CTRL+F “pipe”
Huh… No pipe smokers?
That’s the crown of tobacco enjoyment. Cigarettes… They just annoy the receptors. A good strong and slow hit from a pipe will relax the whole body and mind, with a strong euphoria descending down the nervous system as a warm wave. I think that’s how the American natives liked it - and stronger yet.
Cigarettes - no thanks…
I smoked once. I was maybe 7 or 8. Both of my parents did at the time. Dad was a Benson & Hedges guy, while mom was a Kool Filter Kings lady.
One day when my mom was about to light up, I asked, “what is that like?” She said, “You really want to know?” I hesitantly, expecting a back hand to the mouth, mumbled a yes. “Light one,” my mother responded. I was puzzled, but proceeded. She said, “Put it in your mouth.” I did. I then sucked it in and blew it out. I did that 2 or 3 times. It was easy at that point. She asked, “Is it hot?” To which I said “Yes.” “Yucky,” she quizzed? “Uh huh,” I muttered. My mother then says, “Well you’re doing it wrong.” Completely confused I let out a “huh?” She said, “you don’t just suck it into your mouth, you breathe it in.” “Like air,” I asked? She said “Yep.”
That was the bridge too far. Having totally abandoned my aspirations of being cool, I could have sworn I spent the next 30 minutes expelling what had only reached the back of my throat. I haven’t touched a cigarette since.
So never smoked nails but have been a cigar and pipe smoker (the non marijuana old school gentleman pipe) since 1990. Probably average one to two 30 minute smokes a week. No inhaling so smoking risks are greatly reduced. (Some life insurance companies actually allow non smoking rates for cigar smokers). I mention because I don’t think cigars and pipes are a viable alternative for cigarette smokers. I have found my cigarette smoking friends/addicts have trouble participating in a leisurely slow cigar or pipe smoke. I am not sure why, just old school observation.
That is exactly the lesson I learned and how I learned it. My parents both being heavy smokers, it was my mom who gave us the lesson. I’m certain she didn’t want the three of us burdened as she was with the habit. No cheating. She made us truly inhale. Horrible. All three of us (I’m the eldest) grew up never touching tobacco in any form. Kudos to mom (may she Rest In Peace).
Your parents’ story is such a blast from the past! It’s amazing how they embodied that classic '50s and '60s style with cigarettes and all. Those photos must be a treasure. What really stands out is their decision to quit smoking in the '60s. Kudos to them for making that healthy choice! Quitting smoking is no small feat.
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I never like smoking, among other more serious stuff. But my brother-in-law gave me a box of Cuban that worth some money (the idea was when he visits I’ll accompany him in the backyard). Well, he has not visited since last Christmas. The box still has 7 or 8 left. The last time I tried one it was quite dry.
I hope he doesn’t bring more on this Christmas 
I used to smoke 10 packs a day. But since I lost one of my lungs, I cut my smoking in half 
So here’s my pitch:
You take dried tobacco leaves, grind them up, roll them in a piece of paper with some glue to hold it together. You put this thing between your lips, light it on fire and breath the smoke into your lungs.
People are gonna love it.
“Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.”
Mark Twain
I can relate. I was a pack a day from my mid teens to early 20’s. OPs for a while (other people’s). Then dip/chew for another 20 and finally freed myself about 20 years ago.
I love how each section of the book “Confessions of Zeno” opens with “Today I smoked my last cigarette.”
I smoke my last cig every day. No big deal.
I smoked my last cigarette about 33.5 years ago. The way I was smoking. . . I’d probably be dead now if I hadn’t.
But I totally understand smoking and it’s a choice I understand making.
I took it up again during the previous Presidents term. I didn’t think we had much time left.
I used to smoke 10 packs a day. But ever since I lost one of my lungs I cut my smoking in half 
I hear ya. We got a dog
My alcohol consumption doubled.
Same here.
In fact, I hadn’t seen so much drinking since 9/11.
My stereo and recording spending doubled–because that’s my comfort “food” and drink. As a result in the last two years I’m struggling to return to normal limits and recover.
After retirement, my demand in high quality whiskey and better music has increased. Should I un-retired? Nah, I don’t plan to bring more money into my grave so I’m good.
Once awhile I smoke a high quality cigar in backyard. I don’t smoke enough to know what’s high quality in that. But I got a free supply of cigar from my brother-in-law, and he always reminded me how expensive these are. Of course, he could be totally lying to me and I could not tell. I can never get him into high-end audio; smart guy!