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A bit of Rugby background. The six nations has kicked off, Ireland, England, France, Scotland, Wales, Italy. In Ireland's opening match against France, we were leading for 70 of the 80 minutes until France scored a try to go one point up. In rugby the game doesn't finish until the ball goes out of play after the time goes over 80 minutes, so Ireland had to keep the ball in play, and they did for 40 phases, it's also possible that the ref (the best referee in rugby) was feeling kind-hearted. Having said all that, Ireland could have played all day in Paris and not scored a try. The French defense, especially for a young international team, was very tight. The highlights, Sexton's cross-field kick to Earls at about 4:15 The main event, a 42 metre drop-kick at about 6:28, then the commentators' responses. Mon Dieu! Not to take pleasure in France's loss but Irish wins in Paris are rare enough. Looking forward to the finale against England on St. Patrick's day, pubs will be busy here that day. By the way, if anyone wants to join me, I'm aiming to be in the bar in the cigar lounge at the Conde de Villanueva for Ireland vs Wales on Saturday Feb 24th at 9:15am. Good fun last year.

Well...what a great Sunday Morning! Firstly, Australia actually won a Rugby Union game 32-8 against Wales. It's a pity no-one in Australia saw it, whether on Free-to-Air or Pay-TV. Then Australia defeated New Zealand in the Four Nations Rugby League Tournament in the UK, 14-8, a game that went down to the wire ! However, I reserve my greatest joy for our dear Irish brothers and sisters who have waited 111 years for their Rugby Union team to defeat the New Zealand All Blacks. Well, it happened today in Chicago 40-29. And what a victory it was! After 18 consecutive test wins, the All Blacks went down. Oh what joy for an Australian Wallaby (the moniker of the Australian Rugby Union team) supporter such as myself! Chris Rattue, the New Zealand Herald Sports Columnist, actually predicted an Irish victory two days ago! If anyone knows him, request lotto numbers! So how good must it be to be in Chicago right now? Cubs win after 108 years, then to top it off, Ireland beat New Zealand in Rugby Union after 111 years. With the large population of Irish-descendant Americans, surely "Irish eyes are smiling!" But my favourite news event this morning is the Wikipedia article on the history of Ireland and New Zealand in Rugby Union. The first paragraph reads thusly... "The New Zealand All Blacks first played against Ireland in 1905, beating them 15–0 at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. The two teams have played a total of 29 Test matches, with the All Blacks winning 27 of them. In 2016 Ireland beat the All-Blacks for the first time ever in Chicago. The draw was in 1973 where Ireland and New Zealand drew 10-10 with Ireland scoring 2 penalties and a try, to the All Blacks 2 tries and 1 conversion (A try was worth four points in 1973). During the 2012 Irish Tour of New Zealand, New Zealand won all 3 tests having scored 124 points to Ireland's 29. This tour also saw New Zealand score the biggest winning margin against Ireland in their History. This was due to the 60-0 win New Zealand achieved in the 3rd Test on the 23 June 2012. On the 24 November 2013, Ireland were leading 22-17 against New Zealand in the final minute of the match, and on the verge of their first ever win over New Zealand. Ireland had possession of the ball, but gave up a penalty with under 30 seconds remaining, which ultimately led to New Zealand working their way up the field, ending in the match tieing try for Ryan Crotty with over 82 minutes on the clock. The try was converted at the second time of asking, handing the All Blacks their perfect season. Ireland finally ended a 111 year wait for a victory in Soldier Field, Chicago with a 40-29 victory on 5 November 2016, mere days after the hometown Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years." Kudos to the fellow who edited it this morning henceforth... "Ireland have a 100% winning streak against the All Black's winning every game in November 2016 in the two teams long history of competition (Ireland are the best they beat them on the 5th of November 2016 so who cares) The New Zealand All Blacks first played against Ireland in 1905, beating them 15–0 at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. The two teams have played a total of 29 Test matches, with the All Blacks winning 27 of them. In 2016 Ireland beat the All-Blacks for the first time ever in Chicago. The draw was in 1973 where Ireland and New Zealand drew 10-10 with Ireland scoring 2 penalties and a try, to the All Blacks 2 tries and 1 conversion (A try was worth four points in 1973). During the 2012 Irish Tour of New Zealand, New Zealand won all 3 tests having scored 124 points to Ireland's 29. This tour also saw New Zealand score the biggest winning margin against Ireland in their History. This was due to the 60-0 win New Zealand achieved in the 3rd Test on the 23 June 2012. On the 24 November 2013, Ireland were leading 22-17 against New Zealand in the final minute of the match, and on the verge of their first ever win over New Zealand. Ireland had possession of the ball, but gave up a penalty with under 30 seconds remaining, which ultimately led to New Zealand working their way up the field, ending in the match tieing try for Ryan Crotty with over 82 minutes on the clock. The try was converted at the second time of asking, handing the All Blacks their perfect season."

Mr Beaver and I just returned for Ireland and Scotland where we enjoyed the trip of a lifetime! This included at the trip's climax a visit to Jame's Fox in Dublin. The afternoon in the dungeon with none other that Yiorgos Manesis (I am sure this is not his real name... it is probably Paddy O'Lantern or something like that) explored boxes and boxes of the world's rarest cigars, including the oldest Monte No 2 known to Man. I know different by the way. My father's name is Monte and he is 85. Later that evening we met at McGrattan's, next door to where VP Joe Biden was staying. Two policeman said they would be glad to take him a Cuban cigar, but it might be a good bit shorter by the time it got to him! Anyway... on with photos!

A few times a year we hit the road and we often hook up with forum members for a smoke! This time it is Scotland and Ireland my friends. The first week is a corporate trip with Matthew's company. Three days Scotland, 4 days Ireland, June 11-June 18. I do not have the flexibility to just hook up with anyone because they have a set schedule. But the 3 days after that Matthew and I are driving around Ireland and have the freedom to do as we please. We hope to visit JJ Fox on June 18 and June 21. Anyone around?? Lisa and Matthew

Fellow FOH travel gurus, Matthew and I, and another couple, want to plan a trip to Scotland and perhaps Ireland too in Sept/Oct 2013. We are looking at up to 2 weeks. A boat trip around Scotland with stops in ports for visits, sleeping on the boat; inland scotch touring with golfing for them and cigar smoking and scenery for me. Anyone have suggestions/itinerary they can e-mail or share? Seems I have heard some talk about this here. With thanks! Lisa