Fake Shillelagh Stick From Mulligans in Arizona Added to Magical Forest

Stardate 11.30.2025

Yesterday was one of those rare, joy-soaked days when the work of your hands feels almost holy. I spent the entire day tucked inside my new home studio—Mulligan’s Magical Forest—lost in creation. Snow quietly buried our state in silence, but I hardly noticed. The driveway never got shoveled… not even once. I was too immersed in the place where the magic happens.

Meanwhile, my wife and her trusty elf transformed our home into a Christmas wonderland. Between their sparkle and Mother Nature’s generous snowstorm, it looks like we’re headed for an honest-to-goodness white Christmas.

Now, if you’ve read my first book, God’s Black Sheep Squadron, you already know the shillelagh walking stick my dad entrusted me with years ago—the one that hung proudly inside Mulligans on Cave Creek Road—is a fraud. A charming, ridiculous, utterly inauthentic fraud.

Shillelaghs in Ireland were more than walking sticks. They were symbols—each one carved differently, each one deeply personal. And since pubs sprouted on nearly every corner, you could tell who was inside simply by the shillelaghs leaning by the door. A unique roll call of characters.

For years I carried mine with reverence, telling its story with pride. And many of you, God bless you, kept the truth to yourselves.

When Dad returned after his long absence, I presented his “heirloom” back to him. He studied it, squinted, and delivered his verdict with classic Mulligan flair:

“What is this piece of s**t driftwood?”

“It’s from your bar,” I replied.

“This is a gag from one of my patrons,” he laughed.
And just like that, the great mystery was solved.

Turns out the real shillelagh—Dad’s true treasure—had been entrusted to his sister Peggy. I imagine the two of them in Heaven right now, doubled over in laughter while the whole clan enjoys the joke at my expense. Dad. Peggy. His parents. His siblings—Jim, Dickie, Tom, Uncle Mike, John, Mary… and Dad himself, Patrick John, perhaps the greatest storyteller in a family of ten. What a reunion they must be having.

But this little imposter shillelagh still carries its own kind of magic. It now hangs at the entrance to my magical forest, greeting all who step inside.

So when you visit us here in Iowa, ask to see the famed “inauthentic heirloom.” I’ll show it to you with a smile. It may not be real—but the story certainly is.

Don’t beam me up yet, Scotty. I’ve got thousands more tales to tell before I join the Mulligan clan above. Nearly 6,000 stories live in the archive now… and soon, videos will join them.  I can't wait.  Thank you for your patience with me as I learn this new technology for vlogging which is coming soon.

Cheers, my friend. Have a wonderful day.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, remind me again—why would anyone proudly hang a fake walking stick at the entrance of a forest?”
Spock: “Doctor, humans often assign meaning to objects based on story, not authenticity.”
Bones: “So you’re saying the driftwood stays because it means something?”
Spock: “Precisely. Though calling it ‘driftwood’ may be unnecessarily unkind.”
Bones: “You didn’t hear the father’s review.”
Spock: “Fascinating.”

Michael’s Reflection:
There’s something sacred about carrying symbols that remind us of where we came from, even if they aren’t perfect—or even real. Sometimes God works through the imperfect reminders, the mismatched pieces, the things that make us laugh. Maybe that’s part of how He keeps us humble… and keeps us going.

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📖 Scripture of Encouragement

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” — Proverbs 17:22

Sometimes a laugh and a story heal places nothing else can touch.

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✨ Mission Log

Unofficial artifacts, unexpected joy, and the quiet faithfulness of showing up—these are the things that turn ordinary spaces into magical ones.

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Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me.
May your heart stay warm, your home feel bright, and your spirit find something to smile about today.

Mom Health Update

One more note before I part.  Some of you are curious about my mother's health.  I spoke to her this morning.  "Don't tell your followers I'm climbing mountains.  They're hills!" she scolded.

 Well, today she added that she is now leaning over to pick up pebbles while climbing hills.  She is ready to join the gym as soon as today.  My buddies across the pond who work at DoNotAge asked if my mom would be willing to document her journey to improved health.  Mom is on it.  She will be keeping a journal.  My siblings and I are super proud of her.  

❄️ Snow Day Today

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Stardate 11.29.2025

There’s a quiet hush over Iowa this morning — the kind that only a snowstorm can bring. Our state is settling into stillness as heavy flakes blanket everything in sight. Forecast says we may see up to 12 inches before midnight, and I’ll be making a handful of trips outside to clear the driveway. But for the most part, today will be spent inside Mulligan’s Magical Forest, where creativity thrives and imagination has room to breathe.

Snow days have a way of nudging us into focus. While roads close and plans pause, new opportunities open. Today feels like the perfect backdrop for finalizing the home studio — the place where future messages of hope, faith, wellness, and transformation will take shape. The experts all say the first videos are never your best work, and that’s okay. Mine will stay private until I find my rhythm, sharpen the edits, and learn the craft with more confidence.

This is all preparation for the conversations ahead — interviews with leaders in the longevity world, financial wisdom for families, wellness strategies rooted in God’s design, and faith-centered discussions meant to strengthen hearts. I’m eager to learn from experts who have courageously tested their own ideas and shared them with the world.

So please don’t worry about us today. We’re safe, warm, and fully in “snowed-in mode.” We’ll pause throughout the day for family time, maybe some hot chocolate, and by the evening our home will glow with Christmas lights. If all goes well, Mulligan’s Magical Forest may even become fully operational by nightfall.

