Just Trying

I did brave the snowy roads (they were fine for a "seasoned" snow traveler like myself, but it was still a bit risky as a lot of folks, especially younger folks were not yet quite ready nor properly skilled in their snow vehicular navigation).  I did see a few vehicles in ditches, and saw one vehicle cantilever rather awkwardly on the roadway as the fellow struggled to regain control of his beast.  

But, because I was both foolish and brave simultaneously.... I was able to attend the "Retiree's Cigar Group" meeting, and it was extremely pleasant.  

The talk was all over the map.  Lots of humor (a bit of it on the blue side), lots of kvetching, lots of talking, reminiscing, visiting, etc.  It was enjoyable and very relaxing.  

As is my normal, I start off rather quiet (recall, I was called out on that initially).  But, they have grown to recognize that is just me.  The group was at about a dozen or so fellows when I got there.  And, for my natural inclination, I DO tend to be quiet in that large size of a group. But, it did not matter.  And, it was enjoyable to quietly listen to the stories.  

As time went on, the group size began to decrease as it always does.  Folks leave for a lot of reasons.... some have various appointments to get to (medical, dental, etc), some are meeting family or friends somewhere.  One fellow has an afternoon "gig" as a part-time Walmart greeter in retirement.  But it ebbs and flows each week.  If I am able to stay into the mid-range of the meeting with my own schedule, the group usually dwindles down to a handful of folks, and then I feel more "talkative".  

Folks were asking me a lot of about endocrinology yesterday, as a few of them had some ailments related to the system.  

Overall a very nice time!  Oh, and the cigar I tried was a Perdomo Habano Connecticut.  It was pleasant and added to the relaxation.

This morning, I slept in a bit later than I probably should have.  But, it felt so comfortable to have only a completely UNSCHEDULED day of work ahead.... meaning, I did not have to meet any particular, damnable timelines, and could work at my own pace and one the projects of my own choosing based upon what seemed best.  So, I hit the track at 6:33am and hoofed out my 10 miles (~16 km).  The running is feeling much more like it used to..... enjoyable.  I think the shoes are magical, and my purposeful attempt to focus on goals and values instead of just being at the "beck-and-call" of whomever is having the latest "crisis" has helped.  

Last evening, while I was waiting  a bit for my wife so we could proceed with making dinner, I spent some time perusing of my favorite on-line pipe shops that sells both new pipes and estate pipes ("estate" is the fancy term used for "used" in pipe circles).  The site has absolutely beautiful images of all its pipes, and it is akin to being in an art gallery while simply perusing my phone.  Aesthetically, I can definitely enjoy and appreciate some of the more ornate and some rather "out there" pipes that people have carved, whittled, or otherwise made.  They are almost inevitably beautiful to look at.  Even though my own pipe proclivities have always been towards the TRADITIONAL shapes, usually especially the larger bowled pipes in these traditional shapes..... I can very much enjoy seeing the fine craftsmanship of some of the more exotic specimens. I did see a similar "estate" pipe to the one at the top of this post that intrigued me greatly with its comfortably appealing shape (for me (meaning not exotic)). It is a definite "looker" in my opinion.... again in a traditional fashion.  I looked again at the site this morning for the estate pipe..... and I fully admit I had a very "itchy" ordering finger, but (fortunately or unfortunately, you can choose your preferred opinion) it was already sold......gone.  

I also looked at the delightful pipe tobaccos at this retailer as well while I was at their site.  They did have a new blend they were offering for the holidays that was purported to express hints of nutmeg, clove, and honey.  It seemed like a very intriguing blend to me.  It sounded exceptionally tasty and delightful.  The flavors were ensconced in a blend of leaves that was primarily burley (of course, my favorite) with some Virginias in it as well.  My ordering finger was mightily tempted to order a few ounces or more.  But, I was "good" and refrained.  But, its potential flavors still ring incessantly in my mind.  

I am planning to put up the Christmas tree this weekend.  I am feeling rather minimalist though in terms of decorating.  I think my wife if feeling similarly.   

PipeTobacco