Ale for the Soul

Just found out a few minutes ago a very dear friend passed away back in July.  Guess I wasn't a very good friend in only having found out.  I am very sad nonetheless.  He and I disagreed on a few points in life, but he was a constant support and a good sounding board to discuss whatever came my way.  I initially met Don at Tobacco Lane on the Square, a cigar shop, in downtown Fort Worth.  Over the years, we would meet at other cigar shops in order to visit while I worked or on a day off so we could smoke a cigar together.  Don was always very positive and seemed to take life in stride whether it was good or bad.  We would constantly joke about the oddest stuff, which is what attracted me to him in friendship.  People like him are a great example of how we can be friends without having to agree on everything.  We found our commonality over a great cigar and a good time of fellowship.  He knew the good, bad, and ugly about me and still nev...

Once again, another year has flown by making my head spin.  Overall, 2024 can be placed under the "win" column as I have been able to scratch off quite a few bucket list items.  Primarily this has been the year to catch up on a few health issues: annual physical, lab work, cataract surgery, and so much more.  I still have one medical issue outstanding, but I remain diligent in taking care of yours truly.  In August, I celebrated 18 years of sobriety at my local A.A. group.  This was definitely a memorable event as I never thought I would be alcohol-free for this long.  A testament to the power and influence of God in my life.  Another focus is that of relationships.  As I grow older, especially after turning 51 a few days ago, the value and worth of friendships and family ties increases exponentially.  It is with great pleasure that I was able to help celebrate the marriage of my brother and his fiance with the blending of two families in the...