A Mulligan at Mulligan's

 Stardate 11.13.2026

Some evenings give you a story you couldn't have planned if you tried.

Last night, I had dinner with several teammates at Mulligans Pub & Grill. The fun started the night before when I called to make our reservation. The person taking the reservation noticed my last name.

Mulligan.

That got their attention.

When I arrived, I pulled out my driver's license to confirm the reservation. The name checked out. I was officially Mr. Mulligan.

The staff called me that all evening. I have to admit, it was pretty entertaining.

The food was exceptional. My dinner included a beautifully grilled steak, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Everything made for a wonderful meal.

Dinner at Mulligan's was exceptional. A perfectly grilled steak, mashed potatoes, and fresh vegetables made for a wonderful meal.

The best part of the evening was sharing it with teammates. We enjoyed the food, the conversation, and the opportunity to spend time together outside our usual routines.

Before the evening was over, I purchased a shirt commemorating the occasion. It seemed like the perfect souvenir from a restaurant where my last name was part of the entertainment.

A great evening with teammates at Mulligans Pub & Grill. And yes, the fellow on the right really is a Mulligan!

I left with a full stomach, a new shirt, and a story worth telling. The staff made us feel welcome, and their good humor added something special to the evening.

There is something wonderful about people who take an ordinary moment and make it memorable. A little laughter can travel a long way.

Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) reminds us:

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”

I experienced a little of that medicine last night. I'm grateful for the people who shared the evening with me and for the kindness of the staff at Mulligan's.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: “Spock, I believe we've discovered a new form of identity confirmation. Dinner reservations verified by steak and a driver's license.”

Spock: “Fascinating, Doctor. The probability of finding a Mulligan at Mulligan's was apparently quite high.”

Bones: “And he even bought the shirt. I'd say the evidence is conclusive.”

Michael's Reflection: Sometimes a good evening comes with an unexpected story. Last night, I got to enjoy good food, the company of teammates, and a little laughter over my last name. I'll remember being called Mr. Mulligan for quite a while. Live long and prosper!

Healing Takes Time

 Stardate 11.12.2026

My voice is slowly returning.

Losing my voice has been the greatest challenge during the past several days. It's difficult to communicate when your voice isn't cooperating. I've been dealing with the effects of changing temperatures and repeated travel across time zones. My body finally reached a point where it needed some attention.

Yesterday was a quiet day. I deliberately slowed down and gave myself time to recover. I managed to get my laundry done, and that was about as ambitious as my schedule became.

Today, I'm continuing with that approach. My body is healing, and I want to give it the time it needs. The temperatures are dropping, so I'll dress warmly before heading outside. I'll continue paying attention to how I feel and adjust my pace accordingly.

There is something valuable about recognizing when we need to slow down. Our daily responsibilities can make it easy to overlook the signals our bodies send us. Sometimes we need to step back, get some rest, and allow the healing process to take its course.

I'm grateful that my voice is beginning to return. Each day brings another opportunity to appreciate the progress.

God has given me another morning, another opportunity to grow, and another reason to be thankful.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) offers a timely reminder:

"Be still, and know that I am God."

I've spent much of my life moving from one responsibility to another. Today, being still is part of taking care of the body God has given me.

I hope anyone reading this who is going through a difficult season finds encouragement in giving themselves permission to slow down. Healing takes time, and patience has its place in the journey.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "I've been telling you for days, Michael. Even starship captains need time in sickbay."

Spock: "An entirely logical observation, Doctor. The return of his voice suggests that the recovery process is progressing."

Bones: "Then let's hope he gives it a little more time before addressing the entire galaxy."

I have a tendency to keep moving, even when my body asks me to slow down. This experience is reminding me to listen. My voice is returning, and I'm thankful for every bit of progress. Today, I'll give myself the time I need.

Mission continues.

Rest Today

Stardate 11.11.2026

I'm moving slowly today. This is the first day in a while when my body is operating at impulse power.

The changing temperatures and repeated trips across time zones have finally caught up with me. Fortunately, it happened just in time for a much-needed day off.

There are no big plans today. Rest and recovery are at the top of the agenda.

We're getting ready for one more big push that will help us cross the finish line for our last store opening of the year. After everything involved in the recent travels and assignments, I want to be ready for that final mission.

Today gives me an opportunity to recharge. I'm grateful for a little breathing room and the chance to let my body recover.

