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Normal Dinner

At Thanksgiving dinner last year, one of the guests, M had just returned from his business trip to China. He brought us baijiu and warned that it was strong and to proceed with caution. That turned out to be an understatement but it was experience to remember. It seems only like the other day, but so much has changed since November. M was there to select a supplier for his company and was expecting to travel back several times this year. 

 Reading this story about baijiu reminded me of that evening, having dinner with people when life was normal. If we even get back together this Thanksgiving, which would be a miracle in itself, a lot would have changed for everyone. Our host got laid off recently, our mutual friend a small business owner has their livelihood upended. In months to come there will likely be more casualties. That was the last time M was in China. He may still have some of the baijiu left. 

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