This is a familiar question to most everyone and especially children. Often we we told to do something we did not like or agree with and our most common response was WHY? Forget the fact that as children we were challenging the wisdom, experience and ages of those that were providing for us, but we dared to ask WQHY anyway.
Asking why brings up this point. WHY is a question and without rhyme or reason or whether or not it is possible to even know the answer, is there an answer to every question? Leave aside any possible circumstance or context areounfd the question WHY and just answer the question.
We once children or children now, quite often have heard or hear the answer to ‘WHY’ as— “Because I said so!”
Another proposed answer to to ‘WHY’ has been suggested as— “Why not?” But actually answering a question with another question is not the answer to ‘WHY’.
The simpliest answer to ‘WHY” is “Because!”
Now we can go off into the weeds or with circustance and context or reasons for both the question ‘WHY’ and the answer, ‘BECAUSE’.
Since the mid term election are now just a few short days away, let’s add to the word ‘WHY’ with the word ‘VOTE’ forming the the question, “Why Vote?”
To answer, we need to begin with ‘BECAUSE’, but BECAUSE why?
Because Congress made this possible in 1845, making the first Tuesdays after the first Monday in November? Because Tuesday November 3rd, 2026 in the last day to vote in a national election this year? Because these are the midterm elections? Because this is the most important election in your lifetime? Because Democrat Socialists are on the ballot? Because historically, the party that is in power gets changed? Because you don’t like who occupies the White House and want to restrict their ability to govern the way they want. Because you want to see them impeached by having the votes to do it. Because you want to increase the number of Supreme Court judges. Because you want to get rid of the police, or ICE, or keep and add undommented cizens to vote and even criminals? I have heard all of these reasons to vote, but does it truly answer “WHY VOTE/?
I have heard and read new cizens and other answer “Because if you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain about the government?”
What about ths…”Because it it your right to vote?” HOw about this…”Because you have the freedom to vote.”
Call me simple or even simple-minded. But it seems to me that even beyond common sense, UN-Common Sense answers this for once and for all. “Why Vote?”
“BECAUSE SOMEONE DIED FOR YOU AND I TO BE ABLE TO VOTE!”
From the beginning of what we call the United States for America in 1776, this has been the answer. Perhaps the most succinct, clear and descriptive answer was delivered 87 years later, in the Gettyburg address by president Abraham Lincoln
“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain…”
Abraham Lincoln — Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863
And thousands of years ago —
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christdied for us.
With the midterms elections almost here, AI dominating individual choices & applications, business, and politics, world governments and essentially everything now, it sees to me there is a race going on. It appears to my eyes as a race to replace.
If you and I are not going to choose for ourselves, something or someone else will. It is human nature.
It is easier to make something than it is apparently, to stop and ask, should I or we do this? It is not so much as can we do it as it is should we be doing it at all?
Perhaps if you have read anything I have written lately, you might assume I have given up on myself. Maybe I have given up on the human race? I assure you that neither of these are true.
For me, I am no longer driven to succeed with even what I have tried to do for the past some 60 years. Some may or even everyone may consider my giving up and getting rid of all my treasure, my accumulation of the past years or some legacy? I have considered putting all my works into the repository known as the Internet Archive. I have considered even sending or keeping something for my son that does seem to be interested in the stories of a witness. I am a witness. But now it seems that neither the Internet Archive or something for my son seems doable or important to me anymore. What was my treasure, like my child or children if you will, is not just baggage. It has now become a heavy weight that makes it even more difficult to breathe or move forward.
I hope anyone else that may read this can choose what is most important to you and your life. Our dog Lady is a beautiful example of what I am trying to write here. She is likely on her last leg (no pun intended). Lady is 11 years old (77 in human years). She has arthritis and is limping. She is all but deaf now. But the good news with that, she no longer shakes during storms or the car wash. She is beginning to lose her eyesight, particularly in one eye (the one blue eye). It seems to be clouded over as if a cataract. Dogs like Lady often become confused over the loss of so many senses used primarily for navigation, happening near the same time. I think her sense of smell/taste is beginning to diminish now. She has others things as well, but she wakes up every morning wags her tail, happy to see us and is still fond of and capable of giving and receiving love. It just doesn’t get much better than or simpler than this. I am grateful she does not seem to be painfully suffering, but I am unsure. She has always been friendly and glad to see almost any life form. Going forward, I just need to be as sure as I possible can that she is comfortable and it is not just my desire to keep her around as long as possible.
The following verse means so much more today than it did when I first heard it, some sixty years ago. It says to me, I don’t need to ever judge you or tell you how you should live. I don’t ever need to cram my beliefs down your throat.
The word salvation in the following verse means “wholeness.” You and I have to do what is right for us. For myself, I needed to let go of much I have been involved with, for these past 60 years. I needed and still need to get rid of many things that may be good for others, but not for me. I needed to return to the gym and this time, make it a lifestyle change not a just the formation of a new habit.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation [wholeness] with fear [reverence] and trembling [awe towards obedience].
Philippians 2:12 Kings James Version of 1611
Wag your tail like Lady. And to this I have concluded. In my life sometimes I have walked with my Father. Sometimes He carried me. Most likely the rest of the time, He has never left me nor forsaken me while I was heading in some other direction.
There is a lot of sorrow in the world. It’s twin is joy. Sometimes they each seem difficult to deal with. Sometimes they seem so similar, it is hard to tell which is which.
