The Jones-King Reunion in Rocket City
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Reunion in Rocket City: A Weekend of Friendship, Food & Full‑Circle Moments
Written by Nancy Fae for His, Hers & the Good Life
Introduction
Some reunions feel like flipping through an old photo album — familiar faces, familiar stories, familiar laughter — but every page somehow glows a little brighter. That’s exactly how it felt when our dear friends David and Nancy Jones made the long drive from Pittsburgh to Huntsville for a September weekend that stitched together decades of friendship.
Our history goes all the way back to Virginia Beach, senior year of high school, when Nancy, David, and I were more acquaintances than friends — until the Leggett Department Store (may it rest in retail peace) brought Nancy and me together in the early 1990s. David soon began courting Nancy, and I happily served as their third wheel/chaperone/bowling league mascot. We bowled often, laughed even more, and built the kind of friendship that doesn’t fade with time.
Jeff entered the picture later, and Nancy would have absolutely told me if he didn’t pass inspection. Thankfully, he did — and he and David bonded instantly over their shared Navy background and the Naval Nuclear Power Program. Long before Ashley was born, David and Nancy asked me to be their son Nick’s godmother — a gesture that meant the world to me and deepened our lifelong connection. Years later, I asked Nancy to be one of Ashley’s godmothers, completing a beautiful circle of friendship and family that has spanned decades.
The last time I saw Nancy was April 2025 in Virginia Beach. Jeff hadn’t seen her since around 2011, and neither of us had seen David since about 2010. So when they said they were willing to drive all the way to Huntsville? Our hearts did a little cartwheel.
This weekend wasn’t just a reunion. It was a reminder of how friendships — the real ones — stretch across years, states, and life chapters without losing their shape.
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Hanging Out
Friday Dinner at Our House
They arrived Friday evening after a long drive, and the moment they stepped through the door, it felt like no time had passed at all. We kept dinner casual — pizza and brownies — because sometimes the simplest meals make room for the richest conversations.
We talked about our kids: their son Nick, now 27, and our daughter Ashley, now 22. We talked about life, work, aging (or in Nancy’s case, not aging — her Japanese heritage is doing some truly magical work). We talked about the years we missed and the memories we never forgot.
It was the kind of night where you don’t realize how late it’s gotten until you glance at the clock and wonder how hours slipped by so quickly.
His Take (Jeff)
There’s something grounding about reconnecting with people who knew you before life got complicated. Seeing David again brought back memories of Navy days, long shifts, and the kind of camaraderie you don’t outgrow. And catching up with Nancy — well, she’s still the same bright spark she’s always been. Friday night felt easy, familiar, and long overdue.
Her Take (Nancy Fae)
Seeing Nancy walk through our door made my heart leap. She looked youthful, radiant, and exactly like the friend I used to close down Leggett with after late shifts. Talking with her and David felt like slipping into a favorite sweater — warm, comforting, and perfectly worn-in. I didn’t realize how much I missed them until they were sitting right in front of me.
Saturday Dinner at The Ledges
Nancy Fae and Nancy Jeff and David
Saturday was a busy day for us with a family event, so we met David and Nancy later for drinks and dinner at The Ledges — our go‑to spot for good cocktails, good food, and good conversation.
We started with drinks at the bar, where the lighting is warm and the atmosphere always feels a little celebratory. Then we moved to the dining room for dinner, continuing the conversation from the night before as if we’d never paused.
There’s something magical about catching up with friends who share your history. Every story feels richer. Every laugh feels deeper. My heart stayed full all evening.
Nancy with the Summertime Drifter Mocktail David with Huntsville Back Forty Beer Nancy Fae with an Amaretto Sour Cocktail Jeff with a Mango Home Cocktail
His Take (Jeff)
The Ledges never disappoints, but sharing it with old friends made it even better. David and I picked up right where we left off — Navy stories, life updates, and a few jokes that probably should’ve stayed in 1998. It was a good night with good people.
Her Take (Nancy Fae)
Dinner at The Ledges felt like a celebration — not of an occasion, but of friendship itself. I loved watching Jeff and David reconnect, loved hearing Nancy’s stories, loved the way the evening felt both nostalgic and brand new. My heart was full, and I carried that feeling home with me.
Dinner at The Ledges Dinner at The Ledges Dinner at The Ledges Dinner at The Ledges Dinner at The Ledges Dinner at The Ledges Dinner at The Ledges
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Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Closing in the His, Hers & The Good Life Style
His Take (Jeff)
Reunions like this remind me that friendships don’t fade — they just wait patiently for the next chapter. Seeing David and Nancy again was good for the soul.
Her Take (Nancy Fae)
My heart needed this weekend. It reminded me of who I was, who I am, and the people who helped shape the journey. Nancy and David are part of our story, and having them here felt like coming home.
The Good Life
The Good Life is built on moments that matter — shared meals, shared memories, shared laughter, and shared history. This reunion wasn’t just a visit. It was a reminder that the best parts of life are the people who walk with you, even when the path winds far and wide.
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Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Bonus Pictures of the Jones’ in Huntsville
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center
David and Nancy explored Rocket City’s crown jewel — from Mars rover exhibits to the iconic Saturn V. A perfect blend of nostalgia, science, and Alabama charm.
Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Lunch at Hattie B’s
David wanted Nashville Hot Chicken, and Hattie B’s delivered. Crinkle fries, heat levels, and Southern comfort at its finest.
Lunch at Hattie B’s Lunch at Hattie B’s
The Fiber ArtWork Yarn Shop
Nancy found her happy place among local yarns — including a gorgeous skein named Interstellar. A perfect Rocket City souvenir for a gifted crocheter.
Yarn from the Fiber ArtWork Yarn Shop Interstellar Yarn from the Fiber ArtWork Yarn Shop
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
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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