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ConkliOdd – Donuts, Games and Life

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  • A 1000 Islands Mini-moon

    A wonderful wedding getaway.

    There was a big question in the air about what we’d do the weekend after our wedding. We had the kids set with their own plans, but Jocelyn and I waited until the last minute to decide where we were going. It was Labor Day weekend, so prices were steep, and that added a little apprehension. Still, we knew we wanted time together, just the two of us. After working a wedding in Alexandria Bay earlier this year, I’d been reminded of the simple beauty there and what it meant to me. That settled it: the Thousand Islands would be our place.

    I found the 1000 Islands Hart House online and immediately connected with its owner, Jamie. He clearly cared not only about running a welcoming bed and breakfast but also his guests experience and about Wellesley Island itself. When we arrived Saturday night, we were greeted warmly — well wishes, cold drinks, and plenty of tips for how to spend our time. Each room carried its own theme and character, and the house itself had history. It was once part of Hart Island’s Boldt Castle before the Boldts decided it didn’t fit and moved it across the water. A smart decision, because this place was worth saving.

    Mediterranean Platter

    I made dinner reservations for two restaurants that looked promising both for celebration and for gluten-free options. Our first night we sat outside at The Boat Yard in Clayton. The reviews praised the flavors and atmosphere, and in practice it mostly held up. The staff wasn’t as confident with the gluten-free menu as we’d hoped, but we landed on some great dishes. The Black and Blue Nachos were unique and piled high, the Garlic Chicken hearty, and the Mediterranean Platter had unexpected depth. The star, though, was the platter’s hummus — smoky, rich, and unlike any version I’ve had with Mediterranean food before. The Boat Yard was a great choice for flavor as well as starting to feel the atmosphere around us.

    The next morning brought a surprise. Over breakfast at the Hart House, Jocelyn spotted a familiar face: one of her kids’ former teachers, staying there with her husband. The four of us ended up laughing through the meal, sharing stories and coffee as though we’d planned it. I looked across the table at my wife, grateful again for the joy she so naturally shares. These are the small moments that remind me how lucky I am.

    Williams Baseball Pinball

    We spent the day exploring, guided by Jamie’s recommendations. Thousand Island Park was our first stop, also the site of our second dinner reservation. Along the way we ducked into The Guzzle, a boutique-style grocery and coffee shop that doubled as a game space and mini arcade. I grew up with pinball machines, so seeing an old baseball-themed pinball game made me light up. Jocelyn, meanwhile, reminded me she’s the real gamer in the family by absolutely crushing me at pool. Places like this — small, quirky, alive with character — are what make travel so memorable.

    Later we drove down the St. Lawrence to a few smaller riverside towns. This was Jocelyn’s suggestion based on her own history. Her grandparents had a place nearby, and she has fond memories of summers spent exploring. Walking through Cape Vincent and Clayton with her as my guide was like stepping into her nostalgia. The shops were small, the people friendly, and even at the end of the season the towns felt vibrant. I love connecting with people when we travel, so that energy gave me a spark.

    We had high hopes for dinner at the Wellesley Hotel. The building itself felt like a piece of history — polished woodwork, simple design, a reminder of a time when grand hotels filled Thousand Island Park. Most of those are gone now, victims of fire or time, but the Wellesley remains as the last in that line. Walking in, it carried the kind of weight that makes you expect something special.

    Pomme Frites

    The start was promising. We shared Truffle Pomme Frites, crisp and fragrant, though we quickly learned each bite needed a good hit of parmesan to really sing. Still, it set the tone for what we thought would be a refined meal.

    Korean Shortrib

    For mains, we ordered steak with Gorgonzola cream sauce and tried the Korean short rib. Both sounded perfect for a celebratory evening. The flavors were there — that sauce in particular was superb — but the execution left us wanting. Her steak wasn’t cooked to order, and the sauce portion was too light to balance the dish. My plate was even more unbalanced: one small rice pancake, a tiny streak of chimichurri, and no vegetable to round it out. It looked elegant, but it simply wasn’t enough to stand as a main course.

