2022 - Summer of Cigars - July 2nd

Yesterday, July 1, 2022, I commemorated 40 years of smoking cigars. During the summer of '82 I'd sometimes sneak my dad's Swisher Sweets or buy some at Salk Drug Store. They weren't as strict back then about youth buying cigars. I was 15 going on 16 that August. 

Back then I sometimes ate Dots while I smoked the Swishers. Dots were a gummy like candy that I loved but it's been years since I've had them. Probably too sugary for my taste now.

Yesterday, July 1, was a perfect Minneapolis summer day. Sunny, low 80s with very reasonable humidity, and a nice breeze; breezy enough I had to light up in the garage. 

I listened to some John Coltrane while I smoked. 

Miles Davis too. 

During nicer weather the floor plan of our house more than doubles in size. I love being out in the backyard. 

I'm glad it's summer and I'm taking every opportunity to relax. The last three schools years have been hell due to the pandemic, distance learning, teacher strike, etc. It's really hitting home how short life is. I'm going to spend some time over the next month deciding what I want life to look like but for the time being I really need to decompress. Cigars help me do just that.