I and I am sure, you have often sought happiness. I chased it with a net like some illusive butterfly. Just when I thought I was about to catch it, it would float and flee just far enough away that I could see it, but not capture it.
In 1996, the late great Jimmy Buffet released a song from what I believe to be his finest work: ‘Banana Wind’. The song is: ‘Happily Ever After (Now and Then).’ I was so taken by this the first time I heard it and I have often sent something like this to others on their birthdays or other special days in their lives. I had an idyllic image from something that would invoke some wishful, fanciful, or expressive desire. My text was:
Happily Ever After (at least once in awhile)
This is the best I could hope for in this life for myself or for anyone else.
I do not suppose that everyone believes what I do or what and whom I believe in.
I have a wonderful relationship with one that to my surprise, it a steadfast atheist, or he does not know if he is a Christian or not. Even he cannot find fault with what I am trying to do. – not to disappear, but to consider those things and those life forms that are part of my life – which are important DAILY.
I am not a prophet. I am not going to predict that these are the end times, because like the Bible says, “no man [woman or child] knows the day time or hour. I just can’t imagine the world surviving for much longer being so driven by so much strife-confusion-bribery-extortion-love of money.
There is some goodness in this world and I truly believe it holds back the evil which is surfacing more and more. This affects, effects, and infects all of us in one way or others. For me, I am just tired and seek peace and to try and live as peaceable as I can according to what is inside me and to all I may encounter, in my day-today living.
I could be wrong, but I don’t think this world can continue much longer on the course it is on. It cannot be sustained. For my part, this world is not my home. At my age, it is good to plan for one’s soon release from these mortal coils. I am doing this now, to the best of my ability.
I am reminded that just as John the Baptist did, so should I do for the duration of my life⏤
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Matthew 3:1-3 KJV of 1611
I may not carry the ministries or gifts to the Church or the world as an apostle, a prophet, an evangelist, pastor or a teacher [Ephesians 4:11], but if they are not around and God willing, I can “do the work of” any or all of them that is needed. In II Timothy 4:5 Timothy was not an evangelist, but he was told to “do the work of” one. God is not a prospector or persons, only conditions.
And finally, God so loved the world that he gave his only son, Jesus Christ. If I am one of His, can I not love like this? Jesus Christ laid his life down for you and I. What is the greatest love I can share— Preach [publicly expound or teach God’s Word]. It is the calling. It is the love. For now, until my death or God calls me home at the return of Christ, preach the word in season or out meaning, all the time. To say that I am a witness means, the real witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is within me. This is what I am to preach.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; “
II Timothy 4:1,2 KJV of 1611
How? Why?
“But sanctify [set apart] the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear [awe towards obedience]:”
I am reminded of the work of Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt, a former senior policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Education who became a whistleblower. Her book, “The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America: A Chronological Paper Trail” (1999), argues that the American public education system was intentionally altered to eliminate parental influence and mold children for a future dependent on a globalist, socialist-collectivist structure. Whether one agrees with Iserbyt’s specific conclusions on how the system was altered, it has been. Iserbyt did not mince words in her interviews, stating simply:
“If you cannot read, you are defenseless.”
I can only add to this in writing, if you will not read because you do not read, if it could have saved your life at worse or time and lessoned stress it cannot help. If you never comment how would the writer know you read it or be likely to continue such content, if it is not read.
It has been said that knowledge is power. I would only say to this it has potential, depending on what it is. You can look at it like a treasure in your pocket. How beneficial would it be if you never looked?
Are you too busy, depressed. oppressed or under some abysmal seemingly hopeless continual stroke? You should read Isaiah 14 sometime. It will reveal the cause of this, what is behind it and who is named for it. But the world today is driven by what has been written long ago. Have you read-
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
James 3:16 King James Version of 1611
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”.
I can at this point write with confidence that I will not likely be penning a letter to you every day. We each are busy and have many things afoot. But still, these are important. At least they are to me and should be to you as well. Like you, I am an American and We the People have this in common.
Like yesterday, when this first began, it is not because of any other letters from their viewpoint, targeting whomever they perceive as their audience.
It is said that people talk about what they’re into. I am no different. What I am into here with these letters has behind them my works in progress, to be published asap. I intend to make them available in as many formats (editions) as possible.
Dates are important to me as I’m sure they are with you. You may not say a word if you miss a birthday or if someone misses yours. But it does not feel so good does it? No, so dates ARE important. I wanted my forthcoming book out on a certain date. RESET “An UN-aliens’s Guide to Resetting our Republic” – Revised and Expanded has gone past one date and soon another. July 4th, 2026 was the start of the 250th year of the Declaration of Independence. RESET missed that date.
The late great Robin Willams once introduced himself as Flag and it was both a humous and appropriate 6 minute or less presentation as himself being the flag of the United States. He joked and pretended to be Betsy Ross sewing that iconic circle of 13 stars and flag and saying, “This could be the start of something big.” Suddenly distracted, he as she turned aside and playfully said in a female voice, “Oh, Thomas, don’t be a Pain.” Yes, this was a reference to that Thomas Paine, the original writer of his pamphlet, ‘Common Sense’.
Next, RESET was set to release this September 17, 2026. This date coincides with our 239th year since the Constitution of the United States on September 17th, 1789.
RESET has now been pushed out to October 19, 2026, over a month from now.