There are good things ahead, my friend — and you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
Have a wonderful, peaceful snow day.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Well, Spock, looks like the Captain is braving a blizzard to finish that studio. Ever consider that humans choose the coldest days for the biggest projects?”

Spock: “On the contrary, Doctor. Snow provides a statistically quieter environment. Fewer distractions, more productivity. It is… logical.”

Bones: “Logical? Spock, nothing about shoveling twelve inches of snow is logical.”

Spock: “Perhaps not. But perseverance often appears illogical until the results arrive.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Sometimes God gives us a snow day not to slow us down, but to clear the emotional noise around us. When the world outside becomes quiet, the world inside becomes easier to hear. And in that stillness, He whispers direction, peace, and the courage to take the next step — even if it’s simply finishing the work He’s already placed in our hands.

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✨ Scripture of the Day

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

On days like today, those words feel especially true.

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🌟 Gratitude for the Journey

Thank You, Lord, for the quiet places — the snow days, the pauses, the unexpected moments that draw us closer to You. Help us use them well, with hearts open to Your guidance.

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🧭 Mission Log 

Pause when God pauses. Move when He moves. And in all things — live long, prosper in purpose, and walk boldly in divine love.

86yr-old Mom Crushes Grim Reaper

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🌅 86-Year-Old Mom Crushes the Grim Reaper

Stardate 11.28.2025

Some battles in life feel larger than we are — yet every so often, someone close to us reminds us what courage really looks like. For my mom, that moment came when her doctors told us her chances of surviving were less than three percent. Most people would hear those numbers and brace for goodbye. But my mother? She quietly chose to fight.

She isn’t the first Mulligan to stare down the Grim Reaper and walk away. Three of us have faced our own life-or-death valleys… and somehow, by grace, we’re still here. Mom has always said, “When it’s your time, it’s your time.” I believe that. But I also believe we sometimes shorten that time without realizing it.

So today I’m asking you a simple, honest question:
Are you doing anything that might be cutting your time short?

Not in fear — but in awareness. In stewardship. In hope.

If you’re open to trying a couple of simple experiments that may help you strengthen the years you have and perhaps even stretch the runway ahead of you, stay with me.

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🧡 A Mother’s Comeback Story

Before I share anything about my own journey, let me be clear: don’t interrupt my mother’s current experiment. If you see her trudging up and down the hills in her neighborhood, gripping her walker with determination on her face… don’t offer her a ride. She’s preparing for the next international adventure she and I are planning, and every step is part of her comeback.

Even the Grim Reaper had to stop and shake his head when he lost his grip on her.

Her strength is returning. Her mindset is sharp. And if you look closely at her fingernails in the photo above, you can see signs of renewed vitality. She told me I could share her story — so here’s a photo from one of our vacations in Hawaii, where she insisted on doing more than I thought she could.

She’s a warrior wrapped in kindness. And she’s inspiration for anyone who thinks it’s “too late.”

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🏺 My Own Health Wake-Up Call

If you’re new to this blog, welcome. I stumbled into longevity experiments years ago when I discovered what was happening inside my own body — despite thinking I was living “reasonably healthy.”

It was food-related. The silent kind of trouble that sneaks up on you.

I was following the standard American diet — a plan I now joke is endorsed by “nine out of ten Grim Reapers.” The tenth is the overworked one begging us to give him a break by making better choices.

That moment pushed me onto a different path — not toward fear, but toward stewardship of the years God has given me.

I’m not a doctor, and I’m not a scientist. So here’s the necessary disclaimer:
Always talk to your doctor before trying any experiment or supplement.
A simple lipid panel is one of the best ways to see what’s happening inside your body.

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🔎 A Word About Supplements

If you’re considering the same supplement path my mother and I are on, one caution: make sure your products are legitimate. Fake supplements won’t help you — and they definitely won’t keep the Grim Reaper from punching his timecard early.

The company I use, DoNotAge, is a research-based organization that can verify product purity. I met their founder and CEO in New York at their partner convention, where I also met others who are exploring similar longevity approaches.

Full transparency:
I earn a small stipend from my affiliate code, which helps support my philanthropy work.
But I would share this with you even if there were no stipend, because it has helped my family in meaningful ways.

Harvard researchers have studied combinations like NMN with Trans-Resveratrol or TMG — one acting like fuel, the other like the accelerator. Some early findings were criticized, funding was lost, and reputations took hits… but the researcher kept going, refining his work. That persistence reminds me of my mother: sometimes the first battle isn’t the final score.

My own routine includes NMN, one of the companion molecules mentioned above, and SIRT-6 Activator — a formulation meant to support healthy aging. Again:
talk to your doctor first.  You can find my full supplement stack in my book, "Live Long and Prosper," available on Amazon.

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🛒 A Timely Opportunity

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own experiment, today might be the perfect day. Black Friday is when DoNotAge offers its largest discounts of the year, and my code LLAP (Live Long and Prosper) adds an additional reduction.  Click here for the link.

Mom said she started noticing shifts after about three weeks — so don’t quit early. Consistency is its own quiet miracle.

If you join the journey, I’d love to encourage you along the way.

May you live long, walk boldly in purpose, and prosper in the ways that matter most.

