WHINING, MUSLIMS, RESPIRATORS (Week of Dec 13)

 Our big adventure this week was our annual wine tasting with a select group of "coon a sewers" of all things bubbly red and white. We normally hold our soiree around All Hallows as a Fall fete, but covid knocked that back a few weeks.   I had five selections this year starting with a refreshing sparkling reisling that I asked all to hold while I presented a toast to Christmas, to all we lost since we last imbibed and promoting hope for the future. We were assisted this year by one of the couples who braved a couple of days with the OH and myself in Traverse as we scoured wineries for our 2021 party. Exhausting work, but someone has to do it - I think we made 8 or was it 9?  They just played along and drank whatever they wanted; party worthy or not.  Great attribuite in traveling companions.

I prepare an elaborate description about the nuances on each choice, which no one reads anyway.  I gave up reading it out loud as the lively conversations already occurring require no other punctuation.  Yet I persist in the name of full disclosure.  Though we do find it fun to pretend one found and correctly identified the grapefruit, kiwi, black cherry and toffee notes advertised.  Though the description that mentioned weathered wood and fallen leaves I felt was better left undiscovered. Also realized a couple days later, I served the wrong red wine. I had similar bottles but intended to serve a different one than the one I actually set out.  As that was number four on the hit parade, no one really noticed. Also our generous friends all follow the rule that you never accept a party invite without bringing a hostess gift of yummy food! Our Traverse City traveling buddies made cookies utilizing the cherry concoction they got on the trip. Another brought his mind-blowing brownies; cashews from a third and a goodie basket from the fourth couple.  We were pleasantly wined and bloated with our cheese fondue and various other snackies.

We are tentatively, well actually full-blown, restoring the Ide Family Christmas dinner.  Although as families grow and change we realized we suddenly have 17 people rsvping. Whoah!  We had decided to forego the whole turkey carving schmear for simplicity's sake and stick to ham and turkey breasts (for my S-I-L). Carving takes over all available counter space, it's messy and the dog goes nuts waiting for something to inadvertently hit the floor. 

 The turkey breast choice proved to be both prophetic and inspired if one believes in Godwinks (coincidences) My sister's step-son has married and has a wonderful new family that we love. Then my sister wrote to say, "you know, they don't eat pork". This after I had already invited them saying you may have in-law responsibilities but you are welcome here on Christmas. Though they revere Jesus as a great prophet, the Muslim religion is not so much into celebrating his Winter Solstice birthday or any feast days for that matter.  Happily bottom line, they're coming and I will discreetly whisk them in first to the table to grab the turkey entree LOL. 

Oh yeah I mentioned respirators.  Attended a Christmas concert which was just what the doctor ordered for holiday kick-off.  Mask or not? Though not crowded (community band) it seemed prudent to don the "gay" apparel.  Wonderful concert with band members similarly masked-at least the percussionists as they're not blowing on anything except each other.

 Reminded me of a favor I did the Fire Department. Upon obtaining new air supplied units they neglected to buy individual mouthpieces for each fire fighter reasoning if they had to be used, they would sanitize between wearers - which is acceptable.  Only problem was, one had to take the unit apart to dry which took much longer than advertised. Complaints, to me, of tasting the previous wearer's chewing tobacco, etc., arose.  Whether it was really true I have no idea, but everybody got their own and everybody was happy. Sometimes you just have to go with it. 

In keeping with our last few year's tradition, daughter, s-i-l and grandson will spend Christmas Eve night with us. Santa (Mom) has already made a visit so a little someone will not be disappointed that Santa will find us at Nana's house.  Cookie decorating and Chinese dinner are on the menu.

Merry Christmas and definitely Peace to All.....

MERRY KRISTEN/CHRISTMAS (Week of Dec. 6)

 Freddie Fir made his way from a benevolent field of green to a plushie carpet of gray next to the fireplace. Finally realizing we were rounding the curve toward Christmas at breakneck speed we decided it was time to hustle and pick out the main player of the interior design. Although only open since November 26, the tree lot had gone through 1000 of the 1200 trees they usually pre-cut. That doesn't even count the ones you ax-down yourself. 

Another week of painstaking work placing each ornament at precisely the correct elevation and distance from its brothers and sisters (theme this year is red and gold). However the multi-faceted light combinations available made picking one color or action (chasing, twinkling, fading, etc) difficult to settle upon. Though a slim member of the evergreen family was chosen, again I will not have enough room for all the packages that will soon adorn it's feet. 

