35th Birthday (Cala) Bash

[mortonbriar]

My Wife and gals got me this gourdgeous butz choquin calabash pipe with meerschaum top (the baby pulled it out) and briar stem extension. I feel very looked after. I also got dark chocolate and some grandpas pine tar soap.
Can anyone tell me if the gourds need any kind of cleaning on the inside over time?
Isaac

 

[Chasing Embers]

I fill mine half full of Everclear periodically, and swirl it a bit, then pour it out the stem end. Over time, the bottom of that meer bowl will soften from the oils and tar. Lay it upside down on a fireproof surface, and hold a flame to the bottom of the bowl until it catches fire. Let it go out, and when cool, it will be hard again.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Great looking family you have, and Happy Birthday!

 

[philobeddoe]

You're a lucky man to have such a nice family.

 

[hobie1dog]

Cool pipe, spoil those girls rotten.

 

[mortonbriar]

Thanks guys, and Capt. Embers I will refer back to your suggestions once I am a few bowls in, thanks!
Isaac

 

[Chasing Embers]

Very welcome my friend. A calabash will lastca good long time with proper care. Another tip is to apply a thin film of lanolin to the cork to keep it from dry rotting.

 

[fmgee]

Happy birthday Isaac, what a great gift.

 

[mortonbriar]

Lanolin, does it not heat up and smell like a sheep? I remember using it on my leather shoes as a kid. I imagine the cork could be replaced fairly easily if I needed too.

 

[yohanan]