Today is Hump Day, July

It’s that midweek moment again. We’ve got plenty to discuss, from delightful sunsets to some interesting snack combos like hot Velveeta and peanut butter sandwiches, in addition to updates from the amusement parks. But first, let’s take a look at the Bahamas where Hayley Cavinder, who’s just a couple of days into her marriage, is already using the phrase “Happy wife, happy life,” while sharing details of her honeymoon filled with fun and sun.

This marriage seems to be starting off on a bright note. In two decades, I imagine we’ll be eager to hear how the Cavinder twins are doing, and perhaps we’ll see her husband trying hard to keep her smiling as she navigates the ups and downs of life, striving to hold onto her youth.

I must say, I appreciate these kinds of relationship stories. I’m not one for drama-filled farewells; I have a soft spot for the enduring love that grows over time. It’s fascinating, really, to witness how partners can transition from young lovers to an older couple still wanting to be there for each other. Haley and her husband, Jake Ferguson—the Dallas Cowboys tight end, have a journey ahead of them to reach that point.

They tied the knot on June 20, exchanging vows during a beautiful waterfront ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami. Congratulations! I genuinely look forward to seeing how these two settle into married life.

There’s something about the transition into family life, with kids and renovations, that makes that honeymoon phase so special and brief.

And “America”

– Brandon C

Check out the sunset from the third-floor balcony at Three Sisters Brewery in Clearwater Beach.

American beer aficionados mourn the loss of a beloved brand after 177 years, with many pointing to missteps.

There’s just something soothing about watching a sunset, even if it’s just in a photo. Thanks for sharing that with us.

Meat

– Chris B from Johnson City writes:

Sean Joe

So, I was thinking of writing you about my recent trip. I spent Father’s Day at the North Carolina coast, usually keeping my meals pretty straightforward. My wife wasn’t sure about the rental having a grill, which is why we didn’t plan for one. But lo and behold, we found a fairly new Walmart grill under the house. After reading “Dad’s Day SC,” I knew I had to cook. I ended up grabbing some hot dogs and found a can of chili, which made for a hearty, if not gourmet, dinner.

After enjoying some brews, I noticed this Surf City Sausage while strolling through the meat section. It seemed too good to miss, so I bought it. I ended up baking some sausage patties for breakfast, which, I must say, reheated nicely over a few days.

One more comment about the Velveeta/PB sandwich.

– CF (Cheesy Cornhusker) wrote:

Sean,

I just had to respond about the Velveeta/PB sandwich. It really wasn’t great, to be honest, but my Catholic guilt kicked in and I finished it. I agree with Joe; cheddar would have been a much better choice. In high school, I often had a half cheese sandwich filled with chunky bits of cheese, so I can’t help but think anything tastes better with cheese—except Velveeta, of course!

Hank Williams Jr.

– CF continues:

Thank you, Phil S from Florida! Are you ready for football? It might not solve geopolitical issues, but it’s a great way to kick off the games!

Honestly, I can’t quite picture myself eating a PB&J alongside some cheese chunks. And I might not fully grasp the brilliance of Hank Williams Jr.’s song, but it surely sets the mood!

Looks like fast food

– Daren writes from GA:

Having worked in restaurants for years, I believe service is a two-way street. It’s important for people to recognize that the workers are typically on an hourly wage. I can get a bit semantic, saying, “If I owned this place, I wouldn’t be here.” I know Joe has had his opinions about Wendy’s, but you get what you pay for, regardless of wages. And, for those living in the non-economist bubble, boosting the minimum wage to $25 won’t necessarily bring in the quality you’re hoping for.

Based on my experience, my advice is to remain at least somewhat polite. The service staff might be new or not properly trained. Patience is key early on. But after a while, if things don’t improve, it might just be worth it to leave without looking back.

BKFST Meat

– Jim T from San Diego sends:

Looks like we’ve got some breakfast meat coming your way!

Flintstones

– A writer named JS shares:

I’m not sure about Canada, but back in the day, there was a Flintstone Park near Custer, South Dakota. My family always stopped there on summer trips to Mount Rushmore and Sturgis.

After reading your thoughts on that, I did a bit of research. The park I had in mind was actually in Canada, called “Bedrock City,” around the Vancouver area. My grandmother took us there during a summer trip. It opened in 1975 but unfortunately closed down in 2010 after a stint with a dinosaur theme that wasn’t exactly authorized.

Just to wrap this up, there’s nothing more for today. A sense of relief washes over me as this month starts off. Keep those emails coming, folks! I’ll be back with more soon.