    Superb Sauce

    The kitchen clearly had the right ideas on flavor, but the proportions missed the mark. At this price point, and with the elegance the Wellesley represents, we expected more.

    And yet, as we lingered in that old dining room, I found myself less concerned with the meal and more with the company. My bride and I laughed at the mismatched plates, shared what worked, and left with a memory that will last longer than any entrée. The hotel stands as a relic of history, but the real treasure that night was time together.

    Our last morning was quiet. Another breakfast at the Hart House, a few more goodbyes, and then we were on our way. We left knowing this little slice of New York was one we’d return to. The Thousand Islands have a calm and charm that feel exactly right for us. My new bride and I need that, and I can’t wait to share it again — with her, and with those we love.

    A great weekend together

  • Capybara Crush Board Game Review: Smiles, Strategy, and Snuggly Packaging

    Capybaras Get Their Heads in the Game

    Capybaras have been living rent-free in our heads lately. The zeitgeist is strong—you see them in games, posters, and funny videos. I’ve never been the type to hold strong opinions about them, but their simple cuteness is undeniable. That charm serves them well, especially as the foundation for a game.

    Capybara Crush, designed by Dylan Coyle, fits right into the aesthetic of the Charming Games Collective. They’ve built a niche around irresistibly cute titles where the art pulls you in with playful characters. Meeting Dylan, I got the sense that the cuteness isn’t just marketing—it’s part of who he is and how he approaches games. They’ve leaned into it with clever packaging (stuffed animal containers!) and even standalone plushies to snuggle. Spending time with folks from Charming gave off exactly that cozy, joyful vibe.

    A Charming Selfie

    The game itself is a card-drafting puzzle where you’re trying to build patterns and sequences for higher scores. The lore sets the stage: the river has flooded, and heroic capybaras are saving other animals by letting them ride along on their heads. River sections can swap out, giving special powers that let you rearrange your tableau, flip cards, or adjust your strategy. If you skip using those powers, they’re worth points at the end. Between drafting choices and power activation, there’s more strategy than first meets the eye. Playing with my son, we found ourselves thinking carefully about those nuances as the board took shape. He summed it up best: Capybara Crush is competitive, but it leaves you with good feelings.

    One thing I appreciated this time was the rulebook. Compared to the last Charming game we played, this one had a much cleaner layout, making the interactions and setup easier to follow. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you just want to dive in and play.

    Overall, I really like what Dylan and the team are doing—you can see their passion firsthand. Their games fit the family-fun vibe while quietly building skills. For me, the base game earns a solid 8 out of 10. Add in the deluxe edition with its fuzzy container, and I’d give it an extra point. Bring some capybaras to your table and try not to smile.

  • Joy of a Simple Wedding

    Our Wedding With Simple Love

    My partner and I are easily entertained. Over the past few years together, we’ve learned that the simple things make us happiest. Since we’ve both been married before—and we each have kids—we knew we didn’t need a grand production this time around. What we wanted was a celebration: something warm, genuine, and full of the people we love. That’s when I realized something surprising. In our relationship, I’m the Primadonna.

    I work with weddings often, so of course I’ve built up opinions. The first time I got married, I was young and didn’t think much about the details. Now, after officiating and attending so many ceremonies, I knew what I liked, what I didn’t, and where I wanted to land.

    One thing was clear: I didn’t want to elope. I’ve been lucky to meet and love people from all walks of life, and I wanted to share the day with as many of them as possible—without going broke. That meant something bigger than a Vegas Elvis wedding, but still rooted in simplicity.

    We found a venue in Lyn’s hometown, run by people she already trusted. Brooke, Ty and their team at Rustic Ties were incredible—friendly, flexible, and even employing classmates and friends of our kids. We told them the essentials: gluten-free food, no strong opinions about napkins or décor, and a preference for keeping things simple. They rolled with it completely. It helps that their Dolgeville, NY space is naturally beautiful: rustic, warm, and welcoming.

    We didn’t go with a florist or stress about color palettes. Instead, Lyn’s mom—who helps with the local farmers market—connected us to someone selling wildflowers. A quick conversation later, we had everything we needed: bud vases, boutonnieres, and bouquets. I dusted off my old floral training to pull it together, and it felt like hopping back on a bike. One pro tip: don’t hand your bouquet-allergic fiancé too many flowers. They’ll feel better once you stop.

