Post-Surgery Reflections: Pain, Progress, and Gratitude

It’s now been a week since my back surgery, so I figured it was time for another update — part catharsis, part progress report. The best news of all, by every measure, the surgery was a success. I’m still dealing with plenty of post-surgical pain, and my activities are very limited, but overall, things are heading in the right direction.

The surgeon gave an encouraging report after the extensive procedure. He removed a good amount of arthritic bone, along with disc and ligament material, and also took out a substantial cyst — big enough that he held up the tip of his thumb to show the size. After clearing out all those extras, he placed some hardware and fused the the L4 and L5 vertebrae.

That fusion is why this recovery will be a marathon — the bone graft needs time to fully heal. Fortunately, the surgeon noted that my bone quality is excellent, so he expects the healing process to go smoothly, even if it takes time.

My hospital stay was brief — just one night. Since my vitals were stable and I could (very carefully) move around, they discharged me about 24 hours after surgery. I knew the goal was to get me up and walking quickly, but I didn’t expect my first walk to happen at 1:30 in the morning! Apparently, healing doesn’t follow regular hours.

The most encouraging part of all this? From the moment I woke up, the pain I’d lived with for over a year — in my back, legs, and feet — was completely gone. It’s surreal. The surgical pain is still intense, but that’s a very different kind of pain — and one I can handle, knowing the old pain is finally behind me.

Of course, I’m not getting through this alone. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my friends, the surgical team, and, most importantly, my wife — my primary caregiver in the weeks and months ahead. Her patience, care, and steady presence make this recovery possible. I’m also incredibly thankful for the outpouring of prayers, encouragement, and love from so many people. My faith — and the faith of those walking this road with me — has been a profound source of comfort and strength.

For now, my focus is on slowly regaining strength and expanding my mobility. I’m already drifting into the “bored” phase, which is its own challenge. I’ve got some interesting books lined up, but staying comfortable enough to focus has been tricky. The highlight of each day has been my short walks — and with the weather warming up and the first hints of spring in the air, even a few minutes outside feels like a gift. Those outdoor walks are far more enjoyable (and probably more healing) than endlessly circling the living room.

I can feel progress, and that’s what matters most. There’s a long road ahead, but I’m encouraged by every small step.

Cheers!

Cigar Hiatus — But My Humidor Still Needs Love

I may be on a brief hiatus from enjoying cigars while I heal from surgery, but there’s still work to be done. A few weeks ago, I noticed the Boveda humidity packs in my humidor were starting to feel grainy. When they start to feel like there’s sand inside, it’s time to swap them out.

My small NewAir 250 humidor uses ten 60-gram packs to maintain a very steady 69% humidity. I also use a few Boveda packs in the plastic containers where I store some boxes. In these well-sealed setups, the packs typically last about a year before needing replacement.

Each time I replace the Boveda packs, I pull out all the trays with the intention of reorganizing the cigars — but in reality, they mostly end up going back right where they were. I do check for any signs of mold or damage, but aside from loosely grouping cigars by variety, my humidor organization is essentially “wherever they fit.” My whiskey shelves have evolved into a similar system.

To counteract my lack of organization, I use the Cigar Scanner app to keep track of my inventory. It’s not a perfect system — sometimes it takes me a few minutes to actually find what I’m looking for — but at least I know what’s in there.

Now that the Boveda packs are replaced, I’ll leave the humidor closed for a couple of days to let things stabilize. After that, I’ll return to my daily ritual of just opening the humidor to look inside — until the day finally comes when I can light one up and return to regular cigar enjoyment.

Cheers!

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In the early days of blogging, RSS feeds were a popular way to stay updated on blogs and news sites. I still rely on RSS to follow most of the blogs I read. Even if a site doesn’t advertise it, most publish an RSS feed that can be accessed through a news aggregator or even some web browsers. It’s a convenient way to keep up with multiple sources without visiting dozens of individual websites. You can subscribe to the Musings Over a Pint RSS feeds by using the "Subscribe Via A Feed" menu in the sidebar.

