The pagan bleating of Ēostre pedants aside, it’s officially spring in Wisconsin. Man and beast were in shorts today, with temps of nearly 60 degrees. Therefore, it was time to light the pipe of spring. This year’s pipe was a Uhle Classic straight (briar, naturally), and the tobacco was as close to the venerable, endlessly smokeable Frog Morton (R.I.P.) as the local tobacconist could produce.

The Latakia and Virginia mix was a fabulous companion as I cleaned out the garage, put away tools that had been hastily abandoned to their fate in January’s sub-zero snap, and idly considered where a motorcycle (I’m really fiending for an old Honda Trail) or project car (BMW Z3 M, maybe?) could fit between the gym equipment, golf gear, and lawn machines.

To all the smokers out there, cheers to you. To all the nonsmokers, consider joining us out at the smoke pit every once in a while.