Ribs for Dinner

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
“Rib Dinner” Cedar Park, 2026

Even though today is National Burger Day, Mariko requested Sticky Asian Ribs instead. It’s a family favorite ever since we found it on Just One Cookbook. The recipe is really easy to make, and it’s delicious with rice. Mariko also made several veggie side dishes to really level up the whole meal. 🍖

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 35mm, f/3.2, 1/100 sec, ISO2500
“Baby Back Ribs” Cedar Park, 2026

The Mandalorian and Grogu

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/45 sec, ISO200
“Mando and Grogu Movie” Austin, 2026

Tonight we saw The Mandalorian and Grogu, and honestly, what a fun movie! I’d recommend it even if you’re not really a Star Wars person. Mariko isn’t a huge fan, but she has a soft spot for Jabba the Hutt. So when more Hutts showed up on the big screen, she was thrilled. It was pretty funny to see her light up like that. 😄

Burgers and a Movie

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO1000
“Burgers and a Movie” Cedar Park, 2026

My son requested burgers for dinner today, and that’s one request I’m always happy to fulfill. 🍔 Bacon mixed right into the patties, and Mariko made homemade buns from scratch. We piled them high with pickles, jalapeños, lettuce, and onions. Then we settled in for the night with Raiders of the Lost Ark, which is one of those movies that just never gets old. It was a good holiday evening.

The Road Home

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/3000 sec, ISO50
“Passenger View” New Mexico, 2026

We left around 9 this morning and made a beeline for Dutch Bros in Las Cruces. We left around 9 this morning and made a beeline for Dutch Bros in Las Cruces. We stopped there last time too, and it’s perfect for a drive-thru pick-me-up. I ordered something called a Caramelizer, which is basically a coffee slushie, and it was really good. Koa thought so too. He probably drank half of it. 😄

Koa drove the morning shift and I took over after lunch. We went through baseball podcasts, music, and at some point Koa fell asleep and I switched to an audiobook. Then we caught the Dodger game the rest of the way home. It was a good trip. ⚾

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/1600 sec, ISO25
“Approaching Las Cruces” New Mexico, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/700 sec, ISO25
“Dust Devil” Texas, 2026

On the Road Again

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/720 sec, ISO80
“On the Road” Arizona, 2026

Koa and I hit the road today. We’re doing the two-day drive back across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It’s a route we’ve done before, so we know what we’re in for. Tonight we’ll stop at Lordsburg, New Mexico and finish the second half tomorrow.

We’ve got plenty of podcasts lined up, and a baseball game to tune into later. Honestly, not a bad way to spend a day. 🚗⚾