6th January 2020

On the very last day of 2019, I bottled the last of my wine. This year’s winemaking had been a real challenge; a very wet summer had left the vines with submerged roots and limited sunshine to aid ripening. Despite this, the sugar levels were surprisingly high. However, the fermentation process was stubborn; even after reaching my preferred specific gravity (S.G.), the yeast refused to stop. It took several rackings and multiple doses of Campden Tablets before fermentation finally ceased.

I also experimented this year, adding mango juice to the red wine fermentation and even siphoning some into a batch of white wine that had undergone extended fermentation, a potential Rosé experiment. Now, around 60 bottles sit stacked in the garage, waiting for a March tasting session. Fingers crossed!

A Murderous Start to 2020

For the past couple of years, my Christmas present to the “children” (and their partners) has been a Murder Mystery experience. This year, Ruth joined the tradition, and on January 3rd, the six of them met at The Olde Barn Hotel in Grantham for an evening of intrigue and fun.

Meanwhile, Sue and I took charge of Lucas, Ellis, and Harry, giving their parents some much-needed time together. The evening seemed to be a great success, with Charlotte and Sarah successfully solving the crime. After breakfast at the hotel, they even managed to squeeze in a little shopping before returning to reality.

And with that, 2020 had officially begun!

I was only nine years old, but I remember well the fear that gripped the world during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. At that time, America was led by a president, John F. Kennedy, who, in my view, had credibility as a leader, the respect of most of the civilised and democratic world, and the confidence and resolve to put the protection of America and its unique culture above his interests. History records that sensibility prevailed, and the world breathed a huge sigh of relief. A year later, he was repaid for his leadership by being assassinated by one of his countrymen. America’s loss was the world’s loss.

I sincerely hope that the assassination of Qasem Soleimani on 2nd January was for the good of America, the world, and all ‘right-thinking’ individuals, regardless of nationality, but I have my doubts. Soleimani was no saint, and perhaps we are better off without his influence, yet I cannot equate this action with Donald Trump’s other ‘solutions’ to America’s security and future. When dealing with figures like Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and the leaders of several South American nations with whom the US has ‘issues,’ diplomacy, influence, and negotiation appear to be the preferred strategies. I can only hope that this decision was not driven by oil interests, arms sales, or an attempt to distract from Trump’s personal difficulties regarding impeachment.

One thing I am certain of is that Donald Trump is no John F. Kennedy, and the world is far less stable with him in the White House. Simplistic thinking and an apparent refusal to seek or take advice do not make for good leadership. Being an American abroad must be a very unsettling experience.