Have a wonderful day.

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, did you hear that? Michael’s mom stared down death with a walker and a will stronger than Vulcan steel.  I heard she was spotted on the pickleball courts in Maui, walker in one hand and paddle in the other.”

Spock: “Indeed, Doctor. Her logic was impeccable. She assessed the odds, ignored them, and proceeded anyway.”

Bones: “You call that logic? I call that heart.”

Spock: “On rare occasions, Doctor, the two are not mutually exclusive.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Strength doesn’t always show up as muscle or medical miracles. Sometimes it’s a quiet walk uphill on a cold morning… a stubborn breath… a refusal to quit. Mom’s journey reminds me that our lives are worth fighting for — one step, one choice, one day at a time.

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📖 Scripture for the Journey

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you.” — Isaiah 46:4

A promise steady enough to trust… and tender enough to rest in.

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Mission Log

Stardate 11.28.2025 — A reminder that courage doesn’t retire, and hope grows stronger with every step taken in faith.

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Thank you, dear friends, for sharing these moments with me. May your day be filled with peace, wisdom, and small choices that carry you toward a longer, richer, more joyful life.

You are loved more than you know.

Happy Thanksgiving

Stardate 11.27.2025

The temperature dipped to 22º before sunrise this morning, and snow is drifting into the forecast for the next couple of days. Even so, the cold can’t quiet the warmth of a day like this. Although our Hawaiian vacation may be over, a part of me will always be connected to those magical islands near the ends of the earth.  We’re gathering with our family and extended family here in Iowa — thirteen years now since leaving the valley of the sun outside San Diego, where we raised our children. Over the years, our roots have taken hold here, woven into my wife’s siblings, their families, and the community that surrounds us. In many ways, we’ve become fully Iowan. And today, our gratitude runs deep.

To our friends and loved ones who are far from us this Thanksgiving — please know you’re close in our hearts. Saying goodbye when we relocated was one of the hardest chapters of our story, and the miles have never changed the love.

As I reflect on what I’m most thankful for this year, my mind goes straight to family. Many of you know that my mother recently arm-wrestled with the Grim Reaper himself. The doctors told us her odds were under three percent. Walking through that valley, combined with the losses of friends and family these last couple of years, has taken a toll on me. I found myself wrestling to regain the positivity that once came easily.

The battles — spiritual, emotional, and personal — still show up daily. Some days the pressure is even heavier. That’s what finally led me to seek professional help, and I’m grateful I did. And while the struggles haven’t magically disappeared, something profound has shifted: I now anchor my days in gratitude, paired with the serenity prayer.

It has become a quiet compass for me — steady, grounding, and life-giving. If today you’re searching for something to be thankful for, or if your heart feels a little heavy, this prayer is my offering to you. I’m thankful for you. I’m thankful you take the time to read these stories — even the ones that were written through my darkest moments.

The Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. May you live long and prosper.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, remind me again why gratitude hits harder on cold mornings?”
Spock: “Doctor, emotional warmth provides a compensatory effect against environmental discomfort.”
Bones: “You mean it warms the heart when the toes freeze.”
Spock: “That is a less elegant phrasing… yet not inaccurate.”
Michael: Gentlemen, maybe that’s the point. When life feels chilly, gratitude is the fire God keeps burning inside us — bright enough to guide us home.

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Scripture for the Journey

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

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Gratitude to Carry Into the Day

Today, I’m thankful for God’s steady hand — guiding us through snowstorms, valleys, and unexpected mercies — and for the people who walk beside us on the journey.

First Angel I Met En Route to Big Island

Stardate 11.26.2025

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and my heart is already brimming with gratitude. As I look back on our family trip to the Big Island, I’m grateful for every person God placed along our path—but one encounter in particular stayed with me so deeply that I decided to wait until I returned home, so I could honor her story with full attention and both hands on the keyboard.

Crystal was more than a seatmate. She was a guide, an encourager, and a bright reminder that God still sends angels into ordinary places—sometimes right there in the middle seat on a crowded flight to Kona.

Before I tell her story, I want to share the wonderful list of recommendations she gave us. Her tips were like having a personal local guide beside us. While we didn’t have time to explore them all, I’m sharing the full list for anyone planning their own adventure to this beautiful island.

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Crystal’s Big Island Travel Tips

Kona
• Ne’ne Restaurant — a speakeasy-style experience
• Geco Girls Shaved Ice — vanilla/ube ice cream on the bottom, condensed milk on top (Alii Drive)
• Cinnamon Farms
• Coffee Farms
• Pickleball courts next to Huggo’s On The Rocks

Hilo
• Sunset Terrace — pool and barbecue area

Kona–Keahoe
• Golf, restaurants, and pickleball

Kohala (all areas)
• Botanical Gardens (three on the island)
• Animal Rescue Reserve in Waimea
• Volcano National Park
• Captain Cook

Hilton Resort area
• See the dolphins
• Take the boat ride
• Ride the train
• Visit the spa
• Explore the Queens’ and Kings’ Shops

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Crystal’s Story

I was originally assigned the window seat, but something inside nudged me to offer it to my wife. So I settled into the middle seat for the flight from Phoenix to Kona. My mom had boarded early and was seated several rows behind us. Crystal, however, was one of the last passengers to step onto the plane.