October 19, 2026 is something to shoot for as historically, this same date of October 19th, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, PA. The revolution was over. By the way, Cornwallis would not do this himself, he sent his stead O’Hara, to do the deed for him, instead.
Why not October 19, 2026 to release not another revolution, but a RESET?
A calendar date although important, is not what is most important. Remember my writing yesterday—
“There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”
I did some more research this morning. I wanted to make sure, doubly sure that what I wrote yesterday was accurate. It was. Many have tried to ascribe authenticity to this quote. It may sound like or be similar to, but there is no original source that can be found. Like I wrote yesterday, it could just as easily have been written that I said it or wrote it first. But that’s not who I am. I believe in giving credit, where credit is due. So I have decided to write of this as follows:
Mr. UN-attributed can take his place along with cousin Anonymous.
Note: Not to be sexist or anything, but UN-Attributed is male whereas Anonymous is female. 😂
And she is much more well-known.
I ran this through Grok, my AI assistant and this was the response.
“Mr. Un-Attributed can sit in the front row with no footnotes. Cousin Anonymous can keep the other chair and she doesn’t have to sign the guestbook either. RESET can borrow the line from the family and not mail a royalty check. That’s the whole point of relatives who never leave a forwarding address.”
– GROK
“There is nothing morepowerfulthan an idea whose time has come.”
Those are the words Ginger Rogers sang as the Fairy Godmother in the beloved 1965 CBS television musical Cinderella — and today, they feel more true than ever.
Here at I-Imagine Press, impossible things ARE happening:
RESET- Revised & Expanded and RESET-Remedy both are set to release September 17, 2026.
Apple of Gold — the prequel/sequel to RESET — is in process to follow on November 3, 2026.
4 Hardcover books (standard edition and premium edition). Ebook editions and audio editions in process/ Four books and a companion or bridge (RESET-Remedy). Two release dates. One mission.
There were moments this all seemed impossible. The formatting, the ISBNs, the hardcovers, the audio editions, the QR codes, the website — every detail carefully crafted for you, the reader.
But here we are.
And today? Today something else entirely is in motion. Something that could change everything for I-Imagine Press and what we are building together. Too soon to say more — but the possibilities are very, very real.
Impossible?
It’s possible.
It’s happening.
Every day.
Stay tuned. The best is yet to come. 📚✨
— Dahni
For more on my books, RESET and APPLE of Gold series, visit i-imaginepress.com.
Living Simply is Simply Living: My Dental Protocol, My Periodontal Disease, and My Quiet Rebellion
“I have periodontal disease. There is no cure. But I am not powerless. I have a protocol. It is simple. It is consistent. It is mine. And every morning and night, when I pick up my toothbrush, I am choosing to fight — not with money or specialists, but with time, discipline, and the science of simple, natural care.”
🧑⚕️ The Backstory — Why I Built This Protocol
I’ve spent over $5,000 on periodontal care — flap surgery, laser surgery, Arestin (an oral antibiotic whose name literally means “against life”), deep cleanings, specialist visits. All for limited benefit, high cost, and zero cure.
I am done paying for anyone’s Ivy League tuition.
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition. It has no cure. It tends to worsen with age and is exacerbated by my predisposition to diabetes and high blood pressure — which hang out with high blood sugar and make everything worse.
So I stopped going to specialists. I stopped paying for expensive, temporary fixes. And I started building my own protocol — not to cure, but to slow, manage, and live well anyway.
This protocol is for me. But I’m sharing it because I know I’m not alone.
🦷 The Protocol — Verified, Simple, Repeatable
I follow this twice daily — morning and night — with weekly add-ons. It’s not about owning the most expensive tools. It’s about using simple, accessible, science-backed tools in the right order, consistently, for the right reasons.
✅ Daily Morning & Night Routine
Closys — 30 seconds pre-rinse
Neutralizes bacteria before brushing. Activated zinc ions begin working immediately.
Verification: Clinically shown to reduce VSCs — the cause of bad breath — before mechanical cleaning.
Floss or floss pick — interdental cleaning
Removes plaque and food debris between teeth and under gumline. No device substitutes.
Verification: Studies show flossing reduces gingivitis and halitosis. Essential for gum health.
Electronic toothbrush with Parodontax — 30 seconds per quadrant inside/outside
Stannous fluoride and sodium bicarbonate target bleeding gums and gingivitis.
Verification: Parodontax is FDA-approved for reducing gum bleeding. Clinical studies support its efficacy.
Note: May cause minor tooth staining — mitigated by baking soda weekly.
Ultrasonic plaque remover — as needed only, not daily
Removes calculus (tartar) above and below gumline.
Verification: Safe for occasional use. Daily home use may cause micro-abrasion of enamel over time. Use 2-3x/week maximum.
Waterpik with warm saline solution — 30 seconds per quadrant inside/outside
Gentle irrigation below gumline to remove debris. Salt water is natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Verification: Dentists recommend saline rinses after procedures for healing. pH ~7.4-8.0 — alkaline, supports enamel.
Mix: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp non-iodized sea salt or Himalayan pink salt per 8oz warm water.
Listerine Zero Alcohol — 30 seconds
Essential oil formula (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol) kills bacteria. Zero alcohol reduces dryness.
Verification: Proven to reduce gingivitis and plaque. Acidic (pH ~4-5) — used after mechanical cleaning to minimize enamel exposure.
