Feeling 30 at 50: A Weekend With Collen & Jodie in Huntsville
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
ATTENTION
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Feeling 30 at 50: A Weekend With Collen & Jodie in Huntsville
Some weekends don’t just fill your calendar — they refill your spirit. When our longtime friends Collen and Jodie made a last‑minute trip from Florida to Huntsville to buy a truck (because apparently Alabama is the land of great deals), we had no idea we were in for a full‑blown “we’re still 30” revival.
These two have been together for over 25 years and still act like newlyweds who genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Collen, with his quick wit and school‑boy humor, has been making Jeff laugh since their naval aviation days more than two decades ago. And Jodie — beautiful, sweet, girl‑next‑door energy with a sharp, playful wit — balances him perfectly. They’re the fun couple, the sweet couple, the “we party like we’re 25” couple… and honestly, they live up to it.
Old Friends, New Adventures
Once their truck business was handled, we got ready for a night out. And even though Collen isn’t from Huntsville, he had already researched and planned our entire itinerary. That’s his superpower — turning fun into a mission plan.
We Ubered everywhere because none of us wanted to be the designated driver. Collen always sat up front, charming each driver within seconds, while the rest of us laughed in the back like the peanut gallery.
Stop 1: The Nook — Warming Up the Night
We kicked things off at The Nook, a Huntsville favorite known for:
400+ beers
a stunning whiskey bar
and a relaxed, early‑evening vibe
The guys dove into the beer list like it was a classified briefing. Jodie ordered a cosmopolitan, and I went with a margarita — a perfect, easy start to the night.
Stop 2: Stars and Strikes — Axe Throwing & Questionable Judgment
Next up: Stars and Strikes for axe throwing.
On paper, it sounds harmless. But add:
pregame drinks
more drinks
mid‑50s reflexes
and literal axes
… and suddenly that liability waiver made a lot of sense.
The guys — retired military officers — made it look effortless, hitting bull’s‑eyes like it was nothing. I set a realistic goal: just hit the board. After a dozen tries, I finally stuck my first axe. By the end, I had four solid sticks and the confidence of someone who had no business being that proud.
Jodie, who had read up on axe throwing beforehand, came in with theoretical knowledge but zero practical success. We teased her lovingly, of course — that’s what friends are for. Nachos and more drinks helped soften the blow.
Stop 3: The Beer Hog — Live Music & Loud Singing
Our next Uber took us to The Beer Hog in Madison — home to 64 taps, hundreds of bottled beers, and a surprisingly fantastic live band.
The duo performing that night, Alone and Invincible, was incredible. Taylor Miller’s voice had this rich, velvety depth, and guitarist Jeff Goebel balanced her perfectly with harmonies and humor. We drank, we sang, we swayed, and we soaked in the music like teenagers with no curfew.
Stop 4: Back Home — Whiskey Lessons & Porch Cigars
Our final Uber ride of the night was with John, who may or may not have been funny on his own — but Collen certainly made him feel like a star. Meanwhile, Jodie and I sang along to the radio in the backseat.
Back home, we settled into the Sipping Room for a whiskey tasting. Jodie, usually a clear‑spirits girl, wanted to explore the world of whiskey. Jeff poured her a lineup — bourbon, rye, Scotch — and gave her a mini‑masterclass.
Her biggest surprise? Scotch. “It tastes like I smoked a cigarette,” she said, which sent all of us into laughter.
That was our cue to head to the back porch for cigars. There’s something grounding about that moment — the quiet after the chaos, the soft glow of the porch light, the slow curl of smoke, the feeling of being exactly where you’re supposed to be.
A Night That Made Us Feel Young Again
We didn’t do anything wild. Nothing like our 20s. But for people in their mid‑50s, it was a lot — in the best way.
I questioned my judgment during axe throwing, sure. But I also leaned into the fun. Because that’s what Collen and Jodie bring out in us. They help us forget the routines, the responsibilities, the “grown‑up” parts of life. They remind us that joy is still available, still accessible, still ours to claim.
It’s a gift to have friends who make you feel young again — not by pretending to be something you’re not, but by helping you remember the parts of yourself you don’t always get to access.
Here’s to old friends, spontaneous weekends, and the moments that make life feel big again.
ATTENTION
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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