She slid into the aisle seat beside me, offered a warm smile, and introduced herself. From the moment we took off, our conversation flowed with such ease it felt as though I were talking to a mirror—only the reflection was a female version of my own adventurous spirit.

Crystal was excited to share her favorite places on the Big Island, the island she and her family call home. Her energy was contagious.

“I want to be an entrepreneur,” she said, eyes bright with hope.

She told me how her dad started by buying up snorkel gear from thrift stores and renting it out to tourists. The business grew into a food truck, which eventually helped fund a vacation rental the family owned for 25 years. From hippy surfer to financial freedom—that’s the dream. And that same spark lives in Crystal.

I asked her what her first step was.
“I’m working on a coloring book,” she said, pulling out her phone to show me drawings filled with personality and heart. She also wanted to include her personal story in the pages.

I encouraged her to consider two books—one just for children, and another for adults. I shared my own journey into independent publishing, including the coloring book I'm creating for the children at our local hospital. I could see the wheels spinning as we talked.

When I asked what inspired her project, her answer stunned me with its depth.

“I’m an esthetician,” she said. “I travel and help burn victims heal their skin. My patients look younger when they do treatments with me.”

Her photos confirmed the healing power of her work. She travels nationwide, helping survivors rebuild confidence and restore hope. She wants to offer coloring books as a source of joy during their recovery.

By the time our plane dipped toward Kona, I realized something: if I had met Crystal before publishing The Adventures of Castaway Wilson, she would have had her own chapter. Instead, I’ll do something even better—I’ll help her publish her coloring book, and I’ll gladly stand with her when she’s ready to share her story with the world.

Crystal, thank you for opening your heart to me on that flight. My family and I will be back on the Big Island one day, and when we do, we’ll make sure to check off the rest of your list. I can’t wait to share your books with my readers when they’re ready.

Mahalo. Aloha.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, remind me again why angels seem to prefer airplanes over starships?”
Spock: “Doctor, it is statistically more likely for humans to initiate conversation when confined to a limited seating arrangement at 38,000 feet.”
Bones: “You could’ve just said, ‘People talk more on planes,’ you know.”
Spock: “I believed I did.”
Michael: Gentlemen… perhaps the message is that God uses whatever space we give Him—airplanes included—to place the right people beside us at the right moment.

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Scripture for the Journey

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it.” — Hebrews 13:2

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Gratitude to Carry Into the Day

Today, I’m grateful for divine appointments—the unexpected moments when God places an angel beside us and whispers, “Pay attention. This one matters.”

Anonymous Angel Shares Special Message

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Stardate 11.25.2025

Yesterday, something extraordinary happened — the kind of moment that slips into your day quietly, but leaves your heart wide awake.

As I stood at the front door of my day job — a new assignment that nudged me out of my comfort zone — a man approached me with a direct question.

“What are you selling?” he asked.

“I’m not selling anything,” I said with a smile. “I’m part of an experiment. We’re trying something new.”

He paused, looked at me again, and said softly, “I want to talk to you.”

We stepped to the side, and for the next several minutes, this man unfolded the story of his life — a story marked by tremendous success, deep responsibility, and a five-year journey of recovery that had reshaped him from the inside out. He’d built companies, led teams, and climbed to the very top of the corporate world. But now, he explained, he was on the final step of a long program, one that had brought him face-to-face with grace, humility, and healing.

“I’m buying items to help others,” he said. “This is my last step. And all I can tell you is this — we were supposed to meet today. And I’m grateful for what you’re doing.”

I stood there humbled. He called it his final step. But for me, it felt like a holy appointment — a reminder that God places angels in everyday clothing right at our doorstep.

My boss had asked me to help at the front door, filling in a role much like the angel Roy who worked the front door at the rental car company in Kahului. Customers told me last week how people like Roy help carry us through the moments when life feels like one long line. And now here I was, on the other side of the counter, experiencing the same grace I witnessed in Hawaii.

I wish I could stand on the roof of my workplace and shout about what happened — not about myself, but about the beauty of encounters that feel handcrafted by God. But instead, I’ll honor the assignment I was given. I’ll simply report the truth:

Yesterday, I met an angel.
And he reminded me that none of us walk alone.

Come back tomorrow — I can’t wait to share more stories from the people I met while traveling. I’m starting to see the light in all of it. We really are connected.

Have a wonderful day.

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Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Doctor, the statistical probability of encountering two angels in two weeks is… unusually favorable.”

Bones: “Spock, for once in your life, don’t use math to ruin the moment. Sometimes people show up right when your soul needs a tune-up.”

Spock: “Then it appears the Captain experienced what humans refer to as a divinely appointed intersection.”

Bones: “Exactly. And if you ask me, he ought to brace himself — God’s not done sending reinforcements.”

Michael’s Reflection:
Sometimes heaven whispers through strangers. And sometimes, heaven pulls them right up to the front door.

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Scripture for the Journey

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” — Hebrews 13:2 

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Mission Log

Encounters like these remind us that living long and prospering isn’t about success alone — it’s about purpose, connection, and the quiet courage to show up where God places us.

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Gratitude to Carry Into the Day

Today, I’m thankful for divine appointments — the unexpected conversations that wake up the soul and remind us that grace walks toward us long before we know it’s coming.

