Adventures

Today we embarked on the beginning of our third trip to Angkor Wat since our first visit back in April of 2018 — a trip I distinctly remember for the intense and relentless heat. This journey began like many of our Cambodian adventures: gathered at our home in Battambang, piling into the van driven by my favorite Khmer human, Bong San, and cruising along the countryside toward Siem Reap. We arrived in the evening on October 17, 2023, and checked into the Tan Kang Angkor Hotel — chosen for its convenience and Bong San’s past experience there. The room was decent, but the service left a bit to be desired. After a quick check-in, we ventured out for some street food, but I ended up taking William back early due to the limited options...

Introduction: When Your Body Demands Attention It's remarkable how quickly life can change. One moment you're going about your day, and the next, you're doubled over in severe abdominal pain that refuses to subside. This is the story of my emergency gallbladder surgery—an experience that taught me invaluable lessons about listening to your body, the importance of health, and the reality that unlike a car, you can't simply replace the parts when they break down. What started as severe abdominal pain during a trip to Lowell, Massachusetts, ended with emergency surgery at Lowell General Hospital. This journey, while frightening and uncomfortable, became a profound wake-up call about the importance of caring for the one body we're given...

October 2023 The boat rocks gently as we pull away from the mainland dock. My wife grips my hand, excitement in her eyes. Our young son William peers over the edge, fascinated by the clear water below. We're headed to King Island, a place few tourists visit but locals know well. The Journey Begins Morning sun glints off the water. The mainland shrinks behind us. Our boat—little more than a wooden shell with an outboard motor—cuts through the Gulf of Thailand's waters. The captain, weathered by years at sea, navigates with practiced ease. You feel the separation from modern Cambodia immediately. No high-rises here. No traffic noise. Just water, sky, and the distant green smudge of our destination. "This place barely changes," my...

A Quick Getaway to Sarasota, FL Last week, we took a much-needed break and headed down to Sarasota, Florida. It wasn’t a long trip for me—just a few days—but it was packed with sunshine, family time, and a lot of slow, good moments. My wife and one of our boys, William, had already been there for most of the week, staying with her cousins in South Sarasota. I flew down midweek—arrived Wednesday evening and stayed through Friday, then we all traveled back together on Saturday afternoon. The weather was perfect. I mean really perfect. Not that sticky Florida heat you brace for—this was the kind of breezy warmth that makes you want to stay outside all day. And we did. A lot of walks, plenty of poolside lounging, and that slower pace...

Some stories aren’t just about the cars — they’re about the journey they spark, the moments they create, and the people you share them with. This past April, my dad and I embarked on one of those unforgettable adventures. The reason? A 2005 BMW M3 (E46) in Mystic Blue with a cinnamon interior and a 6-speed manual transmission. The car was far from pristine perfection, but it was a driver’s car — solid, well-maintained, and most importantly, rust-free. The Journey Begins The trip started with an early morning ride on the C&J Bus from Portsmouth, NH to Boston Logan Airport. The anticipation buzzed through me, mingling with that familiar excitement of pre-trip jitters. My dad and I shared quick glances, knowing this would be one for the...

Dining experiences are often about more than just food; they're about ambiance, service, and the overall feeling you take away from the restaurant. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Jack Stack BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri, on a crisp spring evening. From the moment I walked in, the enticing aroma of barbecue filled the air, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable meal. Jack Stack BBQ boasts an atmosphere that is as inviting as it is impressive. The moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the warm glow of dim lighting and the comforting buzz of conversation. The rustic décor, with its exposed brick walls and wooden accents, adds to the charm of the place, making you feel right at home. As I perused the...

This serene morning found us nestled in the heart of Kennebunk, Maine, a picturesque town known for its quaint charm and culinary delights. Our destination: Square Toes, a local gem renowned for its commitment to showcasing the flavors of Maine in every bite. While our usual adventures might lead us further afield in search of novel gastronomic experiences, today we opted for the comfort and familiarity of our own community. As we settled into the cozy ambiance of Square Toes, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling breakfast fare enveloped us, heightening our anticipation for the culinary journey ahead. With a nod to tradition, I opted for the quintessential American breakfast: two perfectly cooked eggs, a generous portion of...

Our recent trip to Boston, MA was not just another ordinary outing; it was a vibrant exploration of culture, ethnicity, and, of course, delicious food. Our main purpose was to enjoy lunch with a work colleague, but we also wanted to introduce Martin, our exchange student from Madrid, Spain, to the eclectic offerings of this historic city. Our journey began in the heart of Chinatown, where we decided to immerse ourselves in the cultural tapestry that makes Boston so unique. First on our agenda was a pit stop at Dunkin Donuts for the kids, followed by a delightful visit to Cafe Darq for Vietnamese coffee and bubble tea. The ambiance was inviting, the service impeccable, and my personal choice of coffee was complemented perfectly by...