However, I know that some readers prefer to receive new content via email. To make things easier, I’ve added an option to get new Musings Over a Barrel posts delivered straight to your inbox. You can choose to receive updates immediately when new posts are published or opt for a daily or weekly summary. Plus, you can adjust your delivery preferences or unsubscribe anytime.

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Note, Musings will be infrequent as I recover from surgery. But, I have some new bourbons and cigars waiting to be enjoyed in due time.

Cheers!

The Patron of Handgunners: St. Gabriel Possenti’s Remarkable Story

Today, February 27, is the Feast Day of St. Gabriel Possenti, also known as St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Gabriel Possenti was a Catholic seminarian in Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy. According to tradition, in 1860, Gabriel used his marksmanship to save the town from a band of marauding soldiers. As the story goes, he seized revolvers from two soldiers and boldly confronted the intruders. When the soldiers mocked the seminarian, he silenced them by taking aim and shooting a lizard scurrying across the road with remarkable accuracy. Impressed and intimidated, the marauders left the town peacefully, escorted by the seminarian who had become an unlikely hero.

Like many Saints, the line between historical fact and legend in Gabriel’s story can be difficult to discern. However, this tale of courage and skill has earned him the unofficial title of Patron Saint of Handgunners. The St. Gabriel Possenti Society was even founded to promote his legacy and advocate for the moral and theological principles underlying self-defense. Unfortunately, the society became inactive following the death of its founder in 2017.

Many years ago, our parish was blessed with a relic of St. Gabriel Possenti under his title St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. I vividly remember the excitement of seeing the announcement in the weekly bulletin. Since then, I’ve enjoyed sharing his story with fellow parishioners, especially those who are also handgun enthusiasts.

When our new church was completed a few years ago, a relic of St. Gabriel was among several placed in the altar, a lasting reminder of his presence and intercession.

St. Gabriel Possenti’s life and legend inspire us to stand firmly in defense of what is right and just, trusting in the guidance of God. Whether we see him as a hero of faith, a protector of the innocent, or both, his story resonates with the courage needed to face the challenges of our own times.

St. Gabriel Possenti ora pro nobis!

Fire & Flavor: A Chilly Evening with Bourbon and a Fine Cigar

This weekend, I'm trying to squeeze in a couple more bourbon and cigar pairings before my post-surgery break, which means embracing the cold.

After an early dinner on Friday, with the sun still lingering above the horizon for another hour or so, I poured a glass of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon and lit a Noble Cigars Act Two to enjoy alongside it.

The Noble Act Two had been resting in my humidor since June 2024. I last smoked one in July and found it quite enjoyable. Why I hadn’t had another since then, I don’t know — so many cigars, so little time.

This 6 x 52 Toro features an exceptionally smooth, dark brown Mexican San Andrés wrapper, with Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. The Noble website describes it as a full-bodied Doble Ligero. Right from the start, warm black and chili pepper dominate the profile. Soon, a slightly sweet medley of dark fruit, caramel, and chocolate joins the party. These flavors remain constant throughout the two-hour smoke, with the spice notes settling into the background as a complementary seasoning to the rich, dark flavors.

Just like the one I enjoyed last summer, the construction of the Noble Act Two was flawless. The wrapper was tight and smooth, the cigar burned slowly and evenly, and it produced plenty of flavorful smoke. The ash held strong — so much so that when it passed two inches, paranoia of it falling into my lap set in, and I carefully tapped it into the ashtray. It resisted at first. I smoked it down to a finger-and-lip-warming nub, leaving behind just three solid pieces of ash.

The Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon gets its name from the whiskey the distillery was permitted to produce “for medicinal purposes” during Prohibition, bottled at 115 proof — just like today’s version.

Aromas of sweet maple, chocolate, and dark fruit rise from the glass. On the nose, there’s little indication of its high proof. Sipping reveals flavors of cinnamon, black pepper, dark chocolate, and a hint of oak char. At 115 proof, it delivers warmth but remains smooth — never harsh or overwhelming.