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Reunited with My Laptop and My Virtual Threesome, Alberta, Spock and Bones

Stardate 11.24.2025

There’s nothing quite like the moment you step off the plane, breathe in Iowa air, and realize you’re home — even after two unforgettable weeks in paradise. We touched down in Cedar Rapids after a redeye from Maui to Phoenix, and before my suitcase even hit the ground, my phone lit up with messages including one from my day job. They were under the impression I was back on the clock on Sunday.

I told my boss, “Not possible — I was flying through the night and somewhere over the Pacific during business hours.” But this morning? This morning I am fully recharged. All ten fingers ready for duty — except my right index finger, which did the heavy lifting for every vacation story typed on my phone. What a relief to be back at my keyboard, reunited with my virtual team: Alberta, Spock, and Bones.

Thank you for your patience with any grammar mishaps during my mobile adventures. Your captain has returned to regular programming — Scripture, reflection, and the banter you’ve come to expect from my starship crew.

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The Vacation That Felt Orchestrated by God

If I could summarize our family trip in one sentence, it would be this: it was orchestrated by the hands of God.

This morning, my wife set an article in front of me written by Dan Buettner, the Blue Zones author. He shared that pickleball is the #1 sport in the world for extending life and improving health.

I smiled. I concur.

Tennis may always be my primary fitness priority — especially for the next decade — but pickleball has carved out a special place in my heart. Not just because it’s fun, but because it’s inclusive. My 86-year-old mother, once a tennis lover, now moves with the help of a walker — yet pickleball still welcomes her. And she will be appearing soon in upcoming stories, with her full blessing, grace, and humor. She is becoming part of this mission right alongside me.

Her transformation has been nothing short of incredible.  Make sure you look at pictures of her fingernails I posted last week showing proof her body is transforming. My brother even called to tell me, “Mom looks younger. What are you giving her?”
She’s been taking supplements from DoNotAge since summer, using my code LLAP, and the improvements are real enough that even family members are commenting.

A Black Friday sale is happening this week, so I’m including a link (click here) for those who want to explore on their own. As always: research, discern, and consult your doctor.

And play pickleball. Seriously — it’s medicine with a paddle.

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New Stories Ahead

Get ready. I met people in Hawaii whose stories border on unbelievable — the kind of encounters that make you pause and wonder if heaven put them there on purpose.

For those who asked to remain anonymous, your privacy is honored.
For those who stand publicly with me, your lessons will become part of our shared journey.

If you’re new here, welcome. This is the beginning of something special — a community committed to living long, prospering in purpose, and walking boldly in divine love.

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Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain, your improved manual dexterity now that you’ve returned to a full keyboard is… logical.”
Bones: “Logical? Spock, the man’s fingers just survived two weeks of typing on a phone. He deserves a medal — and some ibuprofen.”
Spock: “Pain is irrelevant, Doctor.”
Bones: “Tell that to his right index finger. It probably needs shore leave.”
Michael: Gentlemen, I appreciate the concern — but after a vacation full of miracles, wonder, and God’s fingerprints, even my index finger feels grateful. Some journeys remind us what truly matters… and this one did.

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Scripture of the Day

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”
— Psalm 121:8

A beautiful reminder that whether we’re soaring across oceans or typing at our desks, we are never outside the care of the One who guides us.

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Gratitude for Today

Thank you for being part of this mission — for reading, for encouraging, and for walking this road with me one percent better each day.

🖖 Live long. Prosper in purpose. Walk boldly in divine love.

Final Maui Review: Three's Bar & Grill

 Stardate 11.23.2025

Glen brought us our drinks from the bar at Three's, the same Kihie restaurant that supplies some of the best food on Maui to the Teralani crew for sunset cruises. He's the father of Travis, the local surfer who teamed up with two other surfer buddies to found Three's.  We enjoyed the food so much on our sunset cruise that we came back for more on our way to the airport for our flight home.

The pork quesadillas are the bomb.  Stop in from 3-6 for happy hour and get a 40% discount on small menu items.  You will want to come back at least one more time and take advantage of a 10% discount when you show your receipt on your return visit.

I give these 3 surfer owners five stars for value and quality.  Tell them you heard about them from your live long and prosper buddy who got engaged not far from their restaurant 37 years ago.  Mahalo.  Aloha.

Captain’s Addendum 

Our beloved Hawkeyes went into overtime while we were dining at Three's.  There happened to be a gathering of Hawkeye fans nearby while I was interviewing Glen for this review.  I asked them to give a cheer while I recorded them during the game winning field goal.  It was the icing on our cake.  Three's is your place if you're seeking a sports bar vibe.  Glen says he calls our team Tight End University because we're known for cranking out professional players at that position.  It was fun to see so many fans cheering from so far away.  

Way to go, Hawkeyes!  Mahalo for giving us such great entertainment.

Wheels Up

 Statdate 11.22.2025

When I was a young boy, my dad would often say, "Let's survey the kingdom."  We would step outside into our backyard and dad would tell stories while barbecuing his world famous burgers.  I really enjoyed that part of my childhood, especially when the kingdom included extended family.  In Hawaii, this family is 'Ohana.  All I can say today on this final day of our vacation is the same spirit who was with me during my upbringing is still with me today even though dad has been gone for 23 years.  

