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Well, did you ever…?
How's that for a leading question? Where's your mind right now? Are you thinking of the "did you ever" things you've done or not accomplished? Let's take a mental plunge together!
A long time ago I was introduced to a poem about traveling the road not taken and have never forgotten it. Most of us take the road in life that somehow fulfills our wishes but many of us do a bit of wandering before we find our path and that's okay! Wandering brings experience and wisdom, right?
Growing up on our family farm, I never wondered why I was there and learned my reason for being was to be a "good little boy" (yep, that's me!) and to do what I was told to do. However, the questioning side of me began to ask why I did this or that, and then began the unending questions about how different things would be if I had done something differently. So, the "did you ever" experiences began.
Did I ever read anything but Western novels? For a long time, no! Then, the espionage genres hit the bookshelves and my reading habits turned to those paths of enjoyment. Did I ever go back to Westerns? Certainly, but I realized there was a whole other world of reading and it lead to that poem I mentioned earlier.
Did I ever wonder why I had such a great family? Oh yes, many times, and I place the credit on my partner in life and surrounding family. Naturally, most of us can fallback on those family members and mentors we have encountered -- the teachers, good neighbors and friends who kept us on the straight and narrow.
Speaking of the straight and narrow, a few days ago I came across a wine from Falconer Vineyards (Red Wing, MN) named Hunter's Red. It's a Minnesota grown and made vino and it will get your attention with its pleasant tartness and lingering berry finish. There's no mystery about this wine -- it's straight to the point and narrowly focused. If you're a hunter, have a glass after your hunting day is finished because, then, you wouldn't have to ask yourself if you've ever had it.
But, how about you?
When you had the opportunity, did you ever take a riverboat cruise? It's a great way to relax and enjoy the river scenery while you sip a glass of Starling Castle Gewűrztraminer. You don't have to be on a cruise to enjoy the light pear and orange tastes of this classic. So, don't wonder if you've ever tasted it -- just do it!
Did you ever do something silly to hear a child laugh? I have done it many times and they've always laughed with me (probably a few times at me, too!) -- such an enjoyable sound! A child's laugh is as satisfying as a pour of Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio with its lime/green apple flavors and scent.
Did you ever take a walk without a purpose? In other words, you had no set path but just let your feet take you wherever they wanted to go. No agenda -- just a mental adjustment walk -- a chance to let things go, to let nature heal you, to allow your heart beat to slow down or to just walk. Did you ever…?
As you ate that piece of pizza, did you ever open a bottle of Canaletto Montepulciano D'Abruzzo? No, it's not a Chianti but it pairs beautifully with the classic Italian dish with its full black cherry flavors and soft tannins. It's very pleasing and, when you are finished with it, you'll never have to ask yourself if you've tasted this iconic Italian beverage.
Did I ever taste a wine as a young pup? No. Did I ever taste a wine as a teenager? No. Did I ever taste a wine when in my 20s? Dang right, I did! And I have never regretted it!
At that time, I took the road not taken and have marveled in it every since.
As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!
Cheers!