In Vino Non Veritas

 (What is this blog if not a place for true confessions & deep dark thoughts, not to mention reminiscence & retrospection??)

Back in the day when I felt as if I was frantically juggling my responsibilities as mother, wife & veterinary practice owner, I must admit I relied on alcohol as a minor crutch as well as self-medication. I met an old friend for a good ride yesterday - she’s been having health issues of her own, which can be partially traced to her sobriety issues. She had gastric bypass with significant weight loss but then struggled with malnutrition because she was drinking too many of her calories. I myself have come to the conclusion that I will gladly remain pleasantly plump if only I can get some of my stamina back!

Yesterday evening we celebrated my friend’s younger daughter‘s 21st birthday, and Courtney decided to tie one on! She was already urging her cousin to do shots with her and it wasn’t quite 6 PM… she poured me a cup (she picked out a coffee cup for me because it had a horse on it!) of sweet red wine which she forced into my hands. I can’t believe I’m nursing a minor headache this morning after that minor indulgence, but obviously I cannot drink the sweet varieties anymore. I had to give up white wine several years ago since it always gave me a headache - for the most part I can have a glass of a nice Malbec or Cab with dinner like a civilized person. Peran & I bowed out early when Courtney had retreated to her room to go through her old prom dresses. K reports she is alive if not well this morning - not surprisingly having thrown up several times! But she’s young so I’m sure she’ll recover quickly, ha ha! I’m very glad that Zach seems to have outgrown his binge drinking phase; I was very worried a couple of weeks ago when he took a bottle of tequila over to his friend’s as he plotted his proposal to Victoria.

Sounds like they had a great betrothal trip - I took Tyson back to Zach’s house Friday night with an invoice detailing all his veterinary care during the week: between boarding, bathing, treating his minor ear infection, updating his vaccinations and heartworm protection, it was a little over $600 and that didn’t even include ambulance service for Grandma to pick him up and return him safely home! Zach was very appreciative and hopefully I’ll get to see him this afternoon where he can show me vacation photos. (He sent me a few but I want the narration)