What’s a FRIAND among Friends?

What’s a FRIAND among Friends?

QIC: Tonka

Date: 07.28.2025

PAX: Drama Queen, Adobe, Wahoo, Blind Date, Zephyr, Whac-A-Mole, Cruiser, Seaman

The DashPAX know YHC is wont to dabble in the occasional baked good and furthermore allow said indulgence to inspire a beatdown. The Sunday before VI this week was one of these occasions.

On the aforementioned Sunday afternoon, I got the hankering for a buttery almond treat. After plumbing the depths of a pile of recipes, one rose to the surface above the rest. The wholesome friend pastry – wait…no, the FRIAND(?) pastry. Looked legit and promised to satisfy the itch. I popped them in the oven and tried one. Okay, a few. Perfect for the friand-ly PAX at VI awaiting YHC in the a.m.

F3 isn’t about handouts though. These men will need to earn it. Here’s how they did.

YHC arrived early, like a full 10 minutes early. This is not in character. I try to look like I know what I’m doing, but my attempts end with me aimlessly pacing in the parking lot. Thankfully, Wahoo arrives shortly after and keeps me company to prevent an identity crisis.

The remaining PAX arrive until we have a gaggle. Adobe arrives right. on. time. Let’s go.

MS/5CP

WRM – Usual Stuff

THANG

The Q led the PAX on a MOSEY(!!!) to the pavilion & playground area and produced two weinkes. Placed one in the playground and one beneath the pavilion. The PAX were to begin in the playground, progressing down the weinke, then run to the pavilion and complete the remaining exercises listed there before running back to the playground to start over. Exercises were as follows:

Full Ext Pullups x 5

Ranger Merkins x 10

IST Squats x 15

American Hammers x 20

Never Stop Toe Taps x 25

Dip Yo Hips x 30

REPEATO until fin.

0611 back to launch for…

MARY

Ring of Fire Merkins x3

Flutter kicks until…

TIME

COT

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nelly VQ @ VI 8/4

Splash and Dash upcoming. Check Slack.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Young man who took his life over the weekend. Prayers for his family.

YHC took us out expressing gratitude for F3 and the PAX in the Dash have been there for me. Also, encouraged those present to reach out to their fellow PAX when life gets dark.

Following the prayer, YHC passed out the friands and some 2nd F ensued.

NMM

The PAX in attendance were sleeping on Adobe for his colored track record of Monday morning posts (or lack thereof). It was a cinema moment when he pulled in at 06:29:30 and slowly emerged from the dark into our circle. Many refused to believe until the man was well in among us fist bumping and smirking under his no nonsense mustache.

Cruiser just returned from Philadelphia and gave me a full breakdown of ordering a philly cheesesteak like a local and the adventurous improvisations called 4th street sushi and tacos. You’ll need to ask him, but I can tell you it involves a massive slice of pizza wrapped around a philly cheesesteak in various ways. Let your imagination be your guide. Also, this man’s flight from Philly arrived at midnight with a belly full of 4th street sushi and still posted. What a guy. Site-Q of the year.

DQ with the quote of the morning, “Tonka, this sucks!”

Wahoo and I discussed all the various stratagems to consume the bounty of the okra harvest. We have a lot. Please reach out. Help us. 

Blind Date gave his compliments for my baking skills. It was indeed high praise from Le Professionnel.

Zephyr was a blur this morning. The two of us exchanged pleasantries when he arrived and I never saw him again until the end of the beatdown. “Gentle breeze” has no place with this guy. He’s a full Iowa State Cyclone.

Whac-A-Mole expressed his many thanks to the Q for his benevolence toward the PAX in turning the fans on full blast beneath the pavilion. All I can say is, it was on purpose and you’re welcome. He is also a mainstay in the gloom and crushing high-test beatdowns.

Seaman is ever the gentleman and checks in on the status of my injury each time we post together. The man knows the struggle and takes care of the ailing PAX around him. He’s the ballast of the group. Sea reference intended.

Thanks for the keys, Cruiser. They’re in the fan control room.

Always a pleasure to lead.

Tonka