Every Valentine's Day, people tend to ponder deep questions. Such as "Does True Love Exist?" Or, as Martin Amis so perfectly said, "Is it me? Is it now?" If we can find even one perfect example of such a thing, then of course it exists. And if it exists, then we must conclude that
it is probably not a unique phenomena. That it can be, and is, replicated throughout nature.
The Young Victoria tells the amazing and true love story of Victoria and Albert. Young people who, like many young people, found themselves questing after love but facing almost insurmountable obstacles. Imagine it. You have to marry someone of "royal blood". You have to marry someone of the right age. You have to marry someone of royal blood, of the right age, and from the right sort of country. The weightiest forces of your family, your culture, your very nation, are brought to bear against you in this process. Just as at any American Thursday ladies night or Friday happy hour, you meet the usual selection of fools and shallows. Then, the perfect person just walks in the door. Of a palace. In a beautiful uniform. You share progressive thought. You play chess. You laugh. You spend the rest of your lives together.
This is a great movie and a perfect one for Valentine's Day. This story really happened. True Love manifested itself at the most rarefied level. Against all the odds. Against even the wills of governments. Under the horrid microscope of history. And it bloomed. And it lasted for decades. With as much vigor and depth as when they first caught each other's gaze.
It can happen. It happens every day. It happened to Victoria and Albert. And it happened to me. Here's to all love, and all lovers, everywhere. This is our day.
No. Not THIS Meade. [Robin of CNN].
THIS Mead is what I am talking about. Sort of like a dry Sauternes with the Viking kick of over 12% alcohol. I have a certain pastime which.....let us say...is oriented toward Lord of the Ring-type adventuring. After eighteen months of effort, I achieved a certain distinction. I was saving a bottle of Ragnar's Reserve for the occasion. Perfect for celebrating overwhelming victory. I am putting in a case order. Today. Who knows when the next overwhelming victory may occur?
I have been spending a lot of time at the hospital lately.
Every Valentine's Day, people tend to ponder deep questions. Such as "Does True Love Exist?" Or, as Martin Amis so perfectly said, "Is it me? Is it now?" If we can find even one perfect example of such a thing, then of course it exists. And if it exists, then we must conclude that it is probably not a unique phenomena. That it can be, and is, replicated throughout nature. 
This man saved my Irish Redhead's life today. And, along the way, he cured a condition that has menaced her for twenty years. When we first met him a few weeks ago, he spent over two hours just talking to us. About the issue. About this and that. He posited certain theories. All of which came true. This morning, early, before the day long surgery, his entire team came up and introduced themselves. Described what role they were to play in the day's events. One even kissed her hand. That, friends, is the result of real leadership. Of true professionalism. Of a commitment to excellence. Of giving more than a damn. 
Colony Bar, Grandover Resort, Greensboro, North Carolina. This is a marvelous bar tucked away in a marvelous resort hotel. The wood paneling was taken from an old tobacco barn.
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