Jesus understood the importance of rest. In Mark's Gospel, He invited His disciples to step away for a while.

Scripture — Mark 6:31 (NIV)

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Those words feel especially appropriate today.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

I'm thankful for another day, another opportunity to recover, and the grace that meets us wherever we are.

Live long and prosper. 🖖

---

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain, your current operating speed appears to be considerably below normal."

Bones: "For once, Spock, I agree with you. Let him rest. His body is trying to tell him something."

Spock: "An appropriate allocation of resources, Doctor."

I suppose even a starship needs time in spacedock. Today, I'm taking the opportunity to recharge before our next mission. Sometimes listening to our bodies is one of the wisest decisions we can make.

In Search of the Missing Blue Shoes

 Stardate 11.10.2026

My new blue Hokas have gone missing in action.

I purchased them less than two weeks ago. Somewhere along the way during my recent travels, I believe I left them behind in San Diego.

I've retraced my steps and filed a report with the rental car company. So far, no luck. It looks like I may need another do-over.

This is what happens when I find myself rushing. Trying to squeeze one more thing into an already busy schedule can lead to unexpected consequences. Apparently, my new shoes have become the latest casualties.

There is one part of the trip I wouldn't change. I made time to visit my dad at Fort Rosecrans Cemetery. That visit was important to me, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity. Even if it may have cost me the Hokas I had just purchased, I'd make that trip again.

The mission continues. I'll figure out the shoes eventually.

Meanwhile, my body has been sending a few reminders of its own. The changes in temperature and time zones have taken some getting used to, and I lost my voice toward the end of yesterday. Tomorrow, I've scheduled a full day of rest.

I think that's a pretty good decision.

Proverbs 19:2 (NIV) offers a timely reminder:

"Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!"

Perhaps I should keep that verse handy the next time I'm rushing through an airport or gathering my belongings before checking out of a hotel.

For now, the missing blue shoes remain a mystery. Tomorrow's mission is much easier to identify.

Restoration.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

An Unexpected Hour

Stardate 11.09.2026

Sometimes an unexpected change in plans creates an opportunity we never anticipated.

My trip to San Diego provided one of those moments.

There was one final detail I needed to take care of before heading home. We had an oversized check from our pickleball project that needed to be transported. The ladies involved really wanted us to keep it, so I decided to find a way to make that happen.

I visited the hotel front desk and asked for recommendations. They suggested FedEx. After attending worship in Old Town, I stopped by and learned that shipping the check would cost approximately $200. I decided that would be my personal donation to our group. 

There was another unexpected blessing during the trip.

My flight home was delayed by an hour. That extra time gave me just enough opportunity to locate my dad at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

His resting place is near one of the highest points in the area, overlooking the city. It is such a peaceful setting. I was grateful to have time to visit, spend a few moments with my dad, and take in the view.

Had the flight departed on schedule, I probably wouldn't have made it there.

I had been hoping to visit him, and that unexpected hour made it possible.

The trip home went smoothly, and I'm back in Franklin. My sleep tracking numbers are a little out of the ordinary after several days of travel. That's understandable, and I'll give myself time to settle back into my regular routine.

Today and tomorrow, I'm scheduled to work at 8:45 a.m., so it's time to get moving.

Looking back, I'm thankful for the people I met, the progress being made through our pickleball project, and the opportunity to spend time with my dad.

Our schedules don't always unfold as expected. Sometimes an unexpected hour becomes a memory we carry with us.

Scripture

"My times are in your hands."

— Psalm 31:15 (NIV)

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Captain, the flight delay appears to have produced an unexpected opportunity.

Bones: For once, Spock, I think we can agree that an extra hour was just what the doctor ordered.

Michael's Reflection: I'll take that extra hour with my dad as a gift. Some moments stay with us long after the journey home is complete.

---

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Show Me the Money

 Stardate 11.08.2026

Our time in San Diego is coming to a conclusion. I've been entrusted with bringing our Play it Forward Grant Award home. There's one logistical challenge waiting for me. The souvenir check is oversized, and I'm flying today.

My first item on the agenda is worship. Once my prayers and meditation are complete, I'll turn my attention to figuring out how to get this check home safely without breaking the bank. At approximately two feet by four feet, it presents an interesting challenge. The clock is ticking.

I'd like to extend a special thank-you to our national sponsors, USA Pickleball Serves, for their generous $25,000 donation and for treating members of our Pickleball Iowa County Board to a day of fun at the USA Pickleball National Championships yesterday.

