Cold temps + high humidity = Case weather. Tobacco leaves hung in sheds waiting to be stripped in the warmth of the barn. The cows chewed their cud as another bale was stacked in the corner ready for the Tobacco Pool.

“Cat’s in the Cradle” played on the radio as we wrapped up chores and stripped another bundle of leafy garland. We wrapped up one year as the next one waited in the wings. The Marlboro man dropped a quarter on the counter and headed west during the baby boomer years.