Bow Ties o’ the Day have been my companions all afternoon. I and my neighbors have enjoyed the sparkles, stripes, and plaids. I’ve been working outside a wee bit, prepping for springtime temperatures I hope are not too far off. I can’t wait to sit on the deck or grill on the patio. I’ve made sure we are already stocked up on a summer’s worth of insect repellent and citronella candles. Ah, the great and insect-y outdoors!
The only green potations I will be drinking tonight are what will be in the green bottles and cans of Heineken 0.0, an 100% alcohol-free beverage, which I call my “not-beer.” The drink tastes like you would imagine the abstract idea of beer might taste. I like it, and I can be completely clean and sober no matter how much I consume. Hey, I’m glad I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but I will never deny that one of the highlights of my life is when I went to Ireland 25 years ago and taste-tested every different beer I came across—from pub to shining pub. I still remember that a beer called Smithwick’s was my overall fave-rave. My belly and my taste buds were in utter high Heaven for those roamin’ ‘n’ ramblin’ two weeks. I do not apologize for, or regret, my near-scientifically extensive Ireland drinking project. But I am also proud it’s behind me. Reminiscing about any experience can sometimes be every bit as richly textured, or more so, as living through it in the first place—because now when you look back at what you did, you can see it through your older, and more self-compassionate eyes. Like anyone who has been young, I might have been a fool back then, but at least I can confidently say I’m a much smarter, more empathetic, and well-rounded fool now that I am old. 😉
Now, where did I put the bottle opener?🍺 🍀 🇮🇪