    A Ceremony and a Rick Roll

    Our officiant was Levon, a dear friend, business partner, and brother from another mother. He’s done weddings before, and he struck the perfect balance: heartfelt and hilarious. Yes, we got Rick Rolled in the middle of the ceremony, and no, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

    Every vendor we worked with shared that same spirit of simplicity. Our photographer is a friend and fellow educator who’s captured family photos for years. The music, sound, and karaoke came from a team in Syracuse I’d trusted before. When we met with anyone, we said the same thing: we just want to have fun, we don’t have a lot of specifics. They all rolled with it, exactly as we hoped.

    On the day itself, I couldn’t have asked for more. It was simple, but it overflowed with humor, emotion, and love. Our kids looked as amazing as they are on the inside. My bride took my breath away and made me cry when I saw her in her dress. We danced, we laughed, and we celebrated with the people who mean the most.

    Simple and Lovely

    And really, it can be that simple—if that’s what you want. A wedding can be you and four friends in a park, crying through vows. It can be something more elaborate if that fits you better. But it doesn’t have to be complicated just because tradition says so. As Lyn likes to remind me: “We’re in our forties, so we can do what we want.” I’d argue that’s true at any age. Create the wedding that feels right for you—even if it’s simple.

  • Reframing the Game

    Do you see wetlands, a building or more?

    There are so many tropes about how we see the world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The grass is always greener. Is your glass half empty or half full?

    I usually land on the half-full side. I like to be positive and look for the brightness in things. That perspective guides much of my life, but as I grow personally and professionally, I’ve realized how important it is to think outside that single frame.

    It’s easy to stay locked in one perspective. If you’ve faced hardship, your outlook is shaped by that. Even smaller things—like getting a headache every time you eat chocolate (who could that possibly be?)—can change how you see something. Chocolate itself isn’t bad, but your experience creates a negative frame around it.

    Games work the same way. Trick-taking card games may share mechanics, but themes change how we experience them. One might feature axolotls in cowboy hats, another cooking utensils making a dish. Different players respond differently, depending on their own frame of reference.

    Frames of reference are often justified by reality. Our lives are shaped by circumstances we don’t always control. Take work: if there are no jobs in your field nearby, you can’t just will them into existence. But how you frame the situation matters. You might see it as a failing of yourself or your profession, which isn’t constructive. Or you can reframe: look for how your skills translate, explore opportunities your region does offer, or decide to move. The frame shapes whether you feel stuck—or see options.

    This is where positivity and negativity matter. In my experience, approaching problems positively leads to better outcomes. It helps us set goals, treat ourselves kindly, and treat others well along the way. Negativity, by contrast, often spreads and festers. And that mood feels especially present across the U.S. right now, in many aspects of life.

    But positivity alone isn’t enough. If we ignore negatives, we risk being naïve—caught off guard by challenges we could have anticipated. Not everyone acts in good faith, and positivity won’t magically change that. The best frame blends both: hopeful, but realistic.

    So what do we do? A simple exercise is to pause and shift your frame, even briefly. Look for positives or negatives you hadn’t considered. Think about the perspectives of others in the situation. Talk it out with people whose outlook you value. Just as negativity spreads, so does positivity—especially when paired with preparation.

    Funny enough, I started this post thinking only about how frames shape games and work. Writing it shifted my own frame. That’s the point: don’t be afraid when your perspective changes. Sometimes it pushes you out of your comfort zone in good ways—like volunteering, joining a local group, or simply learning from older folks eager to share wisdom.

    My challenge to you: take a moment to see through another frame. Not every perspective will fit you, but exploring them will leave you better informed—and better equipped to shape your own life, and the lives of those around you.

  • I’m Kind of a Big Dill Game Review

    I’m not Gherkin your chain.

    Have you ever embellished something?  Was the fish longer in your story than it was in real life? Does your dating profile talk a bit more about your passion for reading than may be true? Is your age dependent on the day? This may be exactly the right game for you. 

