Wine tasting in Oregon is just another justifiable excuse for “day drinking.” (See Post #964). My wife has made plans today for us to pick up our membership shipment of wine from Bergstrom followed by a private tasting appointment at Beaux Freres, The dogs will ride along, as hopefully we can find a shady table outdoors for them to join us. Otherwise, they will wait patiently in the car. Both of them should be exhausted after our morning “Schnauzerton,” about 4 miles of running and walking, while exchanging turns with Tinker’s dog stroller. She’s 15+ years old and stumbles quite a bit when she walks. It reminds me of watching my mother-in-law’s health slowly deteriorate and humbles me to realize that I’m not far behind. My back continues to bother me and it probably doesn’t help pushing Tinker in the stroller while I run on weekends. However, nothing will stop me from continuing my consecutive streak of now 3,829 days (10.48 years). 

We went to see Disney’s Alladin movie last night. My wife preferred the Broadway productions that we have gone to see, but I enjoyed the humor that Will Smith brought to the genie’s role. I could see in my mind the next Disney park ride with an adventure into a cave full of treasures and a ride on a magic carpet. I love the fact that Disney always brings out the child in me. However, as I looked around at my age peers, I wondered if they saw themselves as young like me in the mirror or if I was just in denial. It’s difficult to realize that some of them are my age or older. Do I really look like all those other grandfathers?

My son, his wife, and their 3 kids spent last week at Walt Disney World. I’ve been there multiple times and never tire of it, so I was envious to not be part of it. I haven’t been to Disneyland nearly as often, but my wife and I were just there last year (See Post #757). My son lives near Orlando and has bought annual passes for the last 5 years. It’s been an important part of their lives, as passed down by my enthusiasm. With a new baby this year, they are having to cut back, and so last week’s trip was their last for awhile, as they let their passes expire. Hopefully, my wife and I can get down there and take them, but it’s so expensive to pay for 7 admissions, food, and lodging. I’m the classic Disney grandpa, although I’m not in a position to continue supplementing their annual pass costs. It will probably be good for them to seek other options for entertainment until their youngest can fully appreciate the Disney experience. In the meantime, Grandpa will selfishly sneak off to Disneyland without them.