The past year—more precisely, the last 14 months—has been a relentless rollercoaster of pain and the ongoing search for relief. The chronic pain in my back and lower extremities has been constant, sometimes debilitating. Throughout this ordeal, I have …
We were hit by another winter storm last week, and the bitter cold is expected to linger. Getting outside to enjoy a cigar has been a challenge, so I’ve retreated to the local cigar lounge more than once lately. On a recent afternoon, despite the “offi…
Sunday afternoons are our time to relax, reflect on the past week, and prepare for the one ahead. It’s still not quite warm enough outside for Sunday afternoon cocktails on the deck, accompanied by a cigar, but the “apéritif” tradition continues. Since…
Today, February 10, marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint José Sánchez del Río. On this day in 1928, a 14-year-old boy was executed by Mexican government forces for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith during the Cristero War. This period …
Mother nature is teasing with brief interludes of pleasant weather — between reminders that it is still winter. During a recent afternoon that hinted at spring, I reached for a Crowned Heads Le Carême Pastelitos LE 2023 for a quick smoke. Seeking a mil…
My wife had an appointment in Winchester, VA, recently and asked if I’d make the two-hour drive with her. Since there’s a cigar lounge in town that I follow on social media, I had an extra incentive to play chauffeur for the day. (Of course, her asking…
It was a warm weekday in the late afternoon, with the temperature climbing above 50° — a worthy cause for celebration, especially in February. The sun still hung above the horizon as dinner wrapped up, so I quickly grabbed a cigar and poured myself a b…
It’s been an extremely cold couple of weeks—so cold that I haven’t felt the urge to step outside for a cigar. Fortunately, I managed to make it over to Hogshead Cigar Lounge a couple of times to enjoy a smoke in warmth and good company.Since I hadn’t e…
February 1 marks the Feast Day of St. Brigid of Ireland, a beloved figure in our family and one of the most revered Saints of the Emerald Isle. Among the many quotes attributed to her, this one is particularly famous:“I’d like a great lake of beer for …
It’s been over two weeks since I last enjoyed a cigar on the deck. The extreme cold, coupled with some lethargy due to pain, led to the hiatus. I did manage a quick indoor smoke one afternoon at Hogshead Cigar Lounge, which was a nice reprieve. On Sat…
