Never easy to do this, but it’s time to look back on my New Year’s Resolutions and Long-Term Goals and with 75% of 2025 in the books … assess how I’m doing. Adjust. Add some things. I think there’s more positive than negative here, so let’s goooooo….
This is taking longer than I thought, but it’s coming along. I spend about an hour every Saturday morning just tweaking things … categories, making some Blogs into Pages. It’s a hobby. And I like it. I feel good I’ll be done with this by Christmas
Forgiveness. It’s been on my mind alot lately. I’ve been thinking about it well before Charlie Kirk’s widow, in front of the whole world, told her husband’s killer … “I forgive you.”
My kids like when my Blog is funny and silly, but sometimes it can’t be. I hope they’ll forgive me.
“Forgiving” and “forgiveness” have been on my mind because I hold grudges. Sometimes, when I daydream while out on a walk, I think of people who’ve wronged me, tell those stories to myself again, and I waste precious moments justifying why I’m mad at those people or still get mad thinking about what so-and-so did or whats-his-name said. I daydream and think, boy oh boy, if I ever run into that person, THIS is what I’m going to say.
Why? Do other people do this? My guess is … yes. Otherwise, “forgiveness” wouldn’t be mentioned in the Bible as often as it is. Forgiveness is mentioned somewhere between 16 and 20 times in the Bible according to Bible Study Tools and Open Bible.
I write often on this Blog about things I’m going to do to improve my life … like take cold showers in the morning or wear and hike in my rucking vest. I wonder how the rest of 2025 would feel if I also worked on forgiveness? And then how would that make 2026, 2027 and every year after that better if I can really start thinking about an old boss that was terrible to me and many? Or a friend from 25 years ago that hurt me with is words? Or, as absurd as it is, all the people in the news, whom I’ve never met and will never meet …just forgive their toxic behavior and move on?
I’m confident it would feel wonderful.
Forgiveness isn’t easy. I’m not one of those Bible-quoters, but this is something I say often and mull around in my head and then … forgive me … I don’t live it out.
Matthew 18:21-22: Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
I won’t just Blog about forgiveness, this time, and move on. I’m going to work at it. I’m going to write things down as past grievances and grudges float into my head. I’m going to think about it. Get to why that thing or person still bothers me. Then, my thing, I’ll say a few Hail Mary’s and Our Fathers and try to never …think …about …it …or him/her … again.
And then I’ll pray and hope the people whom I’ve been crappy to will forgive me.
Ephesians 4:32: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
An Interactive Profile of the Michigan Whiskey Drinker
Distilling the Data
Welcome to our analysis of the American whiskey drinker. This interactive report first establishes a national baseline profile—who they are, what they prefer, and how they enjoy their spirits. Then, we’ll pour into the specifics of Michigan, highlighting the unique characteristics and local tastes that set the Great Lakes State’s whiskey enthusiasts apart.
The National Landscape: A Baseline
Gender Distribution
Nationally, the whiskey market still skews male, but the gap is narrowing as more women explore the category.
Age Demographics
The core consumer base is in the 35-54 age range, with significant spending power and established tastes.
Primary Whiskey Preference
Bourbon remains the dominant preference across the U.S., valued for its American heritage and smooth profile.
The Michigan Difference
Here’s where it gets interesting. While Michigan drinkers share some national trends, their habits and preferences show a distinct local flavor. Use the buttons below to explore the comparisons.
Brand Preferences
Demographics
Consumption Habits
Brand Preference: National vs. Michigan
Focus on the “Michigan Local” bar—it’s the key differentiator.
The most significant deviation is the Michigan drinker’s strong affinity for local craft distilleries. While nationally, craft spirits are a growing segment, in Michigan it’s a core part of the consumer identity, with nearly a quarter of drinkers prioritizing local brands over established national names.
Age Demographics: National vs. Michigan
Michigan’s profile skews slightly younger.
Michigan shows a stronger representation in the 25-34 age bracket compared to the national average. This is likely driven by the vibrant and accessible craft distillery scene, which attracts a younger, experience-seeking demographic eager to explore local products.
Purchasing Channels 🛒
National Profile:
Primarily purchase from large liquor stores and increasingly online. Decisions are driven by reviews, price, and brand recognition.
Michigan Profile:
A high percentage of purchases occur directly at distillery tasting rooms or at retailers who prominently feature local products. Community and “supporting local” are major purchase drivers.
Consumption Setting 🥃
National Profile:
Mostly consumed at home or in traditional bars. Classic cocktails and neat pours are the standard.
Michigan Profile:
Distillery visits are a common social activity. There’s a higher tendency to try unique distillery-exclusive cocktails that often feature other local Michigan ingredients, like cherries or maple syrup.
Key Takeaways: The Michigan Identity
Hyper-Local Loyalty
Michigan drinkers don’t just like craft whiskey; they love *Michigan* whiskey. This fierce loyalty to local distilleries is the single most defining trait of the state’s consumer profile.
The Experience Economy
For Michiganders, whiskey is often about the experience—visiting the place it’s made, meeting the distillers, and tasting unique creations. The distillery is a destination, not just a factory.
A Younger, Engaged Base
The slightly younger demographic in Michigan suggests a healthy and growing market, energized by the innovation and community-focus of the local craft scene.
