Season’s Greetings,
I hope everyone this reaches has had a restful and peaceful Holiday Season. I wish you all a marvelous, prosperous and safe New Year. May all your pipe and tobacco dreams come true in 2023. As in most years I spend a little time the last week of December evaluating the past year and my life in general to see where I might be able to improve myself. It makes me think of growing up, people no longer here and how I became the person I am. When thinking about this month’s message I was trying to remember what or who influenced me to pick up a pipe. For me it was my Great Uncle Armando. I remember sitting in awe and being hypnotized by the aroma of burning pipe tobacco as he told stories sitting at the dining table. I knew from an early age that I would someday pick up a pipe. I don’t recall what brand he smoked but, do remember he smoked a Falcon and probably had extra bowls. I don’t recollect him ever with a different kind of pipe. As many of us, when I was younger it was commonplace to observe people going about everyday business with a briar clenched in between their teeth. It was just “normal” for someone to be at their desk, behind a counter in a store, sitting in a restaurant or gathering around the table while visiting family or friends to lite their pipe and effortlessly engage with guests. I bought my first corn cob from the local drug store probably at age 8 or 10. I used to put it in my mouth and pretend to smoke. Funny how things have changed.  Fast forward 45 years or so and here I am, still with pipe but not pretending anymore. I have enjoyed my pipes and the people I have met being part of its culture.
Please remember if you would like to take part in the Yankee Swap to bring along a wrapped tin of tobacco and if you would like to take a chance at the Presidents Raffle you must smoke a Church Warden style pipe to be considered.

All my best, Kevin

Previously:

“Cousins has the undercover assignment selling art copies for the Cezanne Society International. Harry went to his supervisor, Frank Cassidy, with the undercover idea and the FBI obviously went to the DOJ for help.”

“The other news is encouraging too. A group in DC has taken on finding the destination of forwarded mail and phone calls to the Cezanne Society International. Harry told me only the FBI Director knows the group’s name and affiliation.”

“So, we go from bleak to encouraging in a five minutes span,” Matt said. “Stick close to Harry. Not that he isn’t capable, but your council has the effect of getting him off dead center faster than he might typically move.”

“You go ahead, Allan. I’ll walk home. I have a lot to think about, and the fresh air helps.”

“OK, Boss,” Allan said as he popped from a chair in the corner, pretending not to pay attention and to be startled when called.