    We first came across this game earlier in the year by Left Justified Studio. It is a story bluffing game developed by Adam Bain and Grant Lyon where you have to embellish your ability in or feeling on something positively or negatively by a certain amount. A party game, Big Dill is centered around the players’s ability to communicate and the fun that can come with a little fibbing. With an ability to score from both the storyteller and those listening, there is a great competitive dynamic.

    Our biggest problem was getting this to the table. Though we had it for some time it was harder to get out with a group of three than with a group of four. As soon as we did though we quickly had fun telling each other  about all our “skills”. We did this as a family, so it allowed me to talk about things that I have never brought up with my kids. They also heard from their stepmother about things that they would have no context for yet. It made a very interesting generational interaction where I think this game can shine with families. For friends who think they know each other this also is a great way to bring together in-jokes and callbacks to familiar history.

    The box itself is an interesting shape,  but is set up correctly to size. The game employees whiteboards for each player as well as markers so you can guess and then erase. I especially enjoy this scorekeeping element. The pickle motif across the entire game also is a great tie in. It makes some really fun puns and different pickle designs for each board.  John Kovalic and Kenzie Lindow’s art brings these pickles to life, and I think in future expansions art could be put in more places. 

    I also want to shout out the expansion Gets Nerdy. I feel they did a great job with it because it expanded more whiteboards for more players as well as nerdy topics. As a self-professed geek, I can confirm they have put in some really great topics for this specific trope. I know I’m going to have to get this out with a different group than just the family, but when I do, I cannot wait to nerd out.

    In the end, we had a great time playing the game and it’s one of the rare ones where  kids wanted to keep going. I also cannot wait to continue to test my paces of storytelling through this unique game method. I think there’s good room for more expansions that I look forward to seeing.

    Overall rating is 7.5. Thank you to Left Justified Studio for providing a review copy. Next time I’ll bring the pickles and the game will bring some laughs.

  • Oram’s Donut Shop Pittsburgh Review

    A box of delicious tradition.

    Is Beaver Falls part of Pittsburgh? When I gave the call out to get an idea of where to go in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this was easily the top commented place to go. I’m not as familiar with the area as I would like to be so I do not know if this is exactly in the greater area. No matter what, the people of Pittsburgh agreed that this was the place that I needed to go check out.

    We were on our way to Gen Con and this was a great stop late morning to grab something. Doing the research it appeared that not only did Oram’s specialize in old fashion type donuts, but they were one of the only places of note open on a Tuesday. Where I live Monday is the day that most places are closed so it’s interesting to see a difference regionally. 

    We drove through Beaver Falls which was quite quaint, and matched the vibe of the shop. It was close to closing time, but still a perfect time to get a doughnut. I love the old façade and sign that greeted your eyes upon seeing the shop. It really brings me back to the nostalgia I love with donuts.

    Donuts and Pastry

    Inside with my kids, we got a nice variety of items. I took a vanilla with cream filled, my son got a special orange frosted with jelly, and my daughter took a chocolate muffin. They also seemed to specialize in cream horns, so we got one to try together. A big difference right away was that the top of the donut was buttercream, which escaped my mind when I was recording, but my daughter was quick to point out. There was great contrast with the cream inside the donut, so it made a spot on flavor. A lot of sweetness in these donuts, but you can tell that is the effect they are going for. Both of the kids enjoyed their picks, and when we got to the horn, it was crisp and delicious. I was impressed that it was not too sweet compared to the other items and very good to see the contrast.

    Overall, I think Oram’s Donut Shop is a good all-arounder. For a return trip, I would love to see what their full selection is, but that late in the day I think we got some good things. The folks in the shop were friendly even in tight quarters. The lack of seating is difficult but understandable. I put them at a four out of five and definitely add them to places worth stopping at in Pennsylvania

  • Is Glazed the Universal Donut?

    Read and Tell Me The Joke

    While traveling last week, a friend brought up that they judge donut shops based on a glazed donut . They get that variety of donut wherever they go, and use that as their baseline looking at places. It is not my methodology, but it does bring up a great point to think about; could a glaze donut be the universal measure?