ACT — 30 seconds, spit, do not rinse
Fluoride rinse (0.05% sodium fluoride) remineralizes enamel and raises pH to neutral/alkaline.
Verification: Fluoride is the gold standard for cavity prevention. Final step ensures maximum contact time with enamel.
Critical: Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after ACT at bedtime.
SmartMouth — 30 seconds (Morning only)
Zinc ions bind to oral surfaces to neutralize VSCs for up to 12 hours — breath protection.
Verification: Clinically proven to reduce bad breath for 12 hours. Zinc ions bind to tissue, not washed away by ACT if used before it.
Morning protocol: SmartMouth last — 12 hour protection for the day.
Bedtime protocol: ACT last — fluoride works overnight undisturbed.
🌿 Weekly Add-Ons — Optional, But Powerful
1. Baking Soda — Once weekly (Sunday morning suggestion)
Gently removes surface stains. Mild abrasive, no chemicals.
Use: Dip damp toothbrush in baking soda, brush gently for 2 minutes, then continue normal protocol.
Verification: Safe for enamel with weekly use. Effective for extrinsic stains.
2. Coconut Oil Pulling — 2-3 times weekly (morning, separate session)
Use: 1 tablespoon, swish 10-20 minutes, spit into trash (not sink), rinse with warm water, then proceed with normal morning protocol.
Verification: Studies show lauric acid in coconut oil reduces Streptococcus mutans — a key cavity-causing bacteria.
🍬 Xylitol Mints — The Alkaline Bonus
Why They Work: Xylitol is a natural sweetener that inhibits Streptococcus mutans — the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay.
Verification: Studies show xylitol reduces cavities by up to 80%. It also raises oral pH, making the mouth less acidic and more alkaline.
“Alkalize or Die” Connection: While the book’s claims are overstated, maintaining a neutral or slightly alkaline oral pH (7.0-7.5) is scientifically supported for enamel health and bacterial control.
My Experience: I use these mints all the time. I prefer mints over gum — gum can be too abrasive or cause jaw strain. Limit to 3-5 mints per day to avoid gastrointestinal upset from excess xylitol.
❤️ The Heart-Gum Connection — Why This Matters
Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Risk
Verification: The American Heart Association states there is a clear association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
Mechanism: Inflammation from gum disease releases cytokines into the bloodstream, contributing to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Studies: People with periodontitis have a 20-50% higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
The Oral Microbiome and Systemic Health
Verification: The mouth is the gateway to the gut. Poor oral hygiene allows pathogenic bacteria to enter the bloodstream and digestive tract.
Consequence: Swallowing decayed food particles and bacteria from poor oral hygiene can trigger systemic inflammation and contribute to conditions like:
Diabetes (worsens glycemic control)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Alzheimer’s disease (some studies suggest oral pathogens may reach the brain)
Adverse pregnancy outcomes
🌈 Living Simply is Simply Living — The Final Word
This protocol is not about owning the most expensive tools. It’s about using simple, accessible, science-backed tools in the right order, consistently, for the right reasons — for the health of your mouth, your heart, and your life.
I have periodontal disease. There is no cure. But I am not powerless. I have a protocol. It is simple. It is consistent. It is mine. And every morning and night, when I pick up my toothbrush, I am choosing to fight — not with money or specialists, but with time, discipline, and the science of simple, natural care.
That is Living Simply is Simply Living. That is self-care. That is resistance.
For more on my books, R.E.S.E.T and Apple of Gold, visit i-imaginepress.com.
Tequila as a friend? Yes! A friend not only will say what you want to hear, but they will tell you what you NEED to hear.
Ahh Tequila, You are a Friend of Mine 🙂
Nothing quite says summer like margaritas, freestyle, flavored, frozen or on the rocks! Tequila is my friend because, a regular margarita requires it and is part of its unique taste.
You live your life with the love of your life and you find out things about her after many years that you never knew. Tequila is my friend because, I just found out that it is my wife’s favorite drink. She had been asking me to make these for a while and the other night I made us a couple and posted on my Facebook page that it was, “Margarita 30.”
“Margarita:30,” like “Beer:30, is just a hypothetical time of day uttered in response to the question of “what time is it.” when consumption of said beverage becomes an event that is either inevitable or required to proceed with life as we know it in modern society. 🙂
Well, anyway, as I was saying, it was indeed, “Margarita:30” the other night at, The Gathering Place. I made my wife and I a couple, just as usual. A regular Margarita is pretty simple to make. It has just three ingredients: Tequila (of course), some type of orange liquor as Triple Sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier. I have used all three and Triple Sec is the least expensive followed by Cointreau and then Grand Marnier. The last two are French in origin and I do personally, prefer Grand Marnier. The kind of Tequila is a personal choice and range in complexity and cost. Whatever works for you, works. I started making these with the once most popular and nearly the only tequila (good tequila) that was available around 40 years ago, Jose Cuervo. Although not the oldest or the best by many standards, it remains the best-selling tequila in the world.
