Pipes Make Lockdown Bearable

[St Nicolas in July]

I was the occasional social cigar smoker prior to Covid. I can't seem to enjoy cigars anymore, not in lockdown solitude. I started smoking pipes more regularly when I ended up working remotely from my home garage in the last year. To me, pipe collecting and blends exploring lends itself well to the new normal of online ordering and extended periods of being home. Plus, unlike cigars, I can fiddle with a pipe and smoke it on and off all day. How did Covid lockdown change if any your pipe hobby?

 

[anotherbob]

it slowed down my pipe smoking. I usually smoke on my way to and from work. So I'd end up smoking when I went to the grocery store. Now that I am back at work it hasn't changed much in my life. My life was pretty much like lockdown is for most people. The biggest difference is in how other people act. And weirdly strangers act more clingy. They talk to you for much longer act more open. For example lonely old people would act like that, now I run into young kids (20's) who seem desperate to talk about the weather with some random guy.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I was the occasional social cigar smoker prior to Covid. I can't seem to enjoy cigars anymore, not in lockdown solitude. I started smoking pipes more regularly when I ended up working remotely from my home garage in the last year. To me, pipe collecting and blends exploring lends itself well to the new normal of online ordering and extended periods of being home. Plus, unlike cigars, I can fiddle with a pipe and smoke it on and off all day. How did Covid lockdown change if any your pipe hobby?

I missed a week of work March 2020 and then everything returned to business as usual. Not a hobbyist so nothing was affected.

 

[kcghost]

I smoke about two to three bowls a day plus a cigar. Didn't change the amount of tobacco consumed but it affected where I smoked.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Lockdown here coincided with a 6week window in blend and whole leaf ordering before the import ban was put in place...so I stocked up like never before.

It also was curing time of our first season of homegrown.

Needless to say, lockdown unleashed the pipe smoking beast I always knew was somewhere inside

 

[wolflarsen]

I definitely smoked more pipes, cigars, and weed and during house arrest lockdown. Also smoked more meat, took more naps, had more "fun" with the wife, caught more steelhead, skated more half pipe, played more piano, rode more mountain bike, actually pruned every tree in my orchard for once, built a bitchin greenhouse, planted a mega fat raspberry patch, and more.
Unfortunately, all that is over now....

 

[mso489]

Pipes are a good distraction, certainly during Covid, but at other times before that too. I usually smoke at a time set apart, not doing other things, unless it is posting on Forums. Packing a pipe, smoking it through or intermittently, tamping, cleaning the pipe after the smoke, all little rituals that make it a compartmental activity that is separate from duties, obligations, chores, etc. During Covid, pipe smoking has provided a continuity from before, private time.

 

[FurCoat]

Not much really. I was at 1 to 2 bowls a dag and now 2 to 3 a day on average. I work from home more now but not because of Covid. I have the freedom to work remotely and if I'm not needed at the office, I'd rather save miles and gas on the car. My new normal is my old normal. Never abided by any of the COVID mandates.

 

[The Clay King]

I feel like I have smoked more because of gifted tobacco from forum members; I'd normally only buy a bit for re-enactment and other special occasions!

 

[Dio]

Welcome

 

[STP]

“Lockdown solitude”? Still? Where are you located? Yes, smoking a pipe has made the COVID crisis a little more bearable...

Welcome to the forum

 

[Chasing Embers]

“Lockdown solitude”? Still?

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[St Nicolas in July]

“Lockdown solitude”? Still? Where are you located? Yes, smoking a pipe has made the COVID crisis a little more bearable...

Welcome to the forum

Vegas. It is still remote work for us IT folks

 

[Devil Anse]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Gus]

wellcome from Balearic Islands

 

[kg.legat0]

I definitely have more time to enjoy my pipes, I still smoke about the same amount but haven't had to commute since March 2020. I am in IT as well and am going to miss it when I have less work from home time.

It's been a lot of fun having time to sample more blends and really dial my palate in.

 

[BROBS]

I definitely smoked more pipes, cigars, and weed and during house arrest lockdown. Also smoked more meat, took more naps, had more "fun" with the wife, caught more steelhead, skated more half pipe, played more piano, rode more mountain bike, actually pruned every tree in my orchard for once, built a bitchin greenhouse, planted a mega fat raspberry patch, and more.
Unfortunately, all that is over now....

Oh don’t worry, it’s not close to over.

 

[WildTurkeySurprise]

Quarantine is what led me to buy my first pipe and a small assortment of blends. It has since all but replaced my cigars, and if it weren’t for my pesky new cellaring habit, I’d be saving money in the switch.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I'm jealous. I wish that I could do all of my work without ever having to leave the house. For that little while last year when all of the stores and schools were closed, I did really enjoy not having to be anywhere. But, then things opened back up rather quickly here.
I'm not sure why you couldn't enjoy cigars like that. My wife and I smoked quite a few stogies during lockdown. But, it's good to see that you found what works for you.

 

[WildTurkeySurprise]

I'm jealous. I wish that I could do all of my work without ever having to leave the house. For that little while last year when all of the stores and schools were closed, I did really enjoy not having to be anywhere. But, then things opened back up rather quickly here.
I'm not sure why you couldn't enjoy cigars like that. My wife and I smoked quite a few stogies during lockdown. But, it's good to see that you found what works for you.

Don’t be too jealous, I’m a road musician. The work from home option does not apply to me either, and the light at the end of the tunnel for my entire industry even now is little more than a rumor. And I still love cigars, but it is more of a social event, drinks and stogies with my friends. Pipes seem more versatile: much wider spectrum of flavors, more flexible with respect to time, and personally after a year, I have yet to cross paths with any other pipe smokers, so it’s become more of a solo contemplative time for me so far, which I deeply enjoy.