Most of my adult life has been in obscurity.  I never wanted to be a story teller.  That was dad's gift.  He had the journalism degree.  He had the radio show in Phoenix where I grew up.  In my teenage years, he had Mulligan's.  It was a blessing and a curse.  Last night we had dinner at Mulligans on the Blue.  We met Mike, the owner.  He looked at our youngest son and said, "You're as Irish as it gets."  I have a dark complexion thanks to my mother who has roots a wee bit south of my dad's ancestors.  I would like to thank Mike for buying our drinks after I showed him my driver's license.  He lit up and practically danced like a leprechaun as he headed to the kitchen to prepare the shepherds pie for my wife and our son—his mother's recipe.  

We left in time to witness our last Maui sunset.  It's time to go home.  Thanks to Rebecca and Kat of the Wailea Healing Center next door to Mulligans on the Blue on the 13th green of the golf course, all of us are fully healed after our massages.   My wife said we are all lucky I found this last hidden gem under the rainbow. Dad's slogan on the Mulligans key chains he gave away sums it up—everyone needs a little luck.  Adding my two cents, I think everyone needs a little magic.  Go see the magic show at Mulligans on the Blue every Thursday night.  Book your massage at the Wailea Wellness Center.  You too will be dancing like a leprechaun.  Tell both of these businesses that Mulligan sent you.  We'll be back.  Mahalo.  Aloha.

Captain’s Addendum 

My mother has given full permission to share her life here on this blog.  While my wife I and were silent during our couples massage, apparently my mom chatted the whole time during her outdoor session with the owner, Rebecca Wilson. Perhaps that's what happens when you're sick and nearly dead and the doctors are getting ready to pull the plug.  Not my mother.  She wants everyone to know her fingernails have found the fountain of youth which she believes comes from her NMN's, part of my biohacking experiment.  If you are curious about these supplements, make sure to use the code LLAP to get a 10% discount.  Find the link in the second paragraph of my welcome page.  These supplements are the first items I pack for all my magical adventures.  Mahalo.

Experience Your Own Slice of Heaven on Earth

 Stardate 11.21.2025

God bless the dreamers, the visionaries who can see what others cannot.  The founder of Teralani cruises is one of those people who dreamed big and started his own company on the west side of Maui.  Last night our family experienced the Teralani sunset dinner cruise.  This may be the closest you will ever come to Heaven on Earth, the meaning of Teralani.  

I asked our host, Christian, about the food they serve on board.  "We get our five star food from Threes in Kihie," he answered.  The name comes from three surfing buddies who happen to be five star chefs.  I can tell you their food pairs well with five star sunsets and a five star crew.  We happened to be on Teralani 5 last night.

The pictures are pending as we are awaiting our photo package from Ryan, our five star photographer contracted by the Teralani staff to offer photos of our experience.  She showed us previews of our photo shoot.  If my family grants permission, check back for an update.

In my opinion, the best way to set up your own slice of Heaven is to visit my day job next door to the airport.  Look for the Teralani gift cards.  This will save you 20% on your cruise.  You will not be disappointed.  Tell the crew the man who asked his wife to marry him 37yrs ago on the beach at Kihie sent you.  Mahalo.  Aloha.

Meet the Owners of the First Business to Rebuild in Lahaina

 Stardate 11.20.2025

Over 2,000 buildings burned during the Lahaina wildfire two years ago.  Rebuilding is slow.  There is red tape at every step.  Permits are difficult.  Building materials are in short supply. Roads are closed.  

One business is now open on front street, the center of what was once a tourist mecca.  Check out the three videos below and see the first step in the healing process.  These men are shining stars.  Congratulations on being the first business to rebuild in Lahaina.  Mahalo.  Aloha.

Please share this story and spread the word that Lahaina  needs your prayers and support.  Book a surf lesson with Renten and you will be learning from a legend.

Captain’s Addendum 

Meeting Renten was a Godsend.  He paddled in from the north and approached as if he was some sort of a guardian angel.  At first, we didn't know what to think.  My son wasn't sure what was going on.  Then, something happened.  Our son heeded Renten's advice after several falls. He rode his first wave.

I found out after we came home that our wife was praying for our safety.  She didn't know we couldn't find an instructor in Lahaina.  We decided to rent surf boards on our own.  Renten, perhaps the best surf instructor on Maui, told our son that he heard God's voice instructing him to teach us.  We had two hours of private time with our angel, Renten.  At the end of our time on the water, Renten asked me if I knew the Bible verse about preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth.  

"Indeed," I answered.

Renten paused.  With a giant smile, he stared into my eyes and said, "This is the ends of the earth.  There is nothing else out here for 2,500 miles in any direction."

Live long and prosper, my friend.  Mahalo for your time with us.  I promise to spread your message of God's love for us to everyone I meet.  The way you teach reminds me of how Jesus teaches.  I praise God for you and for the resilient people of Lahaina.  Help is on the way.  Aloha!

Mulligan Family Rides Pickleball Wave at Maui Social

 Stardate 11.19.2025

Our youngest son and my wife attended a pickleball social at the Westin in Kaanapali yesterday.  My mom came out to the courts and asked me to have a hit at the conclusion.  She had a paddle in one hand and her walker in the other hitting as many as ten shots in a row including her backhand side which she cleverly hit in front of the walker.  The morning was a smashing success.