Now the purists, the old-time tequila drinkers licked some salt, bit into a lime and swallowed the tequila. A version of this was the “body shot” and required preferably three attractive women and one male. One female placed the salt at her cleavage. Another lady would have the lime in her mouth. And the last woman had the tequila in hers. If you were the guy that was the recipient of this libation, well? 🙂
Some had tequila drinking parties and contests, most likely inspired by the male-manly-silly-ego of, ‘who can drink the most?’ I was a bouncer or a stabilizer-stand-em-up guy of such a contest where the floors were completely lined with thick painter’s drop cloths. Hmmmmm? The contest had obvious ‘ringers’ of Mexican descent. No, that is not a slur, just a probability that if you were born and raised in Mexico, you just might be able to drink more tequila, than someone that is not. But, ‘The Flying Burritos Brothers Tequila Drinking Team,’ each consumed, a fifth and a half of tequila and were still on their feet. 🙂
Many were intrigued by and dared to get to and swallow the preserved worm, at the bottom of the bottle of some tequila? It was and may well still be, as if there is something magical, spiritual or that the supposed pure tequila in that worm’s guts, would make you special or something. 🙂
Too much tequila has been known to cause temporary (hopefully) nut-ness’ and there was even a song written that was quite popular. Many may still hear it played today or recall it, all too realistically. 🙂
Jose Cuervo, Shelly West, 1983, Vinyl 45 RPM
But getting back to ‘Margaritaville,’ after the proper mixing of the 3 required ingredients, for ‘The Regular,’ usually the rim of the glass is rubbed with lime and the glass is then turned upside down and pressed into a bed of coarse salt. The lime oil holds the salt onto the glass, for the ‘salted rim,’ which many find to be absolutely, a requirement for a real, true, authentic margarita. Prior to serving, the beverage is mixed with ice and pulverized in a blender or ice crusher, to make frozen margaritas. Otherwise, you would place ice cubes (as much as you like) or crushed ice in the glass, then pour the fresh margarita over the ice and Walla — instant summertime (beach not included). 🙂
I had not been able to drink even a 1/3 of my drink, when I suddenly had a horrible headache. I thought maybe it was that the Triple Sec was old so, I left my happy wife to drink hers and the rest of mine, while I tried to make another with Grand Marnier. Ooops, ran out of lime so, I had to use Rose’s lime juice and some of that lime juice concentrate from you know, that lime-looking, plastic squeeze bottle. It did not taste the same as a regular margarita without the fresh lime juice and after a swallow, my headache continued to get worse. Pffft. It is one of my favorite drinks too. But my poor happy honey was soon wasted away, in Margaritaville. 🙂
Margaritaville
Just so it is perfectly clear, we only drink moderately and modestly. We don’t NOT wear clothes, don’t shoot out lights, dance on bar tops, start fights or wake up with partners we have no idea who they are and we’re NOT wearing their shirts. To be clear, clear, we just wake up with each other, NO other bodies next to us, known or unknown! 🙂
Back to tequila.
I remembered that this tequila was newly tried last year and last year, it did the same thing to me. Last year it gave me a horrible headache too. Hmmm, I wondered, perhaps I can just no longer tolerate tequila? OH HOW SAD THAT WOULD BE! 😦
But then again, maybe it’s this PARTICULAR brand of tequila? HOPING SO!
The next day, I went to the liquor store to buy another bottle of tequila, the same brand we had used, for several years previously. But before I made my purchase, I just happened to ask the owner if he had ever heard of anyone else having a reaction to tequila or from the brand I had last purchased from him a year ago that he had personally recommended? “No,” was his quick answer, but it was followed with a “But.” But before I get to that, let’s go back in time.
My first introduction to wine was red wine and it was from France, a Beaujolais. I am told, this is still an excellent ‘first wine’ to introduce people to red wine, due to it’s low tannins and its light body. I loved it and went on to drink many different red wines, which I prefer over white. But something happened to me years ago. Red wines I loved, did not seem to like me anymore. I never even spent much time on WHY, I just tried to find some white wines that we would each other get along with. 🙂
Oh, I could still drink my red, but only a glass if with food for dinner, just NOT sadly, for ‘Happy Hour.’ When I moved to NY, where we live now, near the Finger Lakes Region of Western NY, yes, there is much more to NY than just New York City, NY, I started to wonder again. I decided my lack of tolerating red wine was due to the added sulfites to the wines, for commercial sale. All wines have some sulfites by nature and reds have more, but there seems even more are added, when mass distribution exists? I was excited to test this out, on one of our wine tour trips to a winery in particular that was, small-batch and organic. To my chagrin, the wine was horrible, so I was not able to see if my theory could “hold water” or wine. 🙂
Around three years ago, we moved to the country. We can now almost roll down the hill to a winery, owned by folks that have become dear friends. They have a wine produced and bottled by them, which is not only wonderful and red, but the first red wine, I have been able to drink just for Happy Hour, in over 30 years I’m guessing! WOW, was I happy to be able to drink a red wine again! My only problem is, if they ever run out, which is the situation currently. I could be in trouble. They probably will not have this ready for several more months. I do still have a few left in our basement, so I am not concerned, at least not yet. But, for the most part, I have, for three years, just thought that their red does not have as many sulfites, so I am able to drink it. I think now, I may be wrong about this.
