June 20, 2025 Odds and Ends

So many random thoughts, none of which will create world peace, but need to be organized in my head. Writing about them will help with my perspective.

Faux wine. I was a dyed in the wool wine drinker. It had humble beginnings; remember Riunite? I thought I was a true sommelier, growing from a beer fan. Eventually, I did get to the big girl blends, with Chardonnay, specifically Butter, becoming my love. Not to take anything away from the reds, of course. I missed how special a simple meal would seem with that pretty stemmed glass accompanying it, but not the aftermath. Thus began my recent search into the nonalcoholic brands. Let me tell you, I'm not a vinegar fan, nor am I an avid cider consumer, especially when it tastes like rotten apples. Those first tries, no matter how well touted they were, ended up being an exercise in futility, crushing all hope for a flavorful alternative. Then I found Proxies. Not sickly sweet, just right. Some with a tingle of bubbles, not soda-like. Not acidic or bitter, but with a slight bite of citrus. The white I tried first had a fabulous grapefruit flavor. Anyway, I think I've found just what I've been looking for. I can't speak for the red. Yet.

Social media. I promised no politics here; I'm staying with that. The state of the world right now, however, is leaving me feeling sick, angry, and frustrated over the lack of a feasible solution to the current affairs. I work hard to respect others' opinions, unless completely unbelievable or when the same courtesy is not extended in return. Instagram is more filtered than Facebook in that I have more control over the content I see. I have, however, gone through the stories and influencers I've accumulated, deciding with each "what is this doing for me?".  I had so many people I was watching for their content that I was struggling to get through it all. It's not my job! By culling the herd, I've cut down on repetitive subjects and ad endorsements, making my time on the gram more enjoyable and productive. There really is some great information there. Facebook seems like Instagram's drunk cousin, more in your face and unfiltered. I'm glad I came back to the fold, but will admit to pulling back on my time there. The political scene is too hard on my heart and stomach lining.

The kitchen. Our electrician is coming tomorrow to wire the outlets now that the walls and ceiling are done. The cabinets cannot be far behind. I had purchased door pulls a few months ago, but after perusing pictures of kitchens, I decided to return them for knobs. I felt the knobs are less visual noise and the scale seems better for the room.

Teenage boys.  We have 16 and 13 year old grand boys, both go up a year this fall. I'm not sure I'm going to survive them. Our own boys had enough in common that all-out war never broke out. They were my reward for surviving their sister. Now I'm faced with two of them. Someone is always complaining about the other getting preferential treatment. So frustrating when I work so not to show favor with the oil and water brothers. Give me a volleyball court full of teen girls any day. Mmm...I wonder where my referee's shirt is hiding?

Family. I've alluded to an issue within my Needham family. I'm not comfortable sharing that at this time. It will be public knowledge soon anyway; it just cannot come from me. As grown humans, you'd think that after growing up together, there would be that bond, an unbreakable connection. But, like many families, once the parents are gone, many find themselves scattering apart, some even becoming estranged. I knew this could happen, but never believed it actually would.

One last whine. I'm so sick of everything on the grill. Maybe if I attempt another "interesting" loaf of bread out of the bread machine we can at least smell something different!

I'm not sure even a roll of duct tape would give this post any continuity. ☘