists

The Week We Remembered Outside Exists

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for May 31, 2026

Work kept me pretty pinned down this week. By Friday night, we were ready to break loose a little, so we met up with Abby and Avery, helped them knock out an errand, and grabbed dinner on the patio at Charlie’s on Prior Lake. They all went with chicken tinga bowls while I ordered the two-meat platter, because apparently I treat dinner like I’m stocking up before a blizzard. Good food, good conversation, and one of those simple family nights that doesn’t sound like much until you realize it was exactly what you needed.

Minnesota finally warmed up, so Miss Sheri and I decided it was time to start walking again before our bodies officially reclassified us as furniture. I can make it about two miles without passing out, and we managed to do that three times this week. The first two were in our neighborhood, so Saturday we got ambitious and hit the Jensen Lake Trailhead at Lebanon Hills. Nothing says rugged wilderness like a beautiful lake covered in lily pads, where nature looks peaceful while quietly judging your cardio.

Luke joined us for the hike, so we picked something a little closer to his place in Apple Valley. I always end up walking faster when he’s with us, which annoys me because my preferred pace is “still technically moving.” Luke acts like there’s a finish line somewhere, while I’m just trying to enjoy nature and keep all major organs functioning. Still, it was good to see the boy, even if his casual walking speed feels like a personal attack.

You know us. We’re always keeping an eye out for interesting critters to harass by forcing them into unpaid photo sessions. Luke started the adventure by spotting a good-sized garter snake, but by the time I caught up, it had already disappeared under a log like it owed me money. We saw some turtles too, but around here turtles are basically the neighborhood committee. The real stars were these white ducks, who had clearly been sleeping until we showed up and ruined their spa day. They opened their eyes just long enough to confirm we were annoying, then we snapped the picture and let them get back to pretending humans don’t exist.

Saturday night, Miss Sheri and I had tickets to see David Spade at Mystic Lake Casino. I’m not sure I’d call myself a David Spade superfan, but I’ve followed him forever through SNL and classics like Tommy Boy. The only recent stuff I’ve seen is TikTok clips from the podcast he does with Dana Carvey, which mostly looks like two comedy legends trying to figure out why the internet is mad today. Either way, Spade is part of the Adam Sandler crew, and those guys have been turning dumb, immature comedy into gold for decades. They’re basically proof that stupid comedy works when everyone involved is way smarter than they’re pretending to be.

I’m a sucker for any venue that lets you upload a photo to the big screen, because apparently my ego needs stadium seating. When ours popped up, I liked to imagine the whole audience thinking, “Todd Swank? What’s he doing here? I’d like to hang out with that guy.” Then I took a picture of the picture, which is either deeply narcissistic or just good documentation. Probably both. But way down deep, isn’t that what we all want? To be loved, remembered, and briefly displayed above a casino crowd before David Spade comes out.

I’d love to say the comedy was amazing, but honestly, it was just OK. The two openers got a few laughs, but mostly felt like they were there to remind us David Spade was coming. Spade was definitely the pro. He’s lived an interesting life, so even just hearing him talk about SNL, movies, and Hollywood weirdness was entertaining. But the set did feel a little phoned in. He opened by ripping on guys in the front row for wearing shorts like they had just mowed the lawn, which was funny, but also bold coming from a man dressed like he wandered in from a gas station run during cabin weekend. Still, much respect for the guy. I just wish it felt like he wanted to give this crowd a show they couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.

A Bridal Shower in Atlanta

A Bridal Shower in Atlanta

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for July 27, 2025

This weekend we flew to Atlanta to celebrate Avery’s fiancée, Abby, at her bridal shower. It was a special day for her, surrounded by family and friends—and we were happy to be there to show our support.

On Friday, I ended up in the backseat with two Averys—my son and his fiancée’s little sister. Pretty sure I’ll be saying “Avery… no, the other one” for the rest of my life.

We grabbed lunch at Central City Tavern in Alpharetta and were pleasantly surprised by how fancy everything felt. Great food, great weather, and just enough bougie energy to make us feel like we probably should’ve worn nicer shoes.

Abby gave us a great tour of her hometown, sharing stories from her childhood in the Atlanta suburb of Suwanee. It’s always fun seeing a place through someone else’s memories—especially when they light up pointing out things like, “That’s where we’d go after cheer practice.”

