There are so many unknowns in life, aren’t there?

A poem by Robert Frost has been bugging my brain lately. The poem is entitled “The Road Not Taken.” The narrator is walking through a forest, and his path suddenly splits into two paths. The story of the poem is about how one must make choices without knowing the outcomes of those choices.

One never knows where a new path will take them. Do we stumble into the unknown or do we go with the known? How brave are you? Are you afraid to try something new? So many questions that circle back to how one never knows.

Maybe we can’t control everything.

A few days ago a rather nasty winter storm was forecast for our region. Because of that forecast, many of us canceled appointments, programs and other things — just to be safe. The day arrived. It was cloudy, cool, a bit windy, but dry. No snow! One never knows.

During a recent visit to my favorite local coffee shop, I was informed the shop would be celebrating a 10-year anniversary very soon. Considering all we’ve gone through in the last 10 years, that occurrence deserves recognition, and, with luck, there will be public notification of this achievement. One never knows what you’ll discover in a simple conversation.

In case you aren’t aware of this, I do enjoy a glass of wine. It’s very easy to keep searching for new wines, and try to experience new flavors. However, there’s nothing wrong with revisiting old friends.

Along that line of thought, I purchased a bottle of Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. It has enhanced my taste buds many times, and it was time to take that well known path again. One never knows if things have changed.

If you are someone who loves chocolate covered cherries, this is the wine for you. The cherry flavor is foremost, but the chocolate coasted finish is so special. I hope you enjoy it.

And, speaking of friends, contact that old friend you haven’t touched base with for awhile. One never knows what surprises will await you. For instance…

I know folks who have known each other for a long time, but their differing political stands causes them to shy away from each other. I encountered that situation when sitting at a meeting. Gosh, we both shared the same passion for the subject, and we talked. Suddenly, a new door opened to us, and we found common ground. We don’t share some beliefs, but we are both passionate about libraries. One never knows.

A few months ago I was given three little bottles of cognac that were 60, 70 and 100 years old. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. Will the elder cognacs blow off my socks or will they just be another cognac?

Upon tasting them I found the 70-year- old liquid more to my liking. It was softer and had more of a gentle sweetness to it than the other two cognacs. Without the ability to reach out and try new things, one will never know what they are missing.

Oh, it was a very special moment for me to taste those three old cognacs. Being one who always seems to “feel” history, it was an honor to toast those long ago folks who were involved in the making of those old liquids. Merci!

To quote Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

May you always try a new path … one never knows what will be discovered.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!