You have to admire someone who takes a teeny-tiny place not much bigger than an outdoor closet and turns it into a business that, I hope, makes money.  “Discount Tobacco and Cigars” is right across from a Plaid Pantry convenience store at 16th and Broadway – technically not in Portland’s Lloyd District, but just a few steps away.

The store sells cigarettes – undoubtedly cigars, too – cold beverages, a bit of wine, phone cards and some things I’m sure I didn’t notice.

The place seems like it is always busy.  A shopper might have just left or a customer is about to go in, and cars are almost always parked along the curb out front.  The cashiers let you get in and out very quickly or they’ll chat with you and listen to your story –- if you have one.  Just be sure no one else is waiting and the cashier is not on the phone.

I don’t smoke.

Once upon a time, I smoked cigars – not the big ones that are supposed to taste great, but Clint Eastwood sized cigars with a wooden tip on the end to clench between your teeth.  I started smoking cigars because my plan was to break the habit of smoking.  Instead of a pack of twenty cigarettes, I would smoke fewer cigars, then quit.

It wasn’t an effective plan.

Years later, here’s what did work…

…my heart specialist said he wouldn’t see me again as long as I smoked.  Do you think I quit?  No.  Seven or eight years later, knowing I had to see him the next day – I quit.  I haven’t smoked since.

So why am I writing this, promoting a cigarette outlet?  Since I used to smoke, I believe smokers should get cigarettes and cigars as cheaply as possible.  However, I think they should squeeze the butts till the cherry hits the ground and put the butt in the trash or a pocket afterward – not flick them away.  I’m not a fan of littering.

If you drop by Discount Tobacco and Cigars and the door is locked, someone will probably be back in a few minutes.  I’ll tell you a secret.  The place is so small, the cashier’s have to go next door to take care of business.

You know what I mean.