I went to the tent immediately after work on Wednesday. I spent hours together with other pipers, renewing and making new friendships. I commented to my wife that we talked all this time. She said that some women complain that men don't talk. That is not true. We simply talk about other topics.
Thursday, I was in the tent most of the day. Around 4:00, the cases started to be opened, and pipes were displayed. Later in the evening, four local cigar vendors set up tables and the steel band started playing. This was fun. I tried the second cigar of my life then. This one did not have "It's a Boy!" on it. OK, but I am definitely not switching.
Friday, I was at the tent around 6:30 am to get a place for the pre-show. Unless you are there, you can't really appreciate the number of people and pipes at this event. Hopefully, others took pictures. In the afternoon, I found a warm quiet chair in the lobby, and lost consciousness. Then the welcome dinner was again a wonderful meal. I had been surviving on poptarts and enjoyed real food. I sat with a group that all knew each other from another forum. Did I mention how easy it was to make friends at the pipe show? I did not stay for the presentations afterwards. I was zonked.
Saturday the show started. My table was in the middle row, near the back wall. I really wish I had someone with me. If I was away from my table to see other vendors or getting food etc, my table was unmanned. There were thousands of pipes to look at and buy. Again, I was zonked, so went home afterwards. Since my vehicle was in the shop, my wife had to drive up to get me. Since she is asthmatic and allergic to smoke, I could not go into the smoking tent all day. My choice, not hers. I want my wife to be OK, more than I want to smoke.
Sunday, I enjoyed the breakfast for exhibitors. Very good. I gave my presentation on what the Bible says about tobacco. This was in the smoking tent. Many said they were interested. Five men were at the table and we had a great discussion. They wanted me to do this next year. Craig also asked me to do it again also. Then I went to my table and sold more tampers. The crowd and vendors started to disappear after lunch for the slow smoking contest. Again I could not participate without endangering my wife, but I got to take the pipe, tamper and tobacco home with me. I probably would have been out in the first couple minutes anyway.
After I got home, I enjoyed three new blends I picked up at the show and two of the new pipes. My shop smells good now. Shower, eat, and prepare my report.
If you get a chance, try to attend next year.
Winton
Thursday, I was in the tent most of the day. Around 4:00, the cases started to be opened, and pipes were displayed. Later in the evening, four local cigar vendors set up tables and the steel band started playing. This was fun. I tried the second cigar of my life then. This one did not have "It's a Boy!" on it. OK, but I am definitely not switching.
Friday, I was at the tent around 6:30 am to get a place for the pre-show. Unless you are there, you can't really appreciate the number of people and pipes at this event. Hopefully, others took pictures. In the afternoon, I found a warm quiet chair in the lobby, and lost consciousness. Then the welcome dinner was again a wonderful meal. I had been surviving on poptarts and enjoyed real food. I sat with a group that all knew each other from another forum. Did I mention how easy it was to make friends at the pipe show? I did not stay for the presentations afterwards. I was zonked.
Saturday the show started. My table was in the middle row, near the back wall. I really wish I had someone with me. If I was away from my table to see other vendors or getting food etc, my table was unmanned. There were thousands of pipes to look at and buy. Again, I was zonked, so went home afterwards. Since my vehicle was in the shop, my wife had to drive up to get me. Since she is asthmatic and allergic to smoke, I could not go into the smoking tent all day. My choice, not hers. I want my wife to be OK, more than I want to smoke.
Sunday, I enjoyed the breakfast for exhibitors. Very good. I gave my presentation on what the Bible says about tobacco. This was in the smoking tent. Many said they were interested. Five men were at the table and we had a great discussion. They wanted me to do this next year. Craig also asked me to do it again also. Then I went to my table and sold more tampers. The crowd and vendors started to disappear after lunch for the slow smoking contest. Again I could not participate without endangering my wife, but I got to take the pipe, tamper and tobacco home with me. I probably would have been out in the first couple minutes anyway.
After I got home, I enjoyed three new blends I picked up at the show and two of the new pipes. My shop smells good now. Shower, eat, and prepare my report.
If you get a chance, try to attend next year.
Winton