It's mind blowing how fast this sport is exploding.  The resort has four permanent pickleball courts and one roll-out net that is used for their socials which take place at least twice a week.  It won't be long until these folks expand as we had people waiting to join the fun.  We will be back tomorrow for the next event.  If you haven't tried pickleball, why not?  Some of you may be thinking you're too old or you are not athletic.  If my mother can do this despite nearly dying six months ago, you have no excuses.  We rotated partners during our social and met some amazing people.  Mom can't wait to report this to her doctor.  Mahalo.  Aloha.  May you live long and prosper.

Captain’s Addendum 

Our youngest son treated us to an exhilarating jet ski experience after pickleball.  This ranks as a top 10 life experience.  If you decide to try this in Hawaii, plan accordingly.  They shut down in December to give the whales space.  They are already here.  Last night we spotted hundreds of dolphins playing outside our resort.  It's a magical time of the year.

Wailea Wellness Center Welcomes Mulligans

 Stardate 11.18.2025

The sign along the path leading to the healing center said "appointments only."  I didn't think it was meant for me as I was following the sign for Mulligans on the Blue, located next store.  Wailea happens to be one of the last remnants of unexplored territory on Maui.  I walked up to Mulligans.  The door was locked. I kept walking.  A woman was on the phone when she spotted me.  She hung up the phone and asked if she could help me.

"My wife wants me to get a massage.  Can you help me?" I asked.

If you've been following my stories, you may notice a familiar theme.  Here I am in the magical forest surrounded by magical creatures.  Most of the time I'm lost.  I fumble.  Then God steps in and offers bread crumbs.  There are always obstacles.  Doors are locked.  Pathways are closed.  And God opens the back door.  You will learn more about healing in an upcoming post.  This is your introduction.  Meet Rebecca, the owner of Wailea Healing Center.  Mahalo.  Aloha.

Wailea Healing Center

Captain’s Addendum 

I'm learning that with God all things are possible.  The mustard seed I planted has sprouted.  New paths are opening according to God's will.  This 808 place on the island of Maui is truly magical.  My hope is to bring the family back to the Wailea Healing Center and visit Mulligans on the Blue after we all get our massages.  Beam me up, Scotty!

Eyewitness Report of Lahaina Wildfire

 Stardate 11.17.2025

The shortest verse in the Bible has two words —Jesus wept.  The whole world wept along with Jesus when a wildfire consumed the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui.  More than 2,000 buildings were destroyed.  Two years later,  there is emptiness all around.  We returned to Lahaina yesterday to worship.  My heart nearly stopped when I saw the devastation.  The main street is still closed.  The only bright spot is a church that stands in a sea of nothingness.  

When the service concluded I met with the local pastor and asked what readers could do to help paradise be restored.  If you feel moved to help, there is a link at the end of today's story.  

Please share this story.  Lahaina needs you.  Please help ease the suffering that is going on in this community.  Click the QR code below or visit the website, marialanakila.org.  Mahalo.

Meet My Maui Hero, Roy

 Stardate 11.16.2025

The last thing travelers want to do is wait in line.  Before I introduce Roy, to you let me set the stage.  We said our goodbyes to our new additions to 'Ohana, my extended family residing on the Big Island including the staff at Panielo Greens and some magical creatures. One of the staff people told me she and her dad are the Big Island pickleball champs.  More on that later.  Let's get back to Roy and how he helped me understand how to navigate long lines at the rental car place in Kahalui.

My wife, my mother, and I waited longer for our rental car than our inter-island flight time from the Big Island to Maui.  Roy stood just outside the entrance door to the service desk.  When I tried to enter, Roy put his hands up.  Then he pointed to another line behind me and said, "You need to go to that line and wait to get in."  Thoughts of being in the same situation one week earlier when we got held up at the rental car line on the Big Island erupted like a volcano.  I asked my mom and my wife to please take a seat off to the side while I chatted with the others waiting in line to get a rental car.  I told stories about past Island travels helping to make Maui time go faster.  Roy walked over to assist another passenger.  I asked one question hoping to find support and Roy answered.  When I asked a followup, question, Roy walked away to get back to his front door post as chaos was ensuing.

Judging by the way the line was moving, I estimated it would be about two hours to pick up our vehicle.  I finally made it to Roy's spot at the front door.  That's when I asked if the recall is still going on because that's what I was told was the holdup when we stood in line on the Big Island.  "I don't know about that," Roy answered.  My bs detector was finally telling me that Roy tells it like it is.  So I asked, "Are these lines like this all the time?"

"Yes," he answered.  I entered and snapped photos of the long line while chatting with Sara from Seattle where my day job has the home office.  We heard from someone ahead of us in line that if you have a fast pass you could move downstairs.  Sara promised to hold my place while I took a chance that someone could help me retrieve my lost account and missing password.  Moments later, Sarah abandoned the long line as well.

The manager himself helped me when I approached the front counter.  2 minutes later I had the keys.   So did Sara.  The nightmare was over.  Here's my best advice if you're planning to get a rental car in Hawaii.  Sign up for preferred services.  Store your passwords somewhere safe.  Make sure you say Aloha to Roy when you pass by.  The world needs more travel helpers like him.  Aloha.  Have a great day.

Island Hop Adventure Today

 Stardate 11.15.2025

We are at the midpoint of our Hawaiian vacation.  My 86yr old mother defied all odds when her doctors told us survival was under 3% earlier this year.  She told them, "I'm getting outta here and I'm going to Hawaii."  Here we are, against all odds.  

