So many things remind me of a roller coaster.

In full transparency, I’ve never ridden a roller coaster, and as of now, have no desire to do so. However, I’m reminded of the park ride by so many things.

Our recent temperatures are a good example of a roller coaster ride. One day the temperature will fall into the thirties, and the next day it will hit the mid 50s. Then the weather gods launch a blast of 20s upon us, and then, tempt us with 70-degree weather.

Up and down — I can almost hear those temperature deities laughing at us!

I have a habit of saving empty wine bottles. Why? Because I like to re-read the wine bottle labels and relive my tasting experience. It’s like a roller coaster. I reach the high point while sipping the wine and fall to the low point when the bottle is empty.

Naturally, one can only stash so many empty bottles before it’s time to recycle them. Therefore, today is recycling day. So long my old friends, but I look forward to buying you again.

Education is a roller coaster ride. We’ve all had classes we love, and of course, there were always those classes we simply got through. Upon entering college, the big question is what will be your major.

For many of us, we think we’ve chosen the high point of our interest, and then, soon discover some other major seems more appealing. There’s another one of those up and down situations in life.

When wine became an interest of mine, my learning curve was crazily high and low. Who would think there was so much to learn about wine? The more I delved into the world of wine, the deeper the learning curve was revealed to me. How does one get to the top of the curve?

Gee! Don’t wines come in just two colors? Well, dumbo, no! All whites will taste the same, right? As will all reds, correct? Again dumbo, you’ve reached the bottom on the curve. Get yourself some wine books, listen to some pod casts and talk with some wine makers. Get out there and experience the growing of grapes and their processing. Take some classes so you can slowly approach the top of the curve.

Interestingly enough, the more I researched via listening, conversations, reading and sipping, the higher the curve got. Does one ever learn all there is about the production of wine? For me, I hope the answer to that question is no! There’s always something new upon the horizon.

The one thing that I’ve learned on this roller coaster of life is to not hesitate to ask for help. Asking is a sign of strength and not weakness.

Through the victories and losses, the joys and sorrows of our existence, there’s always someone waiting to lift you to the top of the roller coaster.

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

Cheers!