I’m tired of Covid.  I’m tired of wearing a mask and trying to talk with people without it being muffled.  I’m tired of sanitizer being expensive.  I’m tired of not being able to go to the movies or to a bar for a glass of something without food.  We all are tired.  On the horizon is the threat of another lockdown and deep in my mind I wonder when it will end.  I think everyone feels the same.

Ladies and gentlemen…it will end.  I don’t know when, but I know it will.  Anyone that knows me is used to this saying:

It’s the little things that count and lift us up.

Sure, I would love to win the lottery or share it with whoever wins it (that’s a hint everyone).  I would love to shelter myself in a well-stocked cabin with electricity and the internet near a trout stream in the mountains to avoid all of this.  I would like free cable too while I’m at it.

It’s a couple of days before the US Thanksgiving.  For the first time in years, I will not have access to my smoker so I will have to roast a Turkey instead of smoking one along with a Prime Rib and other items for snacking to build up my energy for Black Friday.  I’m disappointed at this because over the years, I have worked hard and taken multiple notes on how to get all these items right.  This year, no smoker but I keep saying:

It’s the little things that count and lift us up.

I know that this entire event has changed how I think positively.  One of the best examples of this is taking the time to explore when I can (or allowed too).  I read more now with a great cup of tea.  I’ve researched and learned the art of making a great Manhattan and old Fashioned.  I check on my friends and family more than ever

I’ve also taken the time to work on my palate over the last two months and branch out.

I had the pleasure of going to the town of McKinney to try North Texas wine.  Yes…there is such a thing and its great.  Texas wineries have figured out that producing Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Malbec are well suited for this climate.

Yesterday, I tasted a 2018 Viognier from Landon Winery.  From its nose of melon, key lime and nectarine with a dusting of clove and wet gravel was exceptionally attractive.  Tasting it was even better.  I loved the combo of lemon, nectarine, mango and parmesan with a rich mouthfeel and crisp finish.  This is a great bottle that I truly enjoyed.

I tried a few more wines after this and all were great expressions of the grapes and wine making talent.  However, I still come back to the saying:

It’s the little things that count and lift us up.

For me, the best part about the day was not the wine but the interaction with people.  I was able to meet an awesome married couple who were also tasting and enjoying the day.  Our host was the best part.  She had just passed Level One of the Court of Master Sommeliers and while she talked about it, you could see the passion in her eyes.  The wines were great – the interaction with this group was even better.

I finished up at 4R Ranch sipping on a glass of Tempranillo / Malbec in their new tasting room.  This is an excellent soft tannic wine with dark fruits on the nose and palate.  It’s a hard wine to describe because of its subtle complexity.  You really had to look for the fine points that the wine is showing.  Great bottle to experience.

The tasting room was quiet which allowed me to consolidate my tasting notes for future articles and memory.  And then quietly, a little girl asked to play their piano at the front door.  She sat down and played a few short Christmas tunes.  As I leaned back and took a moment to listen, I realized a few things:

• We are going to get through Covid,
• Our industry is going to bounce back better than ever in the future (people will want to get out more),
• Black Friday this year is going to be quieter (I’ve already done my shopping)
• We support our family and friends more, and
• Listening to a someone play Christmas songs is one of the nicest things that you can experience at this time of year.

It’s the little things that count and lift us up.

I hope that everyone has a very safe and Great Thanksgiving.

@artofthepair