Do you act dumb so you will fit in? Retirement!

We live among a group of well read, highly educated people...but I often get the feeling that they are hiding their light under a bussel just so they will fit in.  Have you found that to be true with your friends?

For example, a lady I have lived close to for 5 years was the head of the Home Extension Service in her state working at her state university.  She seldom talks about her former life so I found this out by pure accident.  Last night we were talking about how she began pursuing her doctorate after she retired.  Are you impressed by that?  I know I am.

Jan and her Husband Hugh!

So tonight when a few friends had a wine tasting party, I began to think about how those of us that actually love a really good bottle of wine were put to the test.  I cannot help that I have tasted and judged whether I like or don't like a lot of wines. Tasting wine is a hobby. It is a part of my life experience.  The ridicule resonated in the group of people and the first prize was given to a bottle of blueberry wine. It was a lot of fun, we laughed a lot and the woman that won the prize with a $1.95 bottle of wine from Safeway was delighted.  You see, she said, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a really good bottle of wine!  I just smiled.  I don't agree but I did care.

The connection between good wine and an accomplished person is evident.  You can smirk at the best and discount the value of work, quality education and aging. The person or the maker of the wine knows. And there will always be people that recognize the quality of the work and the bottle of wine.  That is all that matters.

Being discrete is okay but please, when you meet me, let me know who you are and what you have done. As Popeye would say "I yam what I yam".  Don't hide it.  And I love a good bottle of wine and an accomplished person.

b