the grail

in helping a friend throw her beautiful white linen sit-down meal for the new year, i accompanied her on errands, one of which necessitated darkening the doors of a liquor store. since i had never been in one before and i'm 37, i looked around naively wide-eyed like a kindergartener might on their first field trip. the young man behind the register was clean-cut and friendly. he said that december 31st was one of the busiest days ever and was just working extra hours to make money while he was in grad school. having no idea what subject, i joked, "well, i suppose you're in grad school for counseling, you could do a lot of that here." and i was right! we had a good laugh and left, but really i wasn't kidding, as holidays seem to bring out, thank you charles dickens, "the best of times and the worst of times." i do appreciate viticulture, however. living in dundee, i can't help wanting to learn more about the local wineries. for several years, i helped bring in a local grape harvest. waiting until the sugar level is perfect is like a first time father in the delivery room. you are on call while the winery owner gives you up-to-the second acidity updates, warning you with complete seriousness not to leave the country any time soon much less your cell phone. it was a muddy and, i don't mind admitting, bloody affair; 3 inches of wet jory caked on my boots and a nearly severed thumb from using the vine knife instead of clippers (oh, humble moment). so i also appreciate the book a friend just shared with me entitled "the grail" by brian doyle about the grapes in my very own backyard. the first pinot grapes were planted here in 1966 by david lett, making tastes that would rival the likewise adult beverages of france. the word "pinot" means pine-cone, from the shape of the clusters. i can see rows of them just by walking up the driveway to get the mail. so i raise a toast to david lett, counselors everywhere and the new year, "may you find the grail you seek".