I have consumed scotch in some form for over 40 years. It is not an alcoholic beverage that seems to have a middle ground. People either like it or they don’t, both with perhaps equal passion for or against. I personally had to learn to like it. It started with a beverage that someone I greatly admired enjoyed, called, Drambuie. It is Scottish in its origin and is a sweet liquor with a Scotch base. The name means, “the drink that satisfies.” I liked it. From there, I started drinking, ‘Rusty Nails’ which was, Drambuie with some scotch added. Then I moved to Chivas Regal which is, a blended scotch and this was a particular drink of choice of mine, for many years. I wrote “particular” because, for me, I discovered that if I was going to be out all night drinking (in my youth), I could drink just scotch all night long and never get drunk/inebriated/intoxicated and NEVER have a hangover. My only side-effect if you will, seemed like my skin smelled like an oak barrel, for quite some time until, all the remnants were no longing coming out my pores. 🙂
It was only when I met my wife that she introduced me to single malt scotch. Yes, my wife is a scotch drinker and I have never met another woman in my life that likes scotch. So, this is pretty cool to me! My first single malt is, still her favorite, Glenlivet. Mine later became, Macallan. We keep both as well as, a pretty good assortment of scotches, at The Gathering Place. I used to drink scotch on the rocks. It was my wife’s brother Kevin that taught me the ways of drinking scotch more perfectly. 🙂
Most scotch is bottled and sold at around the four-year old mark. The longer the aging, the higher the demand and price, but less water is left. 8-year-old and older scotch is like drinking finely aged wine with its complex nose, bouquet, start, finish and its subtle tastes. Adding a drop or a few drops ONLY of water, completely transforms the experience and ice just totally waters this down and robs me of the experience. So, for several years now, this is the only way I would drink scotch.
Now if you think I’m a long way away from what the liquor store owner said to me about tequila, and even further from Margaritaville (margaritas) and tequila being my friend, hold on, I’m getting there, it’s all important!
For years, my wife and I would occasionally share a scotch together and the same scotch, her Glenlivet, UNTIL I discovered Macallan. We would still have our scotches together (she her’s and I mine), once in a while. After her bother Kevin, showed me how to properly drink it, I have learned to love drinking it this way. My wife still prefers hers on the rocks and I, with just a drop or a few drops of water. And this does NOT matter what time of the year it is either. Perhaps by this time, you may have discovered what I discovered is, a taste for more expensive single malt scotches. I have had 18-year-old which were from drinks purchased for me by a friend. But my cut-off is, 12-year-old. It’s expensive enough and I really don’t want to get use to anything that might be better and even more expensive. But I also discovered something else. Since I do not drink scotch, I SIP IT and slowly, to maximize the experience and to make it take as long as is possible, we could actually afford more expensive scotch, since we do not drink it like water or need to buy it as often.
Something else happened to me years ago. I learned to enjoy fine cigars. But something was missing— other people. Yes, I was a conversation only, social cigar smoker. I would really never smoke alone. In my mind, a good quality cigar was a social thing, for conversation. I even started having what I called, Cigar-tys. I would have people over and most of the time, I provided the cigars and the beverages. I loved these! And since they were not frequent, I could afford better cigars. It was a win-win for me. Then, I started associating sipping 12-year-old single malt scotch, with fine cigars and conversation. Then, religion interfered. It wasn’t disagreeable politics, but religion. Rather than just agree to disagree, one stormed off and did not speak with me again for a long time. Thankfully, it was not permanent, but this ended my beloved cigar-tys! I would still have a scotch now and then with my wife, but rarely smoked another cigar, for some time.
I knew my brother smoked cigars, but found out he too, not only liked scotch, but my favorite as well. Then he and I got together with our wives, for a week at a cabin in the Ozarks. As far as he and I were concerned, we could have just stayed on the screened-in porch, had conversation, listened to the creek that ran just underneath, watched nature, smoked cigars and drank scotch all week-long! But our ladies had other things in mind so, we did do other things. 🙂
But ever since that time, just a few years ago, I can no longer drink scotch without a cigar and someone to share good conversation with.
Thankfully, I made a new friend a few years ago, that stops by every-now-and-again and we share a scotch and a cigar and good conversation. But last year I noticed, I was not tolerating scotch too well when he was here. I didn’t think too much of it until a few weeks ago, when he was last here. I poured him a scotch, but not one for myself. I just did not want to take a chance. We shared a cigar and great conversation, but I noticed, I wasn’t handling the cigar too well. Then, I got a little angry about that and after he left and to soothe myself somewhat, I poured myself a scotch. Same as last year, I just didn’t feel right. What was going on was soon forgotten. I would not have to think about it again until my friend or someone came by that liked conversation, a good cigar and some great scotch.
So, now finally, we get back to the liquor store owner. This just happened yesterday or one day before I wrote this post. Remember, I went to buy some tequila, like we used to have on hand, before last year.
Two different Tequila brands— amber and clear
The amber-colored tequila on the left in the picture above is the one I have reacted to, twice now. The silver or clear one on the right is the one we used to use, for several years previously and the one I purchased yesterday. Remember, before I made my purchase, I asked the owner if he ever heard of anyone reacting to one or both types of tequila? After he said, “No,” he went on to say, “…but what you are describing to me sounds like you might have celiac disease.” He informed me that the only reason he knew anything about this was because his wife was having some issues with cancer and was referred to a gastrointestinal specialist. After proper testing, his diagnosis was that she did indeed, have celiac disease.
I have never heard of this disease before. Now, before you or I freak out with that dreaded word “cancer,” let’s not jump to conclusions. Celiac disease can happen at a young age or at any age and can vary with symptoms per individual and/or be gradual over the years. There is a test, for this and rest assured, I will be bringing this up with my doctor at a regular scheduled visit, in the next couple of weeks. But most often the disease is usually associated with the body developing antigens, for things it believes do not belong in the body of the individual as, me perhaps? It is usually associated with not tolerating gluten from wheat, rye and barley.