Stock market settled down after four weeks of incremental losses; though when the DOW is sitting at 36,000 it's hard to feel bad. The whining about inflation seems to affect only those things that we need that are costing us more, yet those things we want -Christmas trees, family trips to Florida, all the latest toys and adventures continue merrily on. So apparently the ones really affected are those who barely have money for groceries and gas. However, gas has dropped dramatically here which is what always happens. Groceries, not so much. 

Speaking of groceries we hit the warehouse store so I could crab about grocery prices and discovered a treasured belief debunked.  Standing behind a "little ole gal" I noted her cart was crammed with several types of baked goods and cookies. Aha! Grandma's cookies actually come from the store!! Perhaps she places a few in the oven on low temp to diffuse the fresh-baked aroma and "lie" to the grandkids.  But between her yoga classes, race car fetish, classes on conversational italian and podcasting, Grandma has a lot less time than she used to. Soldier on I say.

Segueing to employee training, ahem, I watched a comical demonstration while waiting for my order at a local drug store. As the Manager was at the computer talking the new "emp" through the steps on a rather detailed transaction for me I noted the new "emp" standing off to one side, totally oblivious while cleaning her glasses. As I was in a unique spot I could see the whole exercise go down. The Manager never turned to see if her lesson was being understood and the "emp" was in la-la land waiting for someone to say GO I guess.  Although my first instinct was to interrupt and say "she's not listening" I realized - not my problem. 

A friend's Mother passed away this week and it brings up all types of emotions and memories. We don't remember the struggle of the last few years, if one has the gift of a long life. We remember the youthful parent who both frustrated and loved us standing staunchly in our corner whatever the challenge and being so familiar that we took for granted they would always be there waiting. The thought that we are now alone as the elders of the family and that the traditions our parents represented are changing is sobering. The goofiest memories, the cringe-worthy moments strike at the oddest times and the grief we put aside for a moment comes barreling back without warning. It gets better you think, but just not today.

Finished off the week with the grandson for an overnight this weekend. He was quite hilarious claiming staying with us meant he could just "chill" as he had experienced a rough week including various school yard injuries of both the physical and emotional types. Then switching gear from woe two seconds later he excitedly asked me "do you know what comprehension means?" "Yes, wait what do you think it means?" He told me, correctly, which was to preface that he got ten out of ten on his comprehension assignment.  LOL.

 As he does each year, Joe tested all the musical Christmas creatures we've accumulated over the years. When he was younger he would attempt to get all of the toys running at the same time, but the older version is more scientific. He experimented on which would last the longest and placed bets. He also relayed his approval to Grandpa (he knows who decorates) for his efforts on both outdoor and indoor decor and then claimed our Oreos (we have a cookies & milk ritual at 9 pm) were stale.  Oh the truth of children. He finished out his visit by treating Grandpa to one of his Godzilla movies carefully explaining what was happening in each scene. He's one of those...  Finally he dutifully helped his Mother blow out the candles on her birthday cake which her Mother (me) humorously marked her age with a series of 3's.  Figure it out. Peace to All of Good Will....

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, COVIE AND HARVEST DAY (Week of Nov. 29)

 It's beginning to look "a bit like Christmas" with the outdoor lights installed and spreading their twinkling gaiety on our exceedingly dark neighborhood (no streetlights) on the river. I can see one lonely lighted snow person down the street and of course our neighbor and I flash our patio lights green for the Spartans on game days so both sides of the house are covered. Now trying to decide if the extravagant inside decor should commence; which takes days...

 The OH is the prime decorator; a lesson I learned many moons ago. If I placed something it was usually moved so I let him have at it. He is also a prolific collector of antique (mostly) Santa figures so we made our annual trek to the flea/second hand/antique shops this week. He came home with several new treasures so our shelf normally dedicated to various Santas is becoming an entire bookcase. 

In Covid news, our lowly virus is now associated with another greek letter, omicron, in this spelling bee that no one wants to win. Interesting factoid - in astronomy the15th letter omicron is the 15th star in a constellation. How lovely. 