Life in my 50s is very interesting, especially when it comes to the Internet. The Interweb knows I’m 52, that I have a high-stress sales job, I’m married, have a dog, love coffee, and that I must feel tired all the time and like bourbon. Hmmmmm … could all the bourbon be making me tired?
The World Wide Web is pretty much right, tho. So the latest thing it’s telling me is, “hey, you don’t need to exercise and lift heavy weights …just do Tai Chi.”
So, I’m gonna.
I’ll add Tai Chi to my early morning Rucking (1/2-hour) and/or Burpee Walk (this is my own invention) when I get home. My routine in 2025, which I’m proud of, is . . . Read More
Can you believe I’ve never Blogged about my fascination and belief in the Rosary? I’m not so disciplined that I say the Rosary daily, but I pray it often. I collect Rosaries, which is to say, I’ve never gotten rid of any of my Rosaries. I have my own. I’ve been gifted a couple. My Catholic School children (and Catholic School Teacher wife) have made Rosaries. Over the years, sometimes at Church, they’ll hand out Rosaries and I always accept the gift.
At last count, I have about 26 Rosaries. Also, at last count, I have 3 Rosary stories and now I have a 4th Rosary story and it’s practically miraculous.
Rosary Story 1 – The Origin Story
This Rosary-thing comes from my Grandma Lillian Kowalewski. She seriously prayed the Rosary. Daily. I know this because when I was a young kid, we’d spend the night at my Grandma and Grandpa’s house and on more than one occasion I woke up early and saw her sitting by herself whispering and praying the Rosary. Read More
There’s that age-old question about a dog chasing a cat and what happens if the cat doesn’t run away? But what about this… what if the dog doesn’t chase the cat? Think about it. The cat loves teasing the dog and knows the dog will never catch it. But a dog will always chase a cat. It’s what a dog does.
Until it doesn’t.
And after the latest scandal and investigation involving the University of Michigan football team, consider me a dog that just doesn’t feel like chasing a cat anymore.
I’m done with the Michigan State v. University of Michigan rivalry. Honestly. I suddenly don’t care. I’ll sit over here a chew my bone. I’ll chase squirrels. And birds. I’ll play fetch. There’s lots of fun things to do without having to worry about those annoying pussies … er, I mean … cats. Read More
My Uncle Lou has passed away. He was the oldest brother and my eldest Uncle. I’m very lucky to have had an Uncle Lou, and not just because having an Uncle “Lou” is kinda old-timey like having an Uncle Frank or Uncle Moe … names you don’t hear anymore. No, having an Uncle Lou like my Uncle Lou made my life better.
Sticking with the name … “Lou” is a great name. It’s a family name. Uncle Lou’s father (my grandfather) was also Lou. My Mom, his sister, was Mary Lou. And their grandmother was Ada Louisa … and because we loved the name, we named my daughter Ada Louisa and, like the older Ada Louisa (who we never met), we call my daughter “Louie” like everyone called her great great Grandmother. My niece is Lauren Louise. And if my “Ada” had been born a boy, her/his name would be Louis (or at least on weekends when I had custody because at the time of Ada’s birth my wife and I were at odds about what we would name a boy and it might have led to divorce).
Anyway. “Lou” and “Louie” and “Louis” are family names. Read More
It’s been a month since I started Dad Fuel, and I’m a full-on fanboy and I’m drinking the Kool-Aid …errr, the Dad Fuel.
Wow. Dad Fuel has changed my life. After 30-days of using Dad Fuel as my breakfast, I can say that without hyperbole or exaggeration. The 24 grams of protein plus the 14 grams of protein in the whole milk I mix it with give me the morning protein power punch I’ve never been able to get with eggs and sausage and other supplements. Dad Fuel and the protein make me feel full all morning and I have ZERO cravings. Usually when donuts or bagels appear at the office, I can’t resist. For the past month, I’ve resisted with ease.
Dad Fuel also has EVERYTHING else that a dude would read about in Men’s Health or hear about on health related Podcasts. Things like MCT oil for energy, metabolism, and brain. Things like maca for testosterone and lion’s mane for the brain. And Cordyceps, and Ginseng. And chlorella. And camu camu and holy basil and like a dozen fruit and vegetable extracts. Check it out here. Dad Fuel kinda has it all and in pretty good amounts. Read More
Can you believe we’re halfway through “I Love Don Week?” Just wanted to share a few updates. Oh, like this … you people must be playing a cat and mouse game and you have something big planned as a surprise. Because so far … nothing. Well, I did get a card in the mail from my Aunt with two $5 scratch and win tickets and I won $10 … so that’s something.
What’s that you ask? How have I been spending my “I Love Don Week?” I’m glad you asked. Doing a lotta reflecting. Journaling. Planning. Evaluating the first half of 2025 and making plans for the rest of 2025. One thing I’ve been thinking about (again) is the concept of a Mid-Life Crisis. Read More
Much has been written about “I Love Don Week” over the years so you might think there’s nothing left to say.
Wrong.
We’re days away from the 52nd kick-off of “I Love Don Week” and while it’s not what is used to be, it’s still pretty big. For example … my company gave everyone Friday, July 4th off of work I’m guessing as a chance for everyone to enjoy the Day-1 Kick-Off of “I Love Don Week”. Not sure why the company’s not giving us the day off on my actual birthday (July 11th), but I’m sure they have their reasons.
Many communities are planning fireworks displays on “I Love Don Week” Day-1. It’s overwhelming. Read More
Don Kowalewski 