To my knowledge, I don’t seem to have any issue with rye or barley. I often feel uncomfortable after eating granola and sandwiches etc from whole wheat or gluten rich foods. There is a nine grain bread we have been buying for some time, which I love and gives me no problems. Pizza does not. But too much of anything would bother anyone eventually, but I try not to do that. Ice cream does not (especially Ben & Jerry’s). Yes, some ice cream contains gluten.Pie crust does not bother me. So, over the years, I have become aware of these things and have limited or weaned myself from those things which do bother me.
OK, so what has this to do with wine, scotch, cigars and at least one brand of tequila? In a word, wood. To be more specific, oak. All of these things can be aged, cured or stored in oak and as cigars, in a humidor made with oak. So yes, celiac disease can be triggered by oak and even some plastics (not that I eat plastic). The skin can absorb plastic and it can be inhaled in sufficient amounts to irritate those with celiac disease. OK, do I have this? I don’t know and won’t, before I am tested and properly diagnosed by my physician, within the next couple of weeks. But do I have any possible proof?
The liquor store owner told me that both tequilas are fermented in stainless steel tanks. But the amber-colored one is then aged to produce what some believe is a smoother tequila with the characteristic amber color. Would you like to know how it gets that color and whatever else becomes a part of the finished product? Well, it’s OAK! OK, now what?
I bought the new silver tequila untouched by OAK. I made us another pitcher of margaritas with it and slowly tasted and waited. Nothing happened. I had no reaction at all. I drank two and still, nothing. Nothing but pure delight that I could drink one of my favorite drinks again! So, tequila is my friend!
A friend tells you what you want to hear. Yay, I can still drink tequila (un-oaked) and continue to enjoy margaritas.
A friend tells you what you may not like, but need to know. I may or may not have Celiac disease. But now, I know it’s a possibility and what to do about it – check with my Doctor and take the test for this and just avoid things that may cause me discomfort.
And you Dear reader, tequila may be your friend too? If you have similar experiences as I have, check with your doctor. But rest assured, if you’ve no issue with any of these things, we will keep the stuff you like, for whenever you stop by, The Gathering Place! 🙂
ROTTALTOTAYBO Rolling on the tummy and laughing to tears your belly offGood Morning. It has come to my attention (incredible as it seems) that there may be some that have never heard of, have never experienced and have never enjoyed the MANY benefits of, The HA HA Game!
Brief Description:
Each person places his or her head on another person’s tummy, so that everyone is connected. The 1st person says “Ha”, then the 2nd person “Ha-ha” and so on. The goal is to get all the way through the group without anyone laughing. Right, like that will ever happen! It’s infectious, contagious and hilarious! See how long it takes for everyone to roar and literally stream tears of joyous nearly uncontrollable (dare I write belly) laughter!!!
Now the best way is to form a circle. Obviously the first person would have to rest two heads on their belly, the second and the last person’s heads. I volunteer as I can easily accommodate 2 heads on my present belly! 🙂
BENNIES (Benefits):
As an icebreaker. What a Great way to meet people! Right, try this at a party or at work! Maybe a political rally? Sure, put the DEM’s, GOP’s and INDY’s together doing this and we just might become, the UNITED States of America again! Caution, people that laugh together might just not only get-along, get things done and etc., but they might actually learn to like each other!
For those that seem to have no sense of humor or have forgotten theirs, they just might discover or uncover what has been there all aong!
As a stress reliever. “Do I need to explain how this would be possible,” said the person whose head is bouncing off another’s tummy and someone’s head is bouncing off of yours? It’s kind of hard to be depressed too, if you are LYAATO (laughing your ass and tummy off)! 🙂
Good medicine! OMG, YES! Laughter is good medicine. It increases “endorphin rushes,.” like exercising and other activities which produce euphoric highs!
Increase of dopamine. Dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter—a chemical released by neurons (nerve cells) to send signals to other nerve cells. The brain includes several distinct dopamine pathways, one of which plays a major role in reward-motivated behavior. Increase of serotonin includes the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin also has some cognitive functions, including memory and learning. Increase of circulation. Increase of oxygen intake. Do this long enough and maybe it will become your new favorite weight-loss program! WHAT? All this from the HA HA Game? YEP and more! It’s Good Medicne!
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…”
Proverbs 17:22a King James Version (KJV)
Well, what are you waiting for? Ha. Ha, Ha. Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha. HaHaHaHaHaHa!!! 🙂
Today marks Day 3 of my experience with ‘My Pillow.’
My Pillow logo
For months now, I have not slept well. Sometimes I sleep in a recliner with straight wooden arms. I usually wake up and my arms are numb. Sometimes, I try to sleep in bed and cannot. If I do fall asleep, I wake up with my right arm extended over the side of the bed and it’s stiff and hurts like hell. And I have a horrible headache. I move to the couch, fall asleep and still wake up with a horrible headache, un-rested and certainly NOT refreshed. I was willing to try almost anything! I heard about ‘My Pillow,’ checked it out and saw great reviews and bad reviews. I delved deeper and found most of those complaining, had not followed simple instructions. I was convinced to give it try when I read the following, from the inventor of ‘My Pillow’:
“Years ago, like you, I found myself extremely frustrated, because every pillow I used went flat. Most pillows are designed to break down. I would wake up in the morning with a sore arm, my neck would hurt, my fingers would be numb, and I would toss and turn all night long not knowing why.”