We had a health scare this week as our niece was transported to emergency with difficulty breathing and the eventual development of blood clots. After a couple of days, my sister-in-law let me know it was not covid but still serious. Fortunately there was room at the inn, though they had to transport to another hospital for treatment. After breathing a sigh of relief when she was discharged my S-I-L got back to town to discover her boss had just died of covid.  This lady was unvaccinated and unabashedly vocal about her vehement skepticsim of covid being as serious as reported. Covid doesn't care. Rest in Peace.

One commentator conjectured that 25% of  the population is petrified of needles and with the constant advertisement of public stabbings on the news and commercials, we may be actually strengthening their resolve not to be poked regardless of the consequences. On the plus side, the grandson got his second shot like a trooper. My relief is stellar. 

We also picked up our massive 1/4 beefy order this week compliments of our once frolicking bovine, though 900 pounds probably doesn't frolic that much. The butcher just whipped the three boxes into the trunk with the ease of long practice and we struggled to dislodge them upon arriving at home. We won't be needing ground beef for awhile as those packages alone took over an entire freezer shelf.  Along with some succulent roasts and steaks...The OH wondered if we should name our moo-er volunteer, but that seems a bit too chummy considering his ultimate sacrifice which gives a whole new meaning of not playing with your food, or personifying it.

After several years of hinting a certain evergreen in our yard would make a perfect Christmas tree, it's fate, and, elevation occurred this year. As fitting for their first year in their new "forever" home, Kristen and Matt harvested the, by now, 12 foot tree.  This was planted on earth day by Kristen when she was in grammar school.  Almost 30 years of growth (with it's roots compromising the fence) now proudly heading to a celebration of light and color. The old Ship Master Burt spent the next 20 minutes securing it to the truck with his sailor's slip knots for transport to its ultimate glory...and demise. 

Let the Festivus celebration commence......Peace Out and Good Will Toward All

 

COWS CARS AND GUNS (WEEK OF NOV. 22)

 Happy Turkey, stuffing and politics day, for those who host alternative opinions at their dinner table.  We just had the kids so politics doesn't really come up, though Joe did want us to go around the table and say what we were thankful for.  Pretty much each other and their new house. Hours of prep and 15 minutes of feasting, watching the Spartans win and Lions lose about sums it up. Love those people!

Traveling to Grand Rapids on a holiday week was probably not an adventure we stopped to consider ahead of time. As we were not actually going anywhere for the holiday, we blissfully ignored the fact that a massive amount of vehicles would be barreling merrily down the highway on the way to Grandma's or whoever's house.  It resembles an episode of Car Challenge (I just made that up). Hovering around the speed limit we were basically blown off the road by speedsters for whom that 10 minutes saved is worth all the general vehicular mayhem. There is a segment on my show called "car passing wars" which is played by the experienced and inexperienced alike. Basically consists of sitting on another's rear bumper at 85 miles an hour until the offending (legal speed) vehicle offers passage (apparently it's personal). Those who set their cruise control will not budge regardless of the rear provocation and angry finger gestures practiced by those in the rear view. What is especilly thrilling is the bumper riders who can absolutely see the car ahead has nowhere to go as both lanes are currently occupied. This, at times, leads to those spectacular multi-car pileups one reads about yet hopefully is not a participant thereof.

Our trip was to scope out the meat processor who was receiving our massive amount of beef "on the hoof". Our first venture in buying a "piece of cow" (or steer more accurately). The rancher texted me with the exciting news of the impending slaughter and stated our contributing moo-er clocked in at 898 pounds. Being a novice I thought he meant our share. Holy shitoly-where are we going to put 900 lbs. of beef?  The processor gently disillusioned me by saying that's the total weight-you're getting 1/4. (Would not  like to meet a 3600 lb steer) Whew. Without having to meet our bovine volunteer except in parts I had the master chef pick how he wanted the pieces distributed in their neat little packages. 

Shifting gears now. After hearing the horror stories and pulling every string and safety procedure for months to avoid a possibly painful and defintely uncomfortable procedure (I hear they make contact with brain matter up there), I have managed to avoid covid testing. However I am now part of the initiated. Popping out of the car at the rendering/processing plant was a whole new experience in the science of smells. Gasping, and breathing out of my mouth did not dull the moment. Wow. So basically it not only cleaned out my sinuses, but I also know I have not lost my sense of smell. Win-win.