The combination of Old Forester 1920 and Noble Act Two was a powerhouse of complementary flavors. As the sun set and the temperature dropped, the combined warmth of propane, whiskey, and a fine cigar made the chill easy to ignore.

Cheers!

The Road to Relief: A Journey Through Pain, Surgery, and Recovery

The past year — more precisely, the last 14 months — has been a relentless rollercoaster of pain and the ongoing search for relief. The chronic pain in my back and lower extremities has been constant, sometimes debilitating. Throughout this ordeal, I have explored numerous treatment options — chiropractic care, acupuncture, various drugs, countless lumbar injections, and physical therapy — all with limited success. Each treatment offered a glimmer of hope, only for its effects to be short-lived.

My spinal issues have been summed up in the doctors's shorthand as: “L4-5 degenerative unstable spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, synovial facet cyst with facet effusions.” Sounds painful, and it is. The resulting discomfort and sleeplessness have severely restricted my activity, making my transition to retirement in mid-2024 far less enjoyable than anticipated. One noticeable impact has been my absence from the range — I haven’t been shooting since December 2023. In recent months, the pain has kept me from standing or walking for more than a few minutes at a time. Thankfully, my enjoyment of beer, whiskey, and fine cigars remains intact, as those are best appreciated while seated. As long as I maintain good posture and avoid staying in one position too long, I can enjoy those small pleasures with some level of comfort.

Now, after exhausting all other options, it’s time for the final and most extreme solution: surgery. This coming week, I’ll undergo a procedure to remove the problematic tissue and bone, followed by an L4/L5 spinal fusion. Or, as one nurse put it, “cleaning up the mess and putting in some hardware.”

This won’t be my first time under the knife for my spine — I had surgery in the same area about 40 years ago. My surgeon expects the new incision to be fairly long, which has me wondering if I’ll end up with cool parallel scars.

Of course, there’s some anxiety. Some may recall that just over six years ago, I experienced a cardiac arrest. Naturally, that adds an extra layer of concern about undergoing surgery and general anesthesia. However, I’ve had regular checkups since then, including a full review by my cardiologist before scheduling this procedure. As confident as one can be in these situations, I feel reassured that my heart and general health is up for the challenge.

In fact, as the surgery date approaches, my anxiety is giving way to something unexpected — excitement. I know the road to recovery will be long and that post-op pain is inevitable, but the thought of standing without the searing pain I’ve endured is an encouraging one. Incredibly, they tell me I’ll be up and walking just hours after surgery.

As expected in today’s litigious world, I’ve signed multiple pages of disclaimers outlining possible complications and failures. The risk percentages are low, but they do make for unsettling reading. Fortunately, I’ve had several conversations with others who have undergone similar procedures—interestingly, all of these discussions have taken place in cigar lounges. (Then again, that’s about the only place I’ve been going lately.) These conversations weren’t just about sharing painful stories; they were uplifting and added to my growing optimism.

Beyond knowing that a full return to “normal” could take at least six months, the healing process remains an unknown. I hope my need for post-surgery medications will be short-lived — so bourbon tastings can resume sooner rather than later. I’ll be taking a short break from cigars to aid the healing process, but thankfully, no long-term restrictions have been imposed. I don’t expect to be competing in any IDPA matches anytime soon, but perhaps by spring, I’ll at least make it back to the range for some target practice.

This post isn’t a plea for sympathy. Like most of my Musings, it’s a cathartic exercise. That said, if you’re so inclined, I’d appreciate prayers — for a successful surgery, for my medical team, and, most importantly, for my dear wife, Colleen, who, as always, will be my rock during recovery.

Throughout this journey, I’ve often thought of a quote that appears in the sidebar. It’s from Cigar Lounge Wisdom: Ruminations Inspired in a Cigar Bar by Frank Borelli — a book I coincidentally happened to be reading in the hospital after my heart attack.

“Remember, when you’re having what seems like the worst day of your life, your survival rate for bad days so far is 100%.”

More updates soon…

Cheers!

