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We welcomed 2009 at the Boyds’ once again with the entire clan plus a couple Macleans.  The open house at the Owls’ Nest began at 5pm, and I managed to wait until 5:20 before I had my first drink.  I enjoyed chatting and toasting with family friends and neighbors, but I have to admit I was relieved that most of the guests cleared out before 8pm.  It took close to 20 years, but I’ve learned that when you start drinking before dark, it’s not a good idea to be around casual acquaintances at midnight.

Being obnoxious and drunk around family and close friends is a different story.  They accept me for who I am and realize that, no matter how inebriated I become the effects are temporary, and I will eventually return to the sensible(?) person that they once knew.  Actually, I think I did a pretty good job of keeping it together.  There’s a good chance I’m mistaken, but if my memory is correct, the cab driver received the brunt of my drunken antics.  I’m actually somewhat proud.

Much of this I owe to Matt.  I’m not sure if he was looking out for me or just enjoying himself, but he managed to occupy the Wii console for the majority of the night.  Otherwise, I would have been singing really bad karaoke songs on American Idol and getting ridiculed at Wii sports by Katya, my niece.  I’m still nervously awaiting the photographic evidence that will surely appear on Josh’s Flickr page someday soon.  A microphone, an excess of wine, and a classic Bon Jovi tune…Who could ask for a more embarrassing photo set?

But I earned a night of drunken bliss.  2008 was an incredible year for me.  I regained a love for my job, something that had eluded me for a couple of years.  I accepted and embraced being a Houstonian.  McAllen is now officially  my hometown, not my home.    I really found myself again last year.  Looking back, I’m not sure if I was really lost, but I honestly didn’t know where I was headed either.  There are still numerous possible final destinations, but several stops along the way have been clearly mapped out.  None of this would have been possible without the love and support of an incredible woman.  I call her Baby, but you know her better as Fiona.  She’s been with me through every turn and pit stop.  I couldn’t possibly find a better person to ride shotgun through my life.

That being said, I wish everyone a wonderful 2009.  Unlike economists, I’m looking forward to what is in store for me.  Enough of this, let’s raise a glass to whatever the future may hold.  Cheers!

The Wino Family would like to send a special thanks to Walt and Eileen from Brys’ Estate Winery for a special tasting of their Michigan Wines at the Elmasri home Christmas weekend.  Fiona and I first experienced these fine wines in July 2006, when we attended a celebration for newlyweds Katie (their daughter, Fiona’s BFF) and Azmi at the Old Mission Peninsula Vineyards.  We had an excellent time, and have been fortunate enough to get our hands on a few bottles since then.  However, we recently were treated to the full Brys’ experience as we toasted Christmas and a housewarming for Katie, Azmi and their 2-year-old son Aidan.

Never shy around wine, we tasted from the full array of the estate’s white wine selection.  Fiona enjoyed the Pinot Grigio, while I preferred an unfamiliar varietal-Gerwurtztraminer.  They also produce an extremely tasty dry Reisling.  Moving on to reds, I took a liking to their Merlot, but Azmi and I agreed that the Pinot Noir deserved a second (and third) tasting.   There are several others to choose from, including a Signature Series in both red and white.  The Brys produce some 5000 cases of wine a year on their 24 acres and now use only grapes grown on their estate, which overlooks the East Bay of Lake Michigan.

Customers can order online or visit the tasting room, but the Wine Club is the best option in my book.  Members are guaranteed delivery of even the most highly sought-after wines as long as they make at least two annual purchases.  If you’re in the area, stop by or visit http://www.brysestate.com/ for more information.