I'm somewhat new to cigars, having picked up a few while on vacation in DR this last year - so far it seems that I favor the medium-ish maduros and the like - but not something so strong that it grabs hold of my tonsils and does tarzan swings <img src='http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> I've also got a couple of friends who are trying to encourage me to try pipes, but I haven't yet made the plunge...<br />
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my latest project is the setup and rigging of a 'smoke shed' at the side of the house - SWMBO has decreed there'll be no smoking in the house, so something needed to be done (given that the alternative would be to not have any cigars again til spring). it's only a 10x14 'storage' shed - galvanized steel (and pretty flimsy - got bent some when we were assembling it), paving brick for the floor though I might toss down an old area rug or two. got an old woodstove in there, and it's working great with 1" blue foam insulation on the roof and walls (though I still need to come up with some way of doing the front wall, with the way that the doors slide) - got some nice comfy adirondack chairs for when my friends come over, as well as a propane lantern so we can see what we're doing <img src='http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
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when I'm not busy thinking about cigars or smoking them, I work at the local public library where I'm in charge of the interlibrary loans department - the perfect job for a bookworm - if we don't have it, chances are I can get it elsewhere <img src='http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> I've been at the library for just over 19 years now, it's a great place to work with lots of good people for coworkers. <br />
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with what little spare time that's left, I'm also a member at the local Naval Veterans Club (social - I haven't served in the forces) - sadly, the laws restricting tobacco in Ontario are such that the members of the club are now forced to go outside for a smoke rather than sitting in the clubroom like they used to be able <img src='http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> it's gotten so bad up here, that most retailers are forced to conceal all tobacco products - purchasers aren't allowed to see what their getting until it's bought and paid for. because of this, I'm somewhat hard pressed to find cigars to try so I tend to order by internet from shops in the US (and Canada Customs ever so kindly doubles the price for me when it comes across the border)<br />
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cigars/brands that I've tried and liked (in no particular order) - <br />
- 601s<br />
- Padilla <br />
- Illusione<br />
- Tatuaje<br />
- various other Don Pepin (Cubao, Pepin Blue, etc)<br />
- CAO - CX2, MX2<br />
- Torano - Signature, Virtuoso<br />
- Perdomo - Fresco, Habana, Champagne<br />
- 5 Vegas A<br />
- Joya de Nicarauga Antano<br />
- Hoyo Excalibur<br />
- Don Lino Africa<br />
- Los Blancos<br />
- Alec Bradley <br />
- Cusano<br />
- Bolivar<br />
- Trinidad<br />
- Oliva V, Nub<br />
- Don Francisco (a very nice 'store brand')<br />
... and probably others that escape me at the moment <img src='http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
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wish list? I dunno.... what do you suggest? <br />
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I also like "handmade crafts", "tappered candles", "assorted markers", "repair parts", "art supplies" and many other things <img src='http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
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mailing info - <br />
Rick Johnston, 59 Gatineau St, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, L1H 7G2
good friends
good food
good smokes
good beer (not "national brands")