February 22, 2025: The Mermaid City

My first Norfolk, Virginia trip came in my teens.

An afternoon’s drive from my hometown, it was a blur of battleships, shipping cranes, and port traffic. A bustling maritime city.

On our way from NC to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, we made a quick stop at a downtown area called Waterside. After buying some fudge, we hit the road again.

In a gazillion years, I never would have imagined how much Norfolk would shape my life. Because a decade later…

It’s where I met my future wife.
Where I rented my first apartment.
Where I got married.
Where four of my kids were born.
Where I worked.
Where I bought my first house.
Where my life was saved (long story).

So tonight, it was nice to make the hour drive back to the “mermaid city” to visit my sweet in-laws.

And by the way, it’s not pronounced Nor-folk. It’s Nor-fuk. Now you know.

Funny how a random spot on the map can become a main character in your story.

Bonus points if it starts with fudge.