Visit From Uncle Joe

Mike's brother paid us a visit from Florida last weekend, as he was up here for one of his many cigar related business outings. Joe works for Thompson Cigar, and anyone who knows Joe..... will have had cigars, or other Thompson paraphernalia, handed to them by him on at least one.... or 20 occasions! Mike's brother is extremely generous and always gives so much to his family. I can say that right now we have cigars tucked away all over the house (big gnarly ones for Mike, small dainty/flavored ones for me), we have a top notch humidor for said cigars.... and even Vince has his own humidor! (and some cigars with his newborn face on them). You can bet that most of Mike's family has similar stories to tell about their households.

Three Silvestros, two old and one new

Anyway, Joe's career in the cigar business has earned him many interesting stories of where he's been and who he's had to deal with.... including getting family members involved, such as during this trip to New England. On Friday Mike left work early to drive up to New Hampshire, as he was invited to a boxing match... of which Joe and many of his cigar business buddies were attending. I was told it was the type of fighting that was 'almost illegal' for people to participate in. After hearing that, I stopped asking any more questions. The only story I got out of them was that there were bikini clad women in the boxing ring holding up announcement cards, and that the night was wrapped up in a Denny's Restaurant at 2am, eating plates of food with some 84 year old Italian cigar king named Sal. Indeed Sal is featured in Cigar Aficionado Magazine's 2007 summer issue. We received a complimentary issue.

We played tour guide for Joe, who had never really explored Boston before. It was so nice having Mike's brother come to visit! We had a good time showing him around, and he spoiled us with italian ice and restaurants! Thank you Joe! We'll have to pay everyone a visit in Florida very soon I think, especially if the weather in Boston stays as it has been the last 2 months.

Visting the public garden to see the Swan Boats

Vince loved his first taste of Italian Ice!

Hanging out near the frog pond

A photo opportunity in front of the old state house, the balcony where the Declaration of Independence was first read