Eventually we made it to Abby’s parents’ house, where Andrew and Andrea showed us what real Southern hospitality looks like. They grilled, they hosted, they gave us the full tour—including a game room that could rival Dave & Buster’s. We ate like royalty, laughed a lot, and ended the night watching Happy Gilmore 2, which had just dropped on Netflix and made for the perfect family movie.

We really enjoyed the chance to meet more of Abby’s extended family. She’s got a lot of cousins, and they were all incredibly warm and welcoming—just like the rest of the crew.

Saturday was the big event. Even though we’d come for the bridal shower, it was strictly a ladies-only affair—so we snapped a few photos, gave our hugs, and set off in a completely different direction. Let’s just say our day involved a lot less lace and a lot more elevation.

While the girls were busy showering, the boys decided to head up into the Georgia mountains for something a little more rugged. The drive alone was an adrenaline rush—twisty roads, steep drop-offs, and motorcycles flying past us on blind curves like they had a death wish. By the time we pulled over to hike, I was already feeling like I’d survived something.

We picked up Dan—86 years old and somehow still able to run laps around me—for what I was told would be a “moderate” hike. That should’ve been my first clue. Turns out we were on part of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile beast that stretches from Georgia all the way to Maine. We only did about three miles, but at least a mile of it felt like climbing a rock staircase with no handrail. Dan was cruising. I was negotiating with my lungs.

Eventually we made it to Preacher’s Rock, a stunning overlook on the Appalachian Trail near the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. The hike starts at Woody Gap and climbs nearly 500 feet in elevation, most of it packed into a steep, rocky final stretch full of switchbacks. It’s less than two miles to the top, but it felt like one of the longest miles I’ve ever walked. I honestly considered turning back—twice—but the view at the summit made every breathless step worth it.

After the hike, Avery made a quick stop at the bridal shower to surprise Abby with a bouquet of roses. Miss Sheri caught it all on video, but I’m still waiting on clearance to share it. Let’s just say it was a sweet moment—and based on the reactions from the ladies in the room, he nailed it.

@toddswank ChatGPT told me to start recording unscripted videos to find my path in life. #pathinlife #chatgpt #aitherapy ♬ BOURBON STREET SHUFFLE - Abaco

@toddswank Where the mountains meet the sky! I used AI to make this song a reality! #georgia #mountains #preachersrock #appalachiantrail #mountainsmeetthesky ♬ Where The Mountains Meet The Sky - Steve Biddison

Going with the Flow at Minnehaha Falls

 

Going with the Flow at Minnehaha Falls

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for May 5, 2024

If you've spent any time talking to Avery's fiancé Abby, you probably get the sense regarding how much she loves her family.  She moved to Minnesota for her job a year and a half ago and left them behind in her home state of Georgia.  We were excited to have the opportunity to meet several of them this weekend.

Our first encounter with the Bush family was at the Mall of America. It's always great to meet for the first time right in the middle of a crowd of a thousand crazy shoppers.  Lucky we didn't stay there for very long as we had several exciting destinations on the agenda.

I've lived in the Twin Cities for more than 30 years now, but somehow I've never been to Minehaha Falls when the water is flowing.  Miss Sheri said we went there once before but I don't remember it because the water was only a trickle at the time.  I asked ChatGPT to tell me some facts about it and it came up with the following:

Tucked away in the lush expanse of Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis lies the enchanting Minnehaha Falls, a spectacle of nature whose name whispers of its heritage—'Minnehaha,' meaning 'curling water' in the Dakota language. Plunging gracefully from a height of 53 feet, the falls are more than a mere scenic marvel; they are a storied landmark steeped in cultural lore. The falls gained immortal fame through Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha," intriguingly penned by a poet who never set eyes on their beauty. This magical cascade is a testament to nature’s artistry and history’s echo, a true treasure of Minneapolis.

Next, we hit the Stone Arch Bridge. ChatGPT says this about it:

Spanning the mighty Mississippi, the Stone Arch Bridge stands as a majestic testament to Minneapolis's gritty industrial past and its transformation into a cultural beacon. Built in 1883 by railroad baron James J. Hill, this granite and limestone marvel originally ferried flour mill freight and has since morphed into a beloved pedestrian promenade, offering breathtaking views of Saint Anthony Falls—the city’s powerhouse waterfall that once powered the mills that made Minneapolis the flour milling capital of the world. Today, the bridge is not just a pathway, but a timeline capturing the essence of innovation and endurance, a place where joggers, cyclists, and dreamers tread over the waters that carved the city’s destiny, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with Minneapolis’s robust spirit and dynamic history.

