Regular date nights are a must for Cherokee and me.

We are strong believers in regular date nights. Its important to have time together as a couple without the distractions of kids, work, laundry, life. It can also be an opportunity for Cherokee and I to have more meaningful conversations.

We know when we’re overdue for a date night too. Sometimes life gets busy. Sometimes its hard to get that time together. So sometimes we may feel a little attention deprived.

My advice: don’t stop dating your wife. Go have that time with her. Tell her she’s beautiful. Appreciate what made you fall in love with other. Talk to her and tell her what you feel. Open up and be vulnerable.

And have some good food together. As Anthony Bourdain said, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.”

Date night took us to Big Thorn Farm and Brewery in Georgetown, Illinois.

After checking out the online menu, I ordered the ham and cheddar sandwich from their food truck. Its typically served with apricot jam and dijonnaise. The apricot jam was delicious, especially when paired with smoked ham. I skipped the dijonnaise. I’m not a fan of either mayo or mustard. Combining them doesn’t help.

This sandwich just became a new favorite for me.

I love the wide open space. The new-ish pavilion provides additional seating though we usually eat at the tree bar or a picnic table.

The mish mash of solar panels continues to power the farm and brewery. I hope they add more panels, maybe to the pavilion. Big Thorn is the only off grid brewery in the US that I know of. It would be great to see more businesses pursue sustainable practices like this.