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Q1 Books

Chris O'Donnell — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:35:00 +0000

Q1 Books

I keep the list of books I read at the books link above. Here are the highlights from the first quarter of 2026.

The Society of Unknowable Objects: This follow up to The Book of Doors mostly delivers.

Life After Cars: A depressing look at all the ways cars ruin everything, with some hopeful examples of places getting it right.

Automatic Noodle: This story of robots running a bakery in late, late stage capitalism is just delightful.

Dungeon Crawler Carl: Answers the question, what if aliens destroyed humanity to turn the planet into a D&D version of The Running Man that is broadcast to a universe-wide audience? And there is a talking cat. #TeamPrincessDonut

Carl's Doomsday Scenario: Book two in the series is even better. They are on level three of the earth dungeon, and shit is getting real.

Montecristo 1935 and the Revolver Cocktail to Fight the Chill

David — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:32:35 +0000

Despite my optimism in de-winterizing the screened porch last week, Mother Nature had other plans. The past few days turned notably cooler, even bringing a couple days of frost warnings. As such, it was a bit chilly when it came time for our Sunday afternoon cocktails and snacks. I assumed we’d retreat indoors, but Colleen suggested we sit out on the porch while I enjoyed a cigar.

I’d been eyeing the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro resting in the humidor for three months now, and decided its full-bodied profile might serve as a fitting counter to the chill.

My first inclination was to pour a bourbon with the cigar, but I opted for a cocktail instead. I settled on the Revolver — a richly flavored mix of bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters that leans decidedly dessert-like.

The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro is a 6 x 54, softly box-pressed Nicaraguan puro. It was originally released to celebrate Montecristo’s 85th anniversary, with the intent of reimagining the original 1935 Cuban profile using modern Nicaraguan tobaccos. I have enjoyed a few Cuban Montecristos on European trips, I recall only one New World Montecristo prior to this — the milder White Series, which didn’t quite suit my preferences.

The 1935 Anniversary delivers a core of dark roast coffee, earth, and bitter cocoa. A moderate dose of pepper and baking spice — especially on the retrohale — adds definition. In the latter half, notes of leather and malted chocolate emerge. The profile remains rich and well-balanced throughout.

The cigar produced copious amounts of smoke, contributing to its overall richness. Even at rest, it gave off steady plumes — at times bordering on excessive when I was actively smoking.

An exceptionally enjoyable and bold smoke, the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary paired beautifully with the Revolver. The cocktail mirrors the cigar’s espresso and cocoa notes, while the hint of orange lifts and brightens the heavier flavors. The interplay between the drink’s coffee character and the bourbon’s sweetness complemented the cigar particularly well. The dark, warming profile of the cocktail also felt right at home in the cool air.

The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua has received high praise, including recognition as the #2 Cigar of the Year from Cigar Aficionado in 2021. Priced in the mid-range, it delivers an exceptional smoking experience. It’s one I could easily see adding to the humidor for special occasions — or simply for a rewarding late-day smoke.

Cooler weather is set to linger through the week, but with dark, bold pairings like this, that hardly seems like a hardship. Before long, I’ll be reaching for lighter, more refreshing combinations — but for now, this suits just fine.

Cheers!

35 hours of class…done!

Chris O'Donnell — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Last night was the final lecture class for Virginia Master Naturalist training. 35 hours of classes, 10+ hours of field trips, and a few additional hours of continuing education since January. It was like being back in night school, except that most of us are old. Final exams are due Friday, mine is 95% done. I just need to finish up the questions based on last night's class and send it in, which I will do today. My final project is complete, I will turn that in next week in the final class / class party. I still need to complete my 40 hours of annual volunteer work to maintain my certification, but that won't be an issue. The issue is choosing among so many interesting opportunities. So many interesting and worthy places to spend my time - so little actual time to do it.

Also, good job Virginia. I knew we could do it.