Monthly Archives: January 2026

The Fort I Somehow Missed: Discovering Jacksonville’s Place in History

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

After years of thinking I’d done just about everything Jacksonville has to offer, a long-overdue visit to Fort Clinch reminded me that the city’s story is bigger, deeper, and quieter than its most obvious attractions. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Saturday, January 24, 2026: Shooting at the Saints

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Read Matthew 18:15-20 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 Reflect In 1690, the colonies of New France … Continue reading →

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Five Things I Do for Fun (In the Right Order)

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Fun looks different at different stages of life. For me, it’s less about excitement and more about connection, reflection, and the people who matter most. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Friday, January 23, 2026: The Shepherd Cares About His Sheep

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Read John 10:1-18 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 Reflect Most of us know the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. It’s a tale many children learn early, … Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 25: Rebel Single Barrel (Kyle Busch Edition)

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I didn’t expect to love a bourbon tied to a driver I never rooted for—but Rebel’s Kyle Busch Single Barrel proved that a little rowdy can still come with a whole lot of sweet. Continue reading →

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If My Dog Understood One Thing (Or Three), Our Carpet Would Be Grateful

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

If I could make my dog understand one thing, it would actually be several: the guest room doorway is not an emergency bathroom, unattended food is not an invitation, and blankets are a heat trap. Still, beneath all the chaos, Princess already knows the one thing that really matters—she’s safe, and she’s loved. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Thursday, January 22, 2026: Slothful ≠ Successful

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Read Proverbs 12:24 Proverbs 19:15 Ecclesiastes 10:18 Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. Proverbs 12:27 Reflect A lot of animals are known for some very cool traits. See if you … Continue reading →

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What’s in a Name? Apparently, an Unfortunate Headline

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I was never really in love with my name. Doug is fine—solid, unpretentious, and chosen out of love. My middle name, Blaine, on the other hand, sounds like either a country-club snob or the kid drinking paste in kindergarten. Add in the etymology—dark river plus yellow—and suddenly my full name sounds less like a person and more like a true-crime episode. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Peter’s Not Here!

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Read Acts 12:6-17 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” Acts 12:15 Reflect Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong aren’t known for … Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Same Mashbill, Same Proof, No Safety Net

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A blind, head-to-head tasting of Four Roses barrel-strength OBSK and OESO revisits a Kentucky barrel pick and settles which bottle earns the top spot on my shelf — by the slimmest of margins. Continue reading →

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