The Superior Roach Clip

We were hanging out at Aficionado's talking about all things to do with enjoying our favorite cigars. After spending an exhausting day at the office, filling out requisitions and typing our fingers to the bone we like to settle down and burn one. Then our moment of satisfaction must come to an end. We have all been there and we have all tested methods for savoring that last half inch of cigar.

Comparing notes, some of us have used toothpicks, stainless steel ringed finishing nails, forceps, needle nose pliers etc. 

Each method has it's pros and cons. The toothpick, for instance will produce generous hints of burning wood and charcoal when you near the end. To be honest, it requires skill to use a toothpick because if you push the envelope, you will end up with a roach in your lap. I confess to doing it. 

The ring nail has the advantage of holding up to the heat but has the disadvantage of not having enough friction to keep longer butts extended out straight. 

The forceps solve both of the above issues but has the disadvantage of size, and the same goes for the pliers. 

While hanging out in NY the other week, I stumbled on the ultimate devise. The corn on the cob holder. 

The double SS prong solves the heat and stability issues and it's light weight and compactness make it the best tool for the job.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to market this new and novel invention to the cigar community. 

Second Harvest

The first harvest was asparagus and it was good.

Today we picked banana peppers. They came from the four lonely plants in the right front bed. These tiny plants produce a surprising number of peppers. 

So I decided today I would pickle them so I can put them on my sammiches. 

I found a recipe on the line , as Vince Vaughn would say, and will find the link later. 

Four plants fill a 24 oz jar. 

This is what we have to look forward to in a couple of weeks after the green beens are ready. 

Dilly Beans. 

Dumb kid wrecking my car

I go to the tire store to have new tires put on wifey's car. I specifically ask the counter guy 'you guys know how to drive VW's, right?' He says yeah sure. 

So I am standing outside because I hate the airconditioning on such beautiful days.  

I see this kid walk up to the car and he is just there staring at it likes he's never seen a German car before. He starts it up and immediately stalls. 

I figure it's time for some intervention or the cars gonna get towed home because this dude was wrecking my clutch and parking brake in one shot.

I walk up to the car and the kid says can I help you? I say do you know how to drive this car? It was a rhetorical question because it was obvious he couldn't. 

I said first you have to release the electronic parking brake. He is saying this is all so new to me. I said Step on the clutch and brake and push the button on the dash. So he did. 

Then I told him how to get reverse. Push down on the shift and move toward first. 

After long moments of hesitation the kid eases off the clutch. He eventually managed to back up the car. 

I figured this would happen and I normally leave a note in the car explaining  German engineering. Good thing I wasn't temped to walk over to the burger joint, or I woulda been walking home.