As I walked by the Gold Medal Flour company, I was reminded that I've always wanted to visit the Mill City Museum contained within.  Let my friend ChatGPT  tell you why:  Perched on the Minneapolis riverfront, the towering Gold Medal Flour sign serves as a beacon to the city's industrious past. This landmark, part of the former Washburn A Mill—once the largest flour mill in the world—now anchors the Mill City Museum. Here, history isn't just told; it's felt. The mill's dramatic saga includes surviving a devastating explosion in 1878, symbolizing Minneapolis's resilient spirit. Now transformed into a hub of culture and learning, the mill stands as a tribute to the city's ability to reinvent itself. Gazing at its juxtaposition of historical architecture and modern design, visitors are reminded that from the flour dust of industry rose a community rich in heritage and innovation—a true gold medal champion in the landscape of American cities.

We had the opportunity to spend the most time with Andrew and Andrea and get to know them a bit.  What a great couple!  We had a lot of fun conversations and they absolutely destroyed us in multiple rounds of Cornhole.  I've told myself we've gotta practice our bag skills before we get together again because my ego is still quite bruised by the shellacking we experienced.

We also had fun getting to know Abby's sister, Avery, and her brother Justin.  We watched the Timberwolves game 1 victory over the Nuggets together and learned Justin is quite the source of NBA knowledge.  Even though he's a big Lakers and Lebron fan, I was seeing indications that we might be able to win him over to the Wolves and Anthony Edwards.  I guess we'll have to see how the rest of the series goes before knowing for sure.

We find it a bit amusing that Abby's sister is also named Avery.  I told them when we named him the only Avery I ever knew was Avery Johnson who played for the San Antonio Spurs.  Apparently the name has trended to be more of a girl's name in the ensuing years.  Sorry about that, son.  Young Avery is as cute as a button and such a sweet child.  We really enjoyed getting to spend some time with her.

Honestly they were supposed to be Luke and Leia after the Star Wars twins.  That kind of fell apart when we learned we were having twin sons.  So it could be worse, Avery.  You could be walking around introducing yourself to people with the name Princess Leia instead.  So you got that going for you.  Which is nice.

Later on Saturday night, we learned that Andrew likes to play Blackjack so we took him to our favorite casino, Mystic Lake.  He shined on the tables like he did with the Cornhole bags.  And my weekend losing streak continued.

It was a beautiful day on Sunday.  We went to Lakefront Park to visit the lake and play some basketball because I figured this was the place where my winning could finally start taking place.  Well, I was wrong again.  One of these weeks I'm going to find a competition of some sort where Todd Swank can shine bright like a diamond.  Tiddly Winks any one?

The Timberwolves Extinguishing The Suns in the 2024 NBA Playoffs

 

The Timberwolves Extinguishing The Suns in the 2024 NBA Playoffs

Todd Swank's Diary for April 20, 2024

It was quite the exciting week for the Swank Family.  Avery asked Abby to marry him and she said yes.  We're very excited to add this wonderful young lady to our family.  We're all very blessed.

It was a week full of drama as Avery's plans to pop the question went through a variety of changes on a daily basis.  In the end he decided to do it at a local park where the two went on many of their first dates together.  He was kind enough to let us know when he was doing it so we could crash the party afterwards to help celebrate and of course take plenty of pictures.  

Grandma Linda also had quite the eventful week when she had knee replacement surgery.  The doctors felt the surgery was successful and also said it was badly needed as most of the cartilage was gone and she's been living with bone on bone joints for quite some time.

Of course since she's my mother, she couldn't get out of this with simply having her knee replaced.  Turns out they discovered she's been having some cardiac issues also and needed to stay at the hospital throughout this weekend.  She'll be getting an angiogram tomorrow so if you could please keep her in your prayers, we'd really appreciate it!

Our exciting week started off on Sunday with a visit to Target Center in Minneapolis for the final regular season game of our beloved Minnesota Timberwolves.

Luke has joined me for several great games this year.  We were excited to see the home team take on the Phoenix Suns who we hadn't yet beat in two previous games this year.

