I have a pretty great story for today. There's this fella that comes into my local watering hole and will nurse a can of beer for a few hours while he smokes cigs. I've noticed him several times and wondered if he were homeless and was hanging out to get out of the heat. He's quiet, keeps to himself, but looks disheveled. I went in today for a beer and happened to take my pipe. As soon as I lit it up this guy started to chat a little. He never talks to anyone but I found out his name is Stan, he's a vet, and he was a pipe smoker for over 30 years! He said back in the day all he really had was Carter Hall but he did recognize a few other names I threw out. He couldn't remember what kind of pipe he last had and it had broken years ago he told me sadly. I finished up my beer, went home, and immediately located an extra cob and an Italian basket pipe I was given a while back. I took those and several tins of tobacco I thought he might like (unfortunately, I don't have any Carter Hall) and went back to the bar. He was sitting outside and I was glad he hadn't left yet. I gave him the pipes, tobacco, and a tool and boy his eyes lit up!! It's always nice to run into another pipe smoker but today just felt really good. I hope to see Stan back at the bar soon - smoking his new pipes.
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