I had the good fortune to meet Liz Damrich on Easter Sunday at a friend's house. She, her husband, Michael, and their two young children walked two doors down from Liz’s parent’s house to join the festivities. At first glance, this is a striking, exotic young family—unpretentious yet engaging, everyone dressed in chic and comfortable fashion.

With a “Dallas comes to Fairhope” wedding this past weekend, Linda and I woke up late Saturday morning with food on our minds. We ran a few errands while trying to decide on a late breakfast or early lunch. The truth is the Bay Breeze Cafe made the decision easy.

God drove Man out of the Garden of Eden and into a life of toil. He loves us, so He created the northern Gulf Coast. He brought forth wild beasts of the forest, birds of the air, and Red Snapper. In fact, there are so many fish, beasts, and birds along our coast that some men hardly toil at all.

It’s funny how life’s experiences can lead to doing what you love and doing it well. Niches are discovered somewhat by happenstance, not necessarily by design. Experience is a great teacher, and often, it’s the failures that are the best learning experiences when you look in the rearview mirror. I enjoy hearing the backstory that leads to something really great. That’s what Red or White Wine is all about.

Writing a book is no small task. Having dipped my toes in the publishing business many years ago, I admire anyone who decides to put pen to paper to write a novel or their life story. It takes courage and willingness to be subjected to criticism and opinions that aren’t always kind.

The Half Shell Oyster House is a Gulfport, Mississippi-based restaurant that several years ago opened a location in Mobile and then another in Spanish Fort. I’ve been to both restaurants many times and have never been disappointed. Recently, I found myself between meetings in Mobile with some time on my hands and a hungry belly, so I stopped by Half Shell for lunch.