Oh, it feels so good!

As one who enjoys the changing of the seasons, it’s comforting to know that the four seasons will continue their atmospheric rhythms. From January through December, we experience cold, chilly, warm, hot, cool and back to cold temperatures.

There’s comfort in knowing that at this time of the year, we’ll began to feel the warmth and that’s good. In everyone’s life, we must grab onto the goodness and embrace its warmth.

And like how wines come in numerous varieties and flavors, we can discover warmth in many ways.

It’s always pleasing to take an easy walk. While on those walks, I’ve discovered a lot of warmth in the form of fellow walkers as we nod and smile to each as we pass by each other. We send each other a word or two of acknowledgment, and continue on our individual ways. I don’t know most of those fellow walkers, but our tiny bonding moment is warming as we are all enjoying the outdoors.

By the way, I say walk easily because that easiness can change in a heart beat. Don’t take anything for granted — the warmth of one day’s walk can be halted by those weather gods, right?

I enjoy the warmth of a fine merlot such as the one made by Chateau Ste Michelle Winery. There’s a whole lot of warm light cherry flavors in the Washington State wine.

During a meeting of a local board of trustees, my fellow board members expressed their feelings about the need to provide a safe space for young families. A space where the parents can read to their children, and be surrounded in a warm and welcoming environment.

Additionally, there was a conversation about ensuring the privacy of entering a library. Providing a safe, learning and welcoming space for everyone is very important, and I was warmed by the members thoughts and concerns.

At a recent program featuring the story of a marathon rummer, the athlete stated running helped him to fill his cup of life. I turned to the attendees and asked them to share what filled their cup of life. Every response focused on helping others — your cup is fuller when you help someone fill their cup of life.

I was blown away by their comments, and how we all share that warming cup of life.

All this talking about warmth, reminds me of a very pleasing and warm wine from France — a Côtes du Rhône. It is made primarily from Syrah grapes and the wine is full of fruit tastes with soft tannins. Delish!

Going back to that feeling of warmth one gets while walking, isn’t it warming to see flowers pushing up out of the soil, to see those tiny buds on trees and hear the calling of birds?

And how about the warmth we all receive from our family and friends? Yes, there can be those tense moments, but we are family and the warmth from that familial connection is never extinguished.

You know, I feel like experiencing the warmth of a Rob Roy cocktail. One never gets tired of that melding of Scotch, sweet vermouth and orange bitters.

In the midst of societal chaos, may you find your source of warmth.

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

Cheers!