    I think there’s a lot of value in having something universal to go by.  Doing research you know that by removing variables you are able to measure more accurately. Looking at the sticky sugary covered yeast donuts in every location does give a parallel viewpoint. Glazed is also what many people think of in terms of a donut. Other than the pink sprinkle frosted, that donut is very much the icon of donut symbology. 

    You can conduct these reviews on a few different measures. The content, texture and taste of the glaze is the first thing to touch your tongue. From there you can feel the fluff or weight of the donut itself. You can tell how well it was risen for the size and determine what it does for your mouth feel. So many factors are clearly useful with all this in mind.

    On the other hand,  what do we miss with this method? First of all, it excludes any cake donuts. I would wager also it eliminates rice flour based donuts. Certain shops have those as their specialty so they are out of the running almost immediately if that is the only thing we’re keying in. We also miss creativity from other areas that donuts are expanding. From fillings, to frosting, to candy covered treats on top, there is much to be said about harmonizing these new and different flavors and building methods for a doughnut. Case in point; I stop when I see something in a donut case that I don’t see you every day.

    Where does this leave us?  As Miley Cyrus said, I think we have to think of the best of both worlds. Getting a glazed someplace can help you get insight in the universal sense of their donuts. You also need to be able to see where else a bakery could shine outside of that mold. For me, I am the ultimate winner because it seems like I’m going to order two donuts every stop now. 

    Thank you Ref Dave for that insight. You will have to teach me how zebras eat donuts.

    Card Wrestling’s Hardest Working Ref

  • Rebel Princess by Zombie Paella Game Review

    Princesses with Power

    My experience with Rebel Princess goes right along with my experience with princesses. I find myself dazzled a bit every time I get a chance to see them, but you can’t marry someone you just met. This game is quite different because I’m happy to get it out to play anytime.

    Let’s start with the gameplay itself. Trick is all the rage but this game layers strategy around whether or not you want to take the trick or influence somebody else on it. By adding a different influential, mechanic or scoring change with each of the rounds you play, at random this game feels different every time you get it down based on the gameplay let alone the different people you play it with. The games I played with kids and adults both felt different and engaging. With four different designers at the helm I feel like the group effort definitely provided some unique success with different mechanics in the individual cards.

    Next is the art and themes of this game. Turning the damsel in distress, princess on its head is something that really speaks to many people. My daughter, as an example sees this approach as something that fits her more as a person, and I enjoy games emulating where we are going in our culture.  The princesses are recognizable and trademark distinct, but each of them represents something in everybody’s mind as well as a related mechanic, giving that princess some power. The art feels soft and inviting, and the color palette works well with one another. Alfredo Cáceres has done an excellent job drawing you into the storybook of a game with their art.

    Getting the game on the table has been exciting. The instructions are informative for skilled and new gamers. I found it easy to teach the rules both at an adolescent and adult level. Bringing this out at our local game store, the regulars had a nice time teaching each other the hard way why or why not they would want to trick in their hands. Special shout out goes to whoever had the idea of the Frog becoming the ultimate villain of this game. It will easily go down as one of the most reviled cards ever ever to grace my house.

    I wanna bring it right back to where we started with the great publisher of this work. Zombie Paella has made something really exciting here. I want to thank their partner Bezier for providing me copies to review, as well as keep up with how it’s expanding. The new individual cards as well as the storybook expansion really adds to the game. I have no doubt the next expansions will be similar and make me smile.

    Overall rating is a 10 out of 10. Inspired work on how to not get married.

  • 2025 Gen Con Recap

    The Best 4 Days in Gaming

    I spent the past week at Gen Con in Indianapolis, my fourth time at the convention. This is my first trip to mix a bit of business with family as I brought my two children along for the ride. This was their first convention ever, and I thought if we were gonna go anywhere with it, why not go to the largest one possible. Sorry kids, it’s all downhill from here.

    This year there was a sellout of tickets rather early. You could feel it the most on the Thursday with how busy it was. A colleague mentioned that it seems like hard-core board game and role-playing game people are the Thursday and Friday crowd. A large number of games sold out relatively quickly on Thursday so I can see where they are coming from. I missed some chances for a few things that were on my list, but to me that’s just part of what happens at the convention. Sometimes you get the Lorcana and sometimes you don’t.