My sister and her new husband decideded to tour a large portion of the US, by car, for a honeymoon hitting Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Missouri etc etc. They love to drive. My need to stop about every two hours to unkink the joints that work sporadically at best would probably have been a hindrance. She was sending us text updates on the adventure. She mentioned coming out of Needles, California and passing the exit to Twenty-Nine Palms. For those who do not know the area, it is the location of a large Marine base that my brother inhabited for a couple of years. She teased me that it was a lousy place for a vacation as it's all desert. When I was a senior in high school I got to visit him there over Christmas.

When she asked me what was there, besides desert, I responded "about 1,000 young marines" Touche! Just 17, I flew by myself into Palm Springs and hung out at the bar in the airport for hours while my brother tried to hustle up a car to pick me up. Needless to say, he was surprised that Mom heard his whining about being away from home at Christmas and gifted him with.... ME!  I stayed with his NCO and family who were also surprised they were having a guest over Christmas.  I traded room and board for babysitting services. 

Furthering my education in California as a sheltered white girl, in 1968 I was not cognizant that civil rights was a real and painful thing. We had dinner with a African American marine and his family where I heard "if it came to a race war, I'm siding with my people". This while I'm playing with their beautiful little girl and helping his wife with the dishes. I was surprised. Then at the Christmas party at the base, I was quite unaware there was a little gap between the black marines and the white ones. I happily danced with whoever asked me not realizing there was a bit of tensing up when I "bugalooed" with a member of the black contingency. My brother told me later, but I was confused. They were all in the same outfit serving our country. Unfortunately we haven't moved too far forward on that front.

But what does one do on a marine base surrounded by desert? Why you go shooting of course. With so much open nothingness, targets and permission are not required.  

Before the Fashion Police start snarking, let me remind one and all that this was 1968!!! The Marines laughed at me too though, but that was for all  the hardware they loaded me up with.   Peace Out....

THIS AND THAT (Week of Nov 15)

After a long hiatus, I am down to my last podcast recording. Desperation mode. Even though we were planning a break in Jan-Feb I need to finish out the year. I also think a break may not be a good idea if we want to keep interest up however.  So what happens? An interview I was counting on which got delayed/cancelled, etc., etc. all of a sudden pops up today wanting to record this week. Ok, but then I got another response from other feelers I put out as it appeared I would not get the first interview done in time.  When the proverbial rain falls, it pours as they say. Now need to coordinate with the Conference, the interviewee and myself somehow this week. Plus touch base with the second response. So if Murphy's law holds true, I will no doubt hear from the third person I contacted. Busy week already planned so good thing I'm retired...

The new electrical installation led to a weeks long massive cleaning project in the basement. In finding items to discard, donate or dine on, I found a Japenese teapot set. Where and when??  After I donated it, I suddenly remembered. It was a wedding gift from the Librarian at my old high school. He was a good friend and mentor when I was in school and stayed in touch (Paul Kempter). It was one of the few pretty things I had to display when we were first married and living on borrowed furniture. Ah well, I still have the memory...

After a miserable night of prep the OH went through a colonoscophy. Good news-everything looks great and better news-he slept like a baby he said. Best sleep he's had in 30 years. Wow.  As the nurse was gently guiding him out to the car afterwards I was reminded of a similar incident many years ago when I got called to the scene of a lady fainting. The ambulance was called, but upon gaining consciousness she begged me not to have the indiginity of being hauled through the building on a stretcher to everyone's curious eyes. I offered her my arm and we slowly made our way to the EMTs.  I think her embarrassment came from the fact that she was a larger woman and no doubt had been judged before. As we walked she nervously said "I don't know what you can do if I fall." I quickly quipped, "we'll go down but I'll soften the blow for you!" Sometimes that's all we can do and all we need to do when life gets tricky.

These firefighter/EMTs are a hardy bunch. When riding with them several times I learned the difficulties they face in transporting patients. The transporting part is easy enough-it's the getting them ready and out to transport that poses the problems.  No one collapses right in front of the door at stretcher height with ample room to maneuver. Stairs, restricted hallways and bad weather play a role. One of the most notable was the episode where I was helping put the young patient on a stretcher and I had to strongly suggest her father move his freakin' motorcyle he was tinkering with IN THE LIVING ROOM out of the way.  

