You'll live as long as you wine, if you wine as long as you live Antoinette,
It is fitting that this week begins on Memorial Day. A day to honor the sacrifice of those that came before us and say thank you so that we get the benefit of a long weekend and the opportunity to enjoy the fruits (read wine) of their sacrifice. Why do we drink wine? Because it's there. Just like on this day in 1953, when Hillary (the mountain climber not the emailer) and Norgay climbed the highest mountain... because it was there and the first to do so would get wine for life. So today we should reflect on and honor the challenges accepted and the sacrifices made that give us the courage to strive and the many benefits we enjoy. For instance the French aren't necessarily famous for their commitment to fighting, but when the Limeys gained control of the Burgundy wine region and Paris, even French girls would fight for a hundred years. Hmm...wine, Paris, and French girls...ooh la la, that's something to memorialize. With Joan of Arc leading the way, the French regained their wine and respect and the insult "you fight like a girl" became a compliment in France. Though captured and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431 her martyrdom while still a teen led to her beatification, several so so movies, and teenagers best argument for getting the drinking age back to 18. This week also marks the official end of the Civil War, when the last confederate army finally surrendered. America's bloodiest war was over, the union saved, and never was there a more solemn occasion to drink a serious wine. So uncork your favorite cab, pinot or chard... and toast those you know and don't know. Those who replenished the Tree of Liberty with their blood; those who took serious the words Duty, Honor, Country; and those who gave the last full measure of devotion. Commemorate those who have allowed us the shallowness of our consumer lifestyle, all our frivolous activities and the freedom to lay in bed all day today if we choose. Just remember our freedom isn't free. Enjoy what they've given us, but always with respect for what it cost. Now enjoy the day, make good on the sacrifice we memorialize, and kick off summer right, and like John Keats said: "Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors..." and as spring melds into summer, and the outdoors becomes alive with the noise of birds, cicadas, toads and Jeremiah [who] was a bullfrog, Was a good friend of mine. I never understood a single word he said, But I helped him a-drink his wine, And he always had some mighty fine wine, Singin'...Joy to the world
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