In Hawaii, on the eleventh day of June, we celebrate Hawaii’s greatest monarch, King Kamehameha I, with a lei ceremony, hula, Floral Parade, and other cultural events. On the eve of this celebration, I find it appropriate to offer a few musings regarding Hawaii’s history and heritage, paired with a tasty beverage produced by the State’s only large commercial winemaker. Wait, Hawaii has a winemaker?!? You bet. A tropical paradise, made even better. I suspect the wine will have some tropical notes of pineapple on the nose and palate…
Read moreSpecial Edition: A Royal Hawaiian Mother’s Day
In a special Mother’s Day edition, we pay tribute to the love, support, and generosity unconditionally poured out by mothers everywhere. It's just what moms do, naturally and gracefully. Although we benefit on a regular basis, these gestures and sacrifices are too often met with little appreciation. But not today! On this day, we celebrate and honor you, mom, for all the ways in which you love, care and provide for us. Cheers to you!
Read moreBirthday Musings: The Great Birthday Roast
The second part of the Great Birthday Bash was borne out of a coincidence of timing. This month’s wine club, typically convening the last weekend of each month, was bestowed a birthday theme. Patrons were asked to select a wine (or food) that would embody the core characteristics and personality traits of this esteemed author. Okay, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it was quickly discovered that any potentially positive character trait I may possess was going to be conveniently omitted from the discussion. Cheer up, I was told, “we simply wouldn’t bother at all if we didn’t like you.” Sigh. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
Read moreBirthday Musings: The Great Birthday Serenade
Traditionally, I have not been a tremendous fan of celebrating my birthday. The historic lack of friends, money, and the inability to drink likely sapped whatever enjoyment might have otherwise been derived from a big birthday bash. This year, however, my circumstances appear to have taken a favorable deviation, with a planned two-part birthday celebration. Wait, two parts? The introvert anticipates a measure of mild discomfort.
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