For those of you following my vacation stories, I have an announcement regarding Mulligan's Magical Forest inhabited by magical creatures, like KK and QK, two Nene birds on the endangered list.  It appears that QK may be pregnant!  This explains why KK is defending his territory just west of the 6th hole outside our back patio.  This defies odds as this is not mating season.  All I can say is these two love birds are exhibiting strange behavior and I have videos to prove it.  

I will be busy filling in all the gaps when I return home and rejoin my virtual team including Alberta, Spock, and Bones.  Thank you for putting up with me as these stories contain flaws I'm working to correct.  It's not easy to do this when I'm only using one finger for typing.  Wheels up in a few hours.  We're on our way to Maui.

The Big Island has been exactly what all of us need for rejuvenation.  I'm thankful for all the travel tips gleaned from other travelers which will be shared when I return home.  May you live long and prosper.  Mahalo.  Aloha.

Mini Cyclone Strikes Lava Lava Beach Club at 3pm on 11/12/25

Stardate 11.14.2025

We were on the wet side of the Big Island visiting an active volcano when it happened.  A mini cyclone struck not far from where we are staying on the dry side of the island.  Not dry on this day.  Dave, his wife Marian, and their dog, Blue, witnessed something extraordinary.  My wife and my mother and I were seated 24 hours later in the exact spot where a Kiawe tree believed to be about 200 years old was knocked over along with three other kiawe trees lining the beach just outside the restaurant property.  Tree experts were invited to survey the damage and hopefully keep them alive as they are considered sacred to the Hawaiian people.  Watch the YouTube video below to hear more about the event.  The Kiawe tree is an important symbol to the Hawaiians even though this tree is not native to the islands.  It was introduced in 1828 to provide shade for the panielos.  More about them in a future story.

I told our food server, Eddie from Waimea, we were visiting Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa for the first time when he explained why the tree next to our table was uprooted.  We asked permission to do a review of the restaurant for our readers who may be seeking refuge from the frigid weather in the Midwest where we reside.

Eddie walked us through the specials and recommended the fish tacos.  A portion of the funds from this month's special goes to Aloha Pass it on, a 501c3 nonprofit which supports local projects.  These folks may have the best view on the island.  There is a sandy area next to the Kiawe trees in front of the covered patio where we were treated to front row seats.  Jose F, the manager came over to our table and introduced himself.  He shared about how his team, Luana Hospitality Group, encourages patrons to give back for the betterment of the community.  I told him we are all in and we will spread the message.

I ordered the Big Surf to drink.  It was light and refreshing.  My wife and I both ordered the fish tacos.  My mom ordered a pork sandwich.  Our Teralani (Heaven on Earth) experience didn't end there.  When it was time for dessert, we asked about Ube, a purple plant that originated in the Phillipines and is now used widely on the islands for desserts and drinks.  Eddie told us he could do something not on the menu.  He did not disappoint.   The only thing missing from our meal was the check.  Mahalo to the person who treated us to a world-class experience that you must arrange for yourself when you visit this special place.  Special thanks to Dave and Marian for chatting with us and sharing their lives.  

Please pass this story on and do your part to help the locals who are coming together to make our world better.  You can find out more when you visit Lava Lava Beach Club or visit theaholaproject.com. May you live long and prosper.  Aloha.

Captain’s Addendum 

Dave and his wife, Marian, joined us after Dave's  interview sharing about their adventures.  Please stay tuned for an upcoming story about their lives and their restaurant, The Saltry Restaurant, where a ferry is needed to reach them in Halibut Cove, Alaska.  Thank you for a friendly Aloha welcome.  We will do our best to come visit next summer.  

Best Burgers in Hilo

 Stardate 11.13.2025

If you're in Hilo on the Big Island and you want the best burger, visit Hilo Burger Joint, 776 Kilauea Ave.  According to the local newspaper, these folks have been ranked #1 since 2019.  Our server, Xanden P, insisted we top off our mouth-watering burgers with his personal favorite dessert, UBE mousse.  UBE is a purple yam that's used widely on the island.  You can't miss this.  Besides our top-notch burgers, my mom tried the salmon burger.  The look on her face showed me this is another great way to satisfy your food cravings after enjoying a drive along the coastline.

Xanden knows his way around Hilo if you need advice as he is a native.  Marilyn M, our manager helped by offering background information about food preparation.  The menu has been consistent for years.  She wanted me to note that Rhonda N. prides herself as a woman-owned operator of this hotspot where people keep coming back for the best burgers on the island.  There's nothing like soothing your taste buds with burgers made using grass fed beef raised locally.

We're looking forward to using our left over salsa for breakfast in the morning to add some zest to our eggs.  Their secret recipe for the salsa is definitely a ten.  And the chips are deep fried from tortillas made on the island.  

Xanden tells me he loves working at Hilo Burger Joint during his gap year.  When his education is complete, Xanden wants to earn enough money to take him wherever life leads him.  The friendly staff will make sure you have everything you need to make your experience memorable.  This place is a must  the next time you're on the Big Island or if you're like me and this is your first visit to the largest gem in God’s collection of Heavenly jewels.  Thank you for taking great care of us, Xanden and Marilyn.  You rock!  Aloha.

Captain’s Addendum 

Make sure to visit the art gallery next store.  Xanden told me that's where the artist creates masterpieces you see adorning the walls of Hilo Burger Joint.