Braving the Cold: A Winter Smoke with Black Label Morphine

We were hit by another winter storm last week, and the bitter cold is expected to linger. Getting outside to enjoy a cigar has been a challenge, so I’ve retreated to the local cigar lounge more than once lately. On a recent afternoon, despite the “official” temperature being reported as 38°, the wall thermometer on the screen porch read 50°. That would do for a deck smoke.

I brewed a cup of black coffee and selected a Black Label Morphine 10 Year Anniversary Perfecto to enjoy. At 5 x 50, I figured the diminutive cigar would offer a short but robust smoke. Firing up the propane heater at my feet helped fight off the remaining chill.

Morphine is an annual release from Black Label Trading Company, and 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the line. The Perfecto is one of two new vitolas added for the occasion. These cigars feature a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, accented by an Ecuadorian maduro leaf, creating a subtle, nearly invisible barber pole effect. The binder and fillers consist of Nicaraguan tobaccos from undisclosed origins. The cigar’s overall appearance is somewhat rough and rustic.

This particular stick had been resting in my humidor for eight weeks. It felt light in the hand, and clipping the cap revealed an open draw. The foot lit quickly, and it took little effort to pull a mouthful of rich, spicy smoke. The initial pepper spice was joined by notes of cocoa, dark cherry, and raisin. As the cigar progressed, the pepper morphed into a broader blend of nutty, cinnamon, and baking spice notes.

I enjoy my coffee black, as God intended, but I don’t always find it to be an ideal pairing for full-bodied cigars. That wasn’t the case with the Morphine. In fact, I emptied my cup much faster than usual — despite the insulated mug keeping it almost too hot to sip for a long time. The Morphine Perfecto provided a quick but thoroughly enjoyable 40-minute smoke, and it’s one I’ll likely turn to again while winter lingers.

Cheers!

A Vieux Carré, a Cigar, and a Quiet Sunday Evening

Sunday afternoons are our time to relax, reflect on the past week, and prepare for the one ahead. It’s still not quite warm enough outside for Sunday afternoon cocktails on the deck, accompanied by a cigar, but the “apéritif” tradition continues. Since there was a football game being played in New Orleans that evening, we paid homage to the city by mixing up some Vieux Carré cocktails to enjoy with a snack.

The Vieux Carré originated at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans in the 1930s. The name, French for “old square,” refers to the city's renowned French Quarter. It’s a more complex cocktail than our usual Negronis or Old Fashioneds, but I had all the necessary ingredients on hand. Though the recipe appears lengthy, it’s actually quite simple to make.

The Vieux Carré

• 3/4 ounce rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce cognac
• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1/2 ounce Bénédictine liqueur
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
• Cherry or lemon twist, garnish

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir to chill, and strain into a glass. I prefer serving it over a large ice rock with a Luxardo cherry garnish. For the whiskey component, I used Pikesville Rye — its 110-proof strength adds a nice spice balance to the bitter and sweet elements.

The balance of sweet, spice, and citrus made for a refreshing drink. We enjoyed ours with a simple spread of cheese, crackers, and mixed nuts. 

After finishing our drinks, I decided to head out to the deck for a quick cigar before sunset. The Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend cigars in my humidor had been calling my name, especially since I still have samples dating back to 2020. I grabbed one of the 2024 sticks to enjoy.

The 5 x 48 Robusto features an Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper, an Ecuador Habano binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan, Connecticut Broadleaf, and Pennsylvania Broadleaf filler tobaccos. It delivers rich flavors of coffee, cocoa, and dark fruit, with a hint of black pepper adding depth to the profile.

The weather was pleasant, though I turned on the heater for a bit of extra warmth. I kept things simple, pairing the cigar with just a glass of water while acoustic blues played softly on the radio. After about an hour of peaceful relaxation, I headed back inside, where Colleen was preparing a delicious "Seven Layer Mexican Hot Skillet Dip." We feasted on that while half-watching the football game — muting the halftime “performance.”

It was a great way to start what promises to be another cold, wet, and snowy week. Hopefully, we’re nearing the end of this long season.

Cheers!