Inventor, Michael J. Lindell
I mean, I could have written the above myself! Just add in horrible headaches! Well, I was convinced and decided to try it. After all, they promised a 60 day (night) trial or your money back. I thought they were expensive, but they did have a 10 year warranty. Ten year warranty on a pillow? That’s unheard of! As an extra incentive, it was a 2 for 1 deal. I ordered. When the FedEx guy brought to me the package, I thought it was so small that not even the pillow cases (that I also ordered), would fit? Where’s the rest of my order? Well, that was it.
I opened the package and inside was one package with the pillowcases and the other one had both of the ‘My Pillows’ ordered. Unbelievable! Now what? I opened them and pulled out the pillows. The instructions said to place these into the dryer on the Tumble setting HIGH heat, for 15 minutes. This removes most (if not all the off gases from the new foam material and fluffs the pillows to their normally intended size.
So, I placed the pillows and the pillow cases into our dryer. We have dryer balls that are made out of 100% wool that do a fantastic job of drying our clothes and without chemicals usually found in dryer sheets and fabric softeners etc. These woolen balls help dry, cut down on static cling and help make your clothing soft, naturally. Click on my wife’s name— Susan, on how to get these.
I added a drop of pure lavender oil to one of the wool balls. Lavender has a relaxing/calming effect. Right, I sure needed that!
Well, after 15 minutes of drying, the two queen sized pillows were all nice and fluffy. They and the pillow cases had a nice calming/relaxing and subtle scent of lavender. But these pillows inside their pillow cases weighed like, nothing! How in the world could they ever provide enough support? Only sleep or another lack thereof, would tell right?
Night 1
I miss my bed and my poor wife misses me being beside her, so I decided to try out ‘My Pillow’ in our bed. “Yay,” said wife! There were two more instructions. I was to fluff the pillow then tuck it under my neck to where it seemed the most comfortable to me. I am a side sleeper so, this is how I started out on my first night.
The following morning, my right arm was still sore, but I slept through the night, my wife said I did NOT snore and I did not have a headache!!!!!!! YAY!!!
Night 2
After ‘fluff and tuck,’ I started out on my back and tried the couch. The next morning, no sore arm or headache, but I had a stiff neck. I believe this was due to the fact that the pillow was too close to the arm of the couch and was more elevated than it should have been for me. I had no dry scratchy throat so, I assume I did not snore.
Night 3
After ‘fluff and tuck,’ ‘Fluff and Tuck’? Are you getting the point that this is a new habit I need to make each night? Yep, ‘Fluff and Tuck.’ The other nice thing is that these pillows are completely washable. It is recommended that they are to be washed and dried and re-fluffed about every four months. Like mentioned before, they have an unbelievable 10 year warranty and it even includes laundering every four months!
I tried sleeping on my side again in our bed only this time, I put another pillow under my knees. I slept great. I awoke with no sore arms, headache or stiff neck and my honey said I did not snore. So far so good!
I have also tried taking a nap on my back after a ‘fluff and tuck’ of ‘My Pillow’ and this seems to work for me.
So far, ‘My Pillow’ is working for me. I just need to tweak it for me and get used to sleeping normally I guess. 🙂
Personally, if I did not have to EVER sleep, I probably WOULDN’T. I have a lot of energy and would prefer doing other things, instead of, sleeping. But I do need sleep, for me, about 4-6 hours. But it needs to be consistent, deep and rejuvenating sleep. With ‘My Pillow’ I have been getting more of it.
If this continues and I decide to somewhere between tonight (day 4) and anywhere from 4-56 more days (nights) to keep it, I will definitely look into more of their products and try them as well.
They have pillows— standard, queen, king, a body pillow (for you pregnant ladies), pillows for children 3-8, pillows for even our pets, pillow cases, round pillows for your knees and even travel pillows. I don’t know about you, but my wife and I always take our pillows when we travel, so we might try out their travel size.
I sleep hot. Before we bought a new bed that is much better in keeping me cooler, it was not uncommon for me to wake up drenched in sweat underneath my whole body and under my head from the pillow. I’ve not had this issue with, ‘My Pillow.’ Yay!!! I do believe their 100% high thread count cotton pillow cases is most of the reason along with the cover over the crushed foam. I still find myself kicking off the covers in the night due to the warmth our bed seems to absorb and hold. And maybe part of the reason that I am a side sleeper is because, I’m hot and my wife is like a heat seeking missile. 🙂 Maybe I sleep on the side on the edge of the bed to stay cooler, just in case she rolls towards me or draws towards my heat like a magnet? Also, I can stick out some appendage from under the covers to help ventilate. 🙂
But anyway, My Pillow’ also, makes a mattress topper that supposedly keeps one warmer or cooler as needed by the occupant. As soon as and IF I’ve decided to keep ‘My Pillow,’ I would sure be interested in trying their ‘topper.’
And rest assured, IF ‘My Pillow’ becomes my pillow, our pillows, we will be getting additional pillows for our guest room and etc. just for YOU, whenever you come for a visit at, The Gathering Place! Nothing but the best for the best (you) right!
Heres the link to their website, should you be interested in more information.
