It’s that time of the year when we usual think about the places we’ve traveled to during the last 12 months and also, the people who aren’t with us any longer.  I prefer doing something else.

I could write about all the great new wines I’ve tasted these past months, pontificate about the good beers that have passed over my tongue in the last year and go on about the new cocktails I’ve had the pleasure to recently experience but, I’m not going to do that.

In preparing for this year-end column, it dawned on me that I’ve had the pleasure to meet so many new and interesting people this past year — people who have helped me along the year’s path. And, since this column can be only so long, I can only reflect  on just a few of them. Bear with me…I do have a wish list for next year, too…

Recently at a meeting, I was introduced to sambosa — a triangular shaped fried pastry that is filled with spicy and savory fillings such as onions, peas, nuts, lentils minced meat (such as goat!) plus more ingredients and it’s absolutely delicious. I wished there had been a crisp lager in my hand while eating it — the pairing would’ve been spectacular.  Thanks, F.

Music played (no pun intended) a big part in my past year. Two concerts come bursting to mind: first, we were able to attend a concert in which our son’s rock/metal band played at a venue near Chicago. I’m trying to be objective here but he’s a darn good guitar player and it was fun to hear his riffs and see how he interacted with the guys in the band. Secondly, and on an entirely different musical level, we got to attend a concert of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at Lincoln Center in New York City. While I really enjoyed the beer I had at my son’s concert, I could only wish for a glass of smooth claret during the orchestra’s performance. Magnificent music at two differing levels…

It was my good fortune to meet a doctor and two nurses who talked with me rather than at me. I shared my passion for wine with them and I greatly appreciated their kindness as well as their professionalism. Thanks for being who you are…

During the year, I’ve had conversations with a minister and I appreciate his eclectic personality.  We share a passion for coffee and wine — why wouldn’t I enjoy him?  Thanks, L.

At a big social event in a nearby town, I happened to sit at a table with a couple who weren’t known to me. That unfamiliarity lasted for about five minutes and the lady turned to me as I turned to her and we introduced ourselves. My wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon (not sure the brand) but it fostered a conversation between us that continues to this day. Our similar passions meld like the pairing of good sparkling wine with hard cheddar cheese and a loaf of french bread.  Thanks, doc…

During the past year, I’ve been graced by a lady who defines herself  as a mother first, a wife second and an employee third. I like that sequence — everything in proper order. It’s like having a good port wine at the end of a comforting dinner — not at the beginning but at the end– in proper order.  Thanks, S.

I’m sure we have all brushed shoulders with new people during the last 12 months and some of those shoulders we’ve come to rely upon and some of them have passed out of sight. That’s life.  But as long as we have the promise of people around us, we’ll be ready to try new places and things in the coming year.

My wish list? There’s an 11-year-old bottle of Bordeaux wine I can’t wait to taste and will taste it soon. I’ve read about new wines coming from the countries of Eastern Europe. These countries weren’t allowed to distribute their wines during Communist rule and they come from vines that are centuries old.  Can you imagine the taste of those wines? I look forward to a sour ale that was aged in used whiskey oak barrels — that should be interesting. And, I could go on and on…

However, first and foremost, it’s the people I hope to meet this coming year and the stories that will come with them that will be satisfying and interesting. To that promise, I raise a glass of Ecco Prosecco!

Next week, a celebration for the record books.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon.

Cheers!