    I found the atmosphere this year very friendly, especially with bringing my kids to the convention. Everyone was super friendly, and I found them getting to see and feel this side of who they are in a safer space. While my son professes is very broadly to be a game head, it is not the same for my daughter. She has a lot more social hierarchy concerns in her life. In this space though , there is a level playing field with everyone looking at games and geeky fandom all together and feeling excited. The look in her eyes when her friends wanna play Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza was the same as the one on her face through our walk in the expo hall.

    I tend to over schedule when it comes to convention, and this time was no different. We had to cancel and return some tickets based on what we saw happening in real time, as well as biting off a bit more than we could chew. Highlights include performing at the Disney Cosplay Cabaret, my first Gen Con opening ceremonies, and watching other creators play Change My Mind. As much as a convention is about games it’s also very much about the experience and people. I ran my own panel for the first time on scouting game design and though attendance was small it connected many different folks from scouting across the country. I learned that there is a Scout-Con in the Midwest for scouts working in games that I wholeheartedly want to mimic for scouts in New York.

    I have many publishers to thank for sending me home with review copies of a lot of different games. Hillary’s Toy Box was amazing all week, including me in what they were looking to do at the convention for giving away games and certificates. I had a great meeting with Floodgate Games and had a chance to check out a few different titles including Kites and Squirreled Away. Rabble showed me some of their upcoming titles, and we had a great time catching up with the team from Charming Games on the adorable small box games they have designed. We met up with many other folks along the way and I’m very excited to cover some of their work.

    The only feedback I give the convention runners is that we are losing some of the variety that makes Gen Con special. Anime events seemed to be removed this year to the ire of some. Popular food trucks were not picked up this year though there is space for more of them out in the area. I know my events when it comes to weddings have still been put on hold. It’s important to not lose some of the unique charm that these things can bring while streamlining. Gen Con is about inclusion and these things just miss the mark a bit.

    I was able to take a moment and meet the new chairperson  for the convention Brian Lewis while walking the convention. I thanked him for stepping in to be a leader and let him know I appreciated what they were doing. Though I may not agree with everything Gen Con is doing, I think they are filled with good people trying to do good things for all gaming. That is the vibe I took away from the convention and why I will be back next year to keep building it up.

  • Gaming and Friendship

    David Hoppe President of Gen Con’s

    As much as I wanna write about  Gen Con and the amazing parts of this convention that are exhausting me to no end in the best ways, tonight I’m reflecting on how much games have meant to me building friendships.

    I for years was the kid who struggled making deep friendships. I was always a kid who was on the fringe, wanting to be friends with everyone, but not best friends with anyone. ADHD and being socially awkward made my connections to others difficult. In turn, being an empath meant I could feel everyone’s emotions, but I could not contextualize them socially.

    During this time, I spent my youth in single player games. Many hours of RPG’s and solo modes that allowed me to escape in the places. Although those places didn’t socialize, they were comforting as I love gaming. College would begin to take me out of that into multiplayer and social games. It was like a breath of fresh air with a new place and a feeling. It was a long road from there, but I continued to grow.

    Becoming an adult I honed my communication as I spent more time with people. I found who I myself was and allowed myself to be that person with those I cared about. I found my friendships growing as well, deeper and richer. Eventually, I found great friends who I consider best friends.

    At the core we connected because of gaming. I always found it easy to work through and talk through games with people. These other gamers related to who I was, and found joy alongside another round of video games. To this day they are my best friends.

    Coming back to Gen Con I find myself building those quality relationships again with new people in the analog gaming space. I have made friends with people gaming from across the country who love the same things I love about games. They are also parents. They also educators. They are also creators. They come from every spectrum and I value their voices and smiles as we get to take in games and life together. 

    This is the power of gaming in terms of bringing people together. This year, the President of Gen Con David Hoppe referred to it, and talked about the power we have together through games. He said the world needs more Gen Con’s. If it’s about the friendships we’ve made at the table or on a headset then I think we can use more than that.