Summer in the Pacific Northwest this year was short but sweet: Spring was cool and wet and August, usually a fantastic time of year, was wetter than normal. Nonetheless, the flora and fauna in our garden (with the exception of tomatoes) flourished.
With all the concern nationally about bees, we had an abundance of bumblebees. The missus had planted a half dozen lavender plants last year and there were almost always bees on them. We also planted numerous perennials this Spring to attract hummingbirds this year and it worked wonderfully. Much of my leisure time this Spring and Summer was spent on the front porch -- smoking cigars and enjoying the gardens and the hummingbirds. I was a bit worried when the hummingbirds disappeared after a porch herf in early summer, concerned that all the smoke and chatter may have frightened them off, but a week and a half later, two young juveniles made their first appearance
Since then, it's been fascinating watching the juveniles chase each other around and make their flitting visits to our (their) feeder. During this time, I've determined that they are Anna's hummingbirds and they frequently over-winter.
During the summer, I've enjoyed many cigars -- old and new -- but I've found that my go-to cigars have expanded from LGCs to many of the Pepin blends (the Series JJ probably my favorite). While most of my smoking is late afternoon or evening during the weekdays, perhaps the most enjoyable find was how great a Quai D'orsay can be early in the morning.
10-12-2008, 11:04 PM
REVIEW: Summer, birds, bees, and cigars