And since I know everyone is as fascinated with this as I am, I was successful again to get our photo up on the big screen in the arena.  Mission Accomplished.

I bought a package of 5 games this year and I think these seats ended up being the best of them.  We had a pretty closeup view of the court and the home team's bench.  It made for some interesting opportunities to feel like we were immersed with the team.

The game was pretty intense as the Wolves were tied for first place in the West but also facing the legendary Kevin Durant and the Suns.  

If we could beat them today, we were in good position to go into the playoffs with the #1 seed.

We felt pretty confident with Karl Anthony Towns back in the lineup, our superstar Anthony Edwards, as well as the NBA's inevitable defensive player of the year, Rudy Gobert.

Despite all that firepower, though, the home team fell short.  The Suns starting lineup dominated and cruised to an easy victory of 125 - 106.  Ironically this caused the Wolves to fall to 3rd place in the West and have to face the Suns again in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.  The Timberwolves were a different team today in game 1 and finally beat the Suns this season by a score of 120-95.  

Let's go, Wolves!

We did some other fun things this week including having dinner with our old buddies, Cathy & Jeff.  It was fun and we had a nice conversation.  It's been too long since we've connected and just like a year ago when we last saw them, we swore we have to do it again real soon.

On Friday night, Miss Sheri and I went to see Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus.  Quite honestly, it wasn't good timing to attend the show.  Between Avery's proposal and Grandma Linda being in the hospital, we were too tired to attend.  We both fell asleep during the performance & ended up sneaking out at the intermission.  We'll have to try it again the next time the show's in town.

@toddswank Angry Parrot Snaps Back #parrot #florida #angrybird ♬ original sound - Todd Swank

Trekking the High Road at the Minnesota Zoo

 

Trekking the High Road at the Minnesota Zoo

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for March 3, 2024

It's Super Tuesday this week!  That means primary elections for presidential candidates in Minnesota.  We had the opportunity to go see Nikki Haley speak when she came to our area on Monday night.

Before anyone criticizes me for my choice of candidate, I'd like to say the following. I've never pushed my political opinions on anyone with my blog or in my social media postings. I don't see the value in it. That being said, I'd like to consider myself to be very open minded. I'll listen to anyone's ideas how to make our world a better place. I would have gone to see any of the major candidates under similar circumstances whether it be Biden, Trump, or that Teddy Kennedy guy. Bottom line is I love to get my picture with famous people and jump at the chance when given the opportunity!

Friday night brought us to Target Center again for another Timberwolves game.  

Miss Sheri agreed to accompany me again.  I'm so glad she's still willing to do that!  Honestly, she's probably a bigger fan than I am.

And yes, I was able to get our picture up on the big screen again.  Apparently not a lot of people try to do this otherwise I'm just really lucky in this one area in life.

Miss Sheri loves to capture photos of the players while smiling.  Jaden McDaniels doesn't seem to do that very often so she was quite excited when she was able to capture this one.

We take lots and lots of pictures during games to try to get a handful of good ones.  I found this one really interesting despite the lighting challenges it apparently experienced.

The game itself was kind of a bust.  Anthony Edwards left at half time because apparently he had the opportunity to witness the birth of his child.  The team seemed a bit lost without him and went on to lose in overtime to the Kings by a score of 124 - 120.  Kind of a bummer.

It was a balmy 74 degrees on Sunday which is pretty much unheard of on March 3 in Minnesota.  We figured we'd better take advantage and hooked up with the kids for a trip to the Minnesota Zoo.

We'd been wanting to go there since they opened the new "Treetop Trail" last summer.  Many years ago they had a Monorail running through the zoo which hadn't been used in a long time since it was too expensive to maintain.  They finally decided to do something about it and redesigned the track into a new 1.25 mile walking trail that goes around the zoo and several of the animal exhibits.  It's pretty cool.

I don't know if it was the warm weather or the fact that so many people were traversing through their territories, but many of the animals seemed to be active and willing to pose for photographs.  Normally when we go there all the animals are sleeping near a back fence somewhere.

Even the Minnesota Lynx who was laying down giving herself a bath when we arrived, stood up, walked out of her den, and gave us a big stretch and a yawn.  She then turned around and went back to laying down on her bed again, but it was nice she stepped out to say Hi.