As I sipped coffee on the dock as the sun came up, my mind was bouncing through the latest news of the day and my reality.    

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find solutions to the cascading issues, uncertainties, and unknowns. I snapped the attached photo as the lake lit up in beauty. 

After another sip, I laughed to myself as I was reminded of the first few weekends of our hand sanitizer donation program. As people expressed their thanks and wonder that we were giving it away, my response was, “just staying human”. Followed sometimes with, “we’re just doing what you would do if you had the resources that we have.”

Somewhere along many weeks and months, I’d forgotten that simple solution to the chaos of today: STAY HUMAN. By this, I mean connect to the here and now. Be present and authentic at this moment

I can’t say for sure but the phrase may have come from my subconscious connecting to the Stay Human band led by Jon Batiste – that is the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. According to the internet, Batiste named the band based on his belief that human interaction during a live musical performance can uplift humanity in the midst of the “plug-in/tune out” nature of modern society.

So too – I believe that if we can release our egos, give our anxiety a rest, release ourselves from thinking about tomorrow – and just BE HUMAN – then we can help uplift humanity. 

In the spirit of coming together and being human, I think this weekend it’s time to make SANGRIA. After about 50 experiments, here’s the official Beach Bar Sangria Recipe: 

• 1 Bottle of Pinot Noir Red Wine
• 1/2 cup of Brandy
• 1/2 cup of Cointreau
• 1/2 cup of Limoncello
• 1/2 cup of Orange Juice
• 1/2 cup of Sugar

This is best made the day before and allowed to chill in the fridge. When ready to serve add the following ingredients and serve over ice:

• 1 can of Regular or Diet 7UP
• Add various fruits: Strawberries, Apple, Orange slices, Lemon Slices, etc.

If you are in a rush, just go for it mix and enjoy!

Cheers,

Doug