I wrote this message before leaving and set a delayed publish date. By now I should be at my destination enjoying the sunshine.

I’m not a particularly skilled orator and I’m not known for my works of prose, but I’ve experienced much in my life and I’d like to pass on a few things I’ve learned.

A broken heart can kill a man as sure as a knife, but time may bring him back to life.

You never gain by shutting the world out. It can be frightening to put yourself out there, but you must trust to hope that the good will outweigh the strife.

Saffron is not a particularly good addition to a cream cheese spread for salmon and bagels.

Good longterm investments are Index Mutual Funds or Index Exchange Traded Funds.

Visit Lake Tahoe in the winter at least once.

At hotels you’ll sometimes find small bars wrapped in decorative foil in the bathroom. Those are not white chocolate mints. Make a note of that before you go out drinking.

Keep a blanket in the truck of your car, you’ll never know when you’ll need one.

Always have a selection of wines at home.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

People don’t like it when you call The Beatles overrated.

Read at least four books a year, not counting required reading for work or school.

A survival kit should contain at least a knife, rope, a container for water, bandages, a reflective thermal blanket and a jar of honey.

Pumpkin pie is a dish best served never.

Only jerks say “this tastes funny, try it”.

Monkeys are hilarious.