We enjoyed courtside seats during the semifinal matches. The weather couldn't have been any better. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and celebrate an important milestone for our community.

Meanwhile, construction of the four outdoor pickleball courts in Williamsburg, Iowa, is ongoing. The $25,000 grant is helping move this community project forward. There is still work to do, and I'm looking forward to seeing the courts take shape.

Sometimes a mission comes with an unexpected assignment. Today, mine involves getting a very large check through an airport.

I'm grateful to the people who made this possible and to the board members who continue to move the project forward. There are exciting days ahead for Williamsburg.

Scripture

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

— Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Gratitude seems especially appropriate today. A generous gift, a group of dedicated volunteers, and a community project coming to life give us plenty of reasons to be thankful.

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Michael, I hope you've figured out how to get that enormous check onto the airplane."

Spock: "The probability of success improves considerably with proper planning, Doctor."

Bones: "Well, let's hope the baggage handlers appreciate the mission."

I've carried plenty of assignments over the years. This one comes with an unusual piece of cargo. I'll do my best to get it home safely and keep the mission moving forward.

A little gratitude goes a long way.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

A Front-Row Seat to a Community Dream

Stardate 11.07.2026

Some days give us an opportunity to step back and appreciate what a group of people can accomplish when they share a common goal.

Today is one of those days.

I'm in San Diego, joining fellow members of our pickleball board for the national pickleball championships. Our group will arrive early for a tour of the venue before settling into box seats overlooking the championship court. We're attending as VIP guests, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the competition alongside the people who have helped make our community project possible.

Getting here provided a little adventure of its own.

Just before boarding my flight, I received word that the rental car company had run out of vehicles and canceled my reservation. I stayed calm, called back, and secured another reservation. Before leaving Milwaukee, I had enrolled in Budget Fastbreak. That preparation made all the difference. I bypassed the long lines, went directly to the fast-track counter, and was soon on my way.

I headed to La Jolla and spent a couple of hours walking along the beach before checking into my hotel. Later, I found a Pizza Nova overlooking the water in Point Loma. It was a relaxing way to begin my San Diego visit.

Today's gathering has a much bigger purpose.

Our Williamsburg organization has been working for more than two years to bring four outdoor pickleball courts to our community. The project has required considerable volunteer effort, and the women serving on our board have carried much of the responsibility.

My professional assignments have kept me traveling across the Midwest for nearly six months. During that time, these ladies continued doing the work. They organized, built relationships, coordinated the effort, and kept the project moving.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place while I was away. I've since received photographs showing the women wearing hard hats and holding shovels as construction officially began.

Those photographs mean a great deal to me.

Our fundraising campaign has now surpassed its $200,000 goal. Pickleball USA made that possible through a $25,000 grant awarded to our organization. This afternoon, we'll participate in a special check presentation recognizing that contribution.

Yesterday, we also received photographs showing the perimeter fence being installed around our future courts. It's exciting to see the project taking shape.

I'm hoping to interview our board leaders and representatives from our new national sponsor during today's event. Their stories deserve to be preserved. My primary responsibility on this assignment is to document the journey, capture the important moments, and help tell the story of the people who brought this dream to life.

When I return home, I'll begin working on Field of Pickleball Dreams, a tribute to the women on our leadership team and all the local businesses and community partners who came together to bring free pickleball opportunities to our community.

The front cover will feature the women who helped make this possible, wearing their hard hats and holding their shovels at the groundbreaking. Giant Iowa corn stalks will frame the photograph.

They deserve that spotlight. They are my heroes.

I've always enjoyed being part of teams that accomplish something meaningful. Today's national championships give me an opportunity to spend time with people who share that same commitment. I'll be listening, asking questions, taking photographs, and enjoying the experience.

Sometimes the most meaningful contribution we can make is to recognize the people around us and preserve the good things they have accomplished.

I'm grateful to have a front-row seat today.

Scripture

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor."

— Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Spock, I suppose our Captain has found another team to keep him busy."

Spock: "Indeed, Doctor. His assignment appears to involve documenting the accomplishments of others. A logical application of his talents."

Bones: "Well, I hope he remembers to enjoy the pickleball tournament, too."

I've learned that every worthwhile journey involves people who contribute in ways that may never appear in the headlines. I'm grateful for the ladies who carried this project forward while I was away. I look forward to helping tell their story.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong