Sitting at a local concert in the park event, a wellknown aspect of our existence became very noticeable.

It’s my normal routine to arrive early at the concert to get the space I like. The space is toward the back of the park because I like to watch the park fill up with families and friends. What really grabbed my attention was all of the folks who brought their dogs with them.

As everyone settled down to await the start of the concert, the dogs became welcoming members of the assembly. Many people would go to a dog, strike up a conversation with the animal’s owners and pet the dog. Everyone was smiling, and I like to think the dog was happy, too. The interaction was a wonderful pairing.

That paring element of our lives is very important to all of us. And as we all know, we all do it in many different ways.

Obviously, there are many of us who pair with someone, and that getting together can have all sorts of ramifications. We like to assume personal parings will last forever, but we all know life is not a bowl full of cherries — there are some hard nut spots, too. And of course, we socialize in many other ways, too.

Growing up in rural Minnesota, pairing was never thought of by me. The meals provided did offer pairing. For example, we had mashed potatoes and delicious beef gravy — I didn’t pay attention. I was hungry! Then wine came over the horizon to me and a new chapter began.

You mean one pairs wines with specific foods? Why not drink the wine you like with any food? Well, I learned what the two words contrast and compliment meant in the wine world. There are some nice dry Chenin Blancs like Barton & Guestier Vouvray which is one that is divine with a tasty burger. The dryness of the wine cleanses your palate of the fatty beef taste and prepares you for the next bite.

Then, you have a nice luscious pepper tasting red like Crane Lake Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon that works well with that burger. The wine compliments the beefy burger.

It’s fun to taste different foods with different wines. It just proves paring can be a learning moment and be a delight. However, as I’ve said many times, always drink what you want with whatever food – it’s your choice.

Now, back to that concert in the park … the orchestra played beautifully and the musical notes paired so well with the early summer evening. The park was comfortable and beautiful. A perfect pairing.

Don’t we all like to pair with folks with whom we can joke? That gleeful social time is good for all of us. Its enjoyable when I can get into a comical verbal jabbing conversation with someone. That opens the door to conversing over more serious topics, and forms bonds that can last a long time.

I just visited my favorite coffee shop, and while placing my order, the very busy owner called out to me with a pleasant greeting. I verbally jabbed back at her, she responded likewise and we parted laughing. What a wonderful pairing of moments. Of course, the coffee was perfectly complimentary to me!

In the final analysis, although being solo is fine, pairing is an enriching part of our journey.

May you always find your perfect pairing — whatever or whomever that is.

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

Cheers!