Hilarious, but not. Leader of the Proud Boys is whining about his incarceration as he is suffering "inhumane" conditions. First of all considering he only got five months when he could have been hanged basically as a traitor I think he got very little punishment. Secondly, these are the dudes who march around with pistols on their hips and semi-autos strapped to their backs to intimidate the more evolved. Poor pathetic little man. Suck it up buttercup. 

In more not so hilarious "patriot" news, the "boy" who went to another State with an illegal rifle to fight protesters (killing two people and seriously wounding a third) was found innocent claiming self-defense. I'm not sure justice was served, but there are two points to be made: 1) if the "boy" had been black and showed up at a riot from another State with an illegal weapon and shot people we would not have heard from him again, and 2) any yahoo with a gun can now take out protesters they deem dangerous and call it self-defense. 

Time for some good news.  One has to search to find the kernals of positivity as in the News business "if it bleeds it leads" which explains why we did not know there are actually reasonable people on both sides in Washington. They just don't get the coverage. I wish we wouldn't give the crazies so much attention.

Anyway:  Home Goods and TJ Max declared they are in an excellent inventory postion ahead of the holidays; Target's inventory surged 17.6% last quarter and staffing is up (which I can personnally vouch for); as of Nov. 1 none of the GM's North American assembly plants were offline due to lack of chips; Toyota's production in Japan has returned to full production; the number of import containers at the Port of Los Angeles has dropped by 25%; global shipping rates, an inflation indicator, has plummeted 50% since peaking in October; and gas prices have dropped 14%.  So there. Also as the local GM plants were using their precious chips for trucks as they were basically blowing out of the showrooms as soon as they arrived, there is a wonderful supply of brand-new Camaros just sitting there that should go for a pretty good discount when they finally focus on finishing them. Love me some Chevy.

Apparently the grandson had a pretty good report at the Parent-Teacher conference this week. Compassionate and a leader. First one finished with assignments, but a little talkie and has to be reminded to put his book down when he is engrossed in his reading. I think the teachers have more issues with the little bright bulbs. Harder to keep interested when so much of the time has to be devoted to those who need more help. I used to have to read to the class when I was his age as I got bored and probably sighed a lot.  LOL.   Peace out....

YES, IT'S ALL ABOUT ME (Week of Nov 8)

 Birthday week started out with a visit from my favorite child and grandchild. Singing, gifting and caking were the highlights and they both have exquisite taste of course. Though Joe does like to help "unwrap" as he is eager that I see what they brought. He reads the cards out loud as well. Great start to the week.

This led to an all-day party (all about me) Monday, the natal day, and the start of my 71st year. Gad why did no one tell me-your mind feels 20 but your body says, "hmm just a sec, I have a new physical issue I want to show you". Anyway, breakfast at an old favorite; Christmas shopping punctuated by a stop to pick up my favorite yellow roses and then an hour or two to myself for more shopping. All culminating in a dinner at a "chop house wannabe" restaurant in East Lansing. Although literally loaded with ambience and wonderful service, the food is mediocre at best, an issue which we had wrestled with before. We thought we would give them another chance. Although the soup was exquisite and the roasted califlower marvelous, the walleye feast was blah at best and the $38 steak I was served was so loaded with fat and gristle even I couldn't stomach it. They at least comped me the main course and brought a nice dessert, but the damage is done.  All and all though an awesome day.

Hitting a decade milestone does prompt one to review the immediate past ten years and this is a snapshot of how I remember my sixties.  The birth of my much loved grandson and the loss of my father-in-law two weeks after his birth. I always believed he chose that time to pass as with his alzheimer's he never would have known his wonderful little great-grandson. Choosing to retire as after knee surgery and a two week recovery, the OH and I decided we could be together 24/7 without major mayhem. The passing of both my Father and Mother-in-law in the same year. Dad never explaining the cryptic message/formula on his sons-in-laws sweatshirts and Jean fighting but then choosing her moment to let go with dignity. Being with both of them at the end was both a blessing and a heartache.

Excited to vote for the first female President on my 65th birthday only to spend the next four years (and beyond) in total disbelief as our entire caring and polite society has descended into chaos and cruelty. We are now at the point where a Congress person posting videos of killing another elected official while sword fighting with the President draws no censure or criticism from the person's party. Aghast watching supporters of the incompetent dictator and his big lie actually attack and attempt to destroy one of our greatest symbols of democracy resulting in numerous injuries and deaths. 