This past weekend, our family embarked on a downhill skiing adventure at Mt. Abram in Greenwood, ME. Blessed with ideal weather, the temperatures hovered in the pleasant range of 40s to 50s. Accompanying us on this return to the slopes were my dad and Martin, our exchange student from Spain. We geared up for the day, renting skis for the kids – Alex, Martin, and William. However, it quickly became apparent that William wasn't quite taken with the idea of skiing just yet, while my dad struggled initially to find his comfort zone with the sport. My own first few descents down the mountain were nerve-wracking, as I approached the green zone trails cautiously, taking each turn with deliberation. But after a couple of runs, I found my...

What started out as a "barn find" of sorts regarding performance parts on a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria led me unknowingly down a path of automotive obsession. This is the story of my 2003 Mercury Marauder, and how it became known as one of the baddest Marauders around. The Beginning The madness began in the spring of 2015. I heard about some performance parts on a Marauder clone at the junkyard my stepfather owns. I found a totaled 2005 Crown Vic with some surprising upgrades: Addco sway bars Accufab plenum (Panther modded) BBK 75mm throttle body Heinous rear control arms Aftermarket Marauder-style rear spoiler StainlessWorks headers StainlessWorks cat-back dual exhaust BorlaPro XS mufflers 31-spline locking differential (3.73 geared)...

Recently, I embarked on a work-related journey that led me to explore new dining experiences. One evening, I found myself at Chris Ruth's Steakhouse, where I decided to dine solo for the first time. The experience turned out to be nothing short of delightful, and I felt compelled to share my thoughts. What struck me immediately was the exceptional service provided by the wait staff. Their attentiveness and professionalism greatly enhanced the overall ambiance of the restaurant. It's always refreshing to encounter a team that takes pride in ensuring the patrons' satisfaction. Now, let's talk about the real star of the show – the food. As someone who has been diligently working on a successful diet plan, carefully monitoring both...

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Pub Street in Cambodia, I discovered a culinary gem that offered not just a meal but a moment of respite for a weary traveler. The chicken skewers — perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor — provided the ideal remedy after a day spent exploring the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat under the sultry Southeast Asian sun. In Cambodia, food is more than sustenance; it’s a reflection of a rich and resilient culture. The aromatic blend of spices, the freshness of local ingredients, and the skillful preparation speak volumes about the country’s culinary heritage. Each bite tells a story, interwoven with the warmth of Cambodian hospitality. As I savored the chicken skewers on Pub Street, I couldn’t...

When I purchased my Z3 back in May of 2022, I had a state inspection done. They found the car to be in immaculate condition — except for the valve cover gasket. If you're in the BMW community, you know these particular engines leak oil. Over time, the gasket hardens from rubber to plastic, degrading the seal. Replacing these gaskets is just maintenance in my book, though others may call it a design flaw. What tools do I need to perform the replacement? You need very few tools to change the gasket — it’s surprisingly simple if you're comfortable working on your own car. If you can change your oil, you can do this. Here’s what I used: Socket wrench (3/8") 10mm socket 8mm socket Flat-head (common) screwdriver RTV silicone (Optional)...

Dough in San Antonio, TX offers an extraordinary culinary experience that transports you straight to the heart of authentic Italian flavors. The ambiance is steeped in tradition, centered around a real wood-fired pizza oven that adds unmistakable authenticity to every bite. For dinner, I indulged in two exquisite dishes that left a lasting impression. First up was the House-made Sausage pizza — a culinary masterpiece. The savory sausage paired beautifully with rich fontina cheese, sweet caramelized onions, oak-roasted mushrooms, and a hint of thyme. Topped with Locatelli pecorino romano and finished with a rosemary balsamic reduction, the flavors were bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Equally impressive was the Vera Margherita...

This story really begins all the way back in 1998. I was only 14 when I saw my first BMW Z3 — a beautiful Estoril Blue roadster cruising up Congress Street in Portland, ME. Later, I saw one again in the James Bond film GoldenEye. While the movie was great, it was the car that stuck with me. Years later, in 2017, while visiting Bar Harbor with my wife, we came across a stunning Hellrot Red Z3 M parked on the street — and the spark was reignited. Through the years I always wanted one of these roadsters, though the dream faded as life moved on. I rekindled my interest in cars after purchasing a 2015 BMW X5 with my now-wife in 2018. That car brought back the excitement — and soon, the search for a fun second car began. I test-drove...