Our trip to Great Britain (among other trips) of which I wrote several earlier chapters about. The research, purchase and furnishing of the long-desired lake house. The research, planning and supervising of several remodeling projects. My triumphant comeback to the office as a founding ?Mother? to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MIOSHA Training Instititute (MTI). Although we had never created a school before, it continues to be a great success in launching safety and health professionals into their field in Michigan. 

My finally attaining the Presidency of the Michigan Safety Conference (after 35 years) with the distinct honor of serving two years in the "time of Pandemic" which meant I got to preside over 1) no conference and 2) the first ever virtual conference. Which immediately led into my serving as the first host of another new project for the MSC - Safety Spectrum podcasts.  I am a performer at heart and I apparently thrive on projects.

One cannot see the entire quilt of one's life as so many of the squares are folded and only emerge when the blanket is turned or spread out in its entirety. However that is a good thing as it would be overwhelming at best.

This afternoon after hosting my grandson overnight I totally understood my daughter admonishing her son at his constant chatter and singing to himself as she was trying to talk to her Father.  I told her that "Joe is the background music of your life".....Peace out.

                                               

THE PARTY HAS JUST BEGUN (Week of Nov 1)

 

Thanks Consumers! Got an urgent email from Consumers Power that, oh no, my next bill is jumping $40 and I need to take notice and contemplate some radical action. Well, geniuses of CP; 1) the weather is colder; 2) your prices keep going up and, this is scarey; 3) I have a rogue robot Nest Thermometer that likes to program itself when it feels a breeze (always upward that is).  Yes, I've programmed it from scratch, so has Kristen, but it continues to do it's own thing apparently. 

At the lake Monday putting away the Halloweenie lights and stringing up the Christmas lights at the lake (oh yes we did). Sadly putting away the summer furniture and winterizing the boat. Sigh. 

Had our boosters this week Yay!  Dealt me a miserable two days of yuck - not so yay.  The OH was fine, no issues.  I was down and out with fever and general yuckiness. I found that starvation diets or fasting certainly works. Couple of days of nausea results in three pound loss-though I would not recommend it as a ongoing thing as I suppose you would eventually die, I guess. Almost made 100 degree fever! Which after not being at all sick for almost 2 years due to our new sterilzing habits, it was kind of  a whole new thing. At any rate do I have some butt-kicking anti-bodies or what? Grandson getting his first shot next week and Nana is relieved that he is finally going to be protected, though he is good about wearing his mask.

Political Rant -- I knew this before but it is so frustrating that our congress folks are tied to their big contributors and the little people (i.e., the folks who actually pay taxes that fund the whole shebang) have no chance of being heard.  One Senator said she has no idea what the people want -Waa? When your ears are plugged with contributions from big Pharma I guess you could say that. So what the H are these people running on? And how dumb are the voters that apparently they don't know either. That one or two folks can hold up any progress, which then gets blamed on the President, is ridiculous. And discovering that current congress people were actively recruiting for the January 6 insurrection and are not being held accountable is unconscionable. Oh yes, and condeming those of your party who gave a crap about the citizens and voted for infrastructure that is purely bi-partisan and of ASSISTANCE to the whole country is mind-boggling.  

Joe tried to emulate Superman and found gravity had a say in his activities according to the story from school. End result was wind knocked out of him and an-almost one eye shiner. He's pretty upbeat about it though. I told him Nana had a similar incident at about the same age when I tried to catch a ball while leaning off the top of the bleachers on the playground. Head in contact with blacktop-no soft wood chips for me. I do remember seeing two of my teacher which got me, finally, sent to the office and then home. Though I have no idea how I got home. I swear I walked the 6- 8 blocks, but I can't imagine they would let me do so after a head injury. But the 50's were not as litigious as they are now and we did not have a second car for Mom could come and pick me up. I do remember her chatting with my doctor who just basically said keep her awake and be sure she doesn't start talking in tongues. Apparently the "walk it off" medicine was alive and well.  At least I wasn't dosed with that nasty Vernors.  (Detroit kids)

Joy of joys. At 69 years, 11 months and 24 days I was carded trying to buy wine. I was pretty bold about my right to choose and bear booze. Oh happy day.....Peace Out