Today, I'm celebrating one year as a pipe smoker. What a great year of learning about this wonderful hobby/lifestyle. At annual physical last month, my doc was beaming - "you lost weight, your cholesterol and blood pressure are all down and you are the healthiest you've ever been, what are you doing different?" Beats me....
Last April, on vacation, a gentleman smoking a pipe on the balcony opposite caught our attention. My wife remarked she wished I smoke a pipe instead of a cigar, and the wheels started rolling........
I've made a few mistakes and learned plenty. I've acquired a wonderful collection of mostly British pipes and honed my blend tastes to some English blends as well. Of course, I aspire to more "pipe dreams". The tobacco choices seemed so overwhelming a year ago. Yesterday I marveled at how effortless packing/lighting and smoking my pipe has become. A match or two per bowl seems the norm these days, a far cry from a year ago. Tongue bite? Yes, I remember that as well, in the distant past.
Thanks to all the fine folks here who aided and abetted my passion for the briar pipe. I still remember my cigar store clerk telling me not to waste much money on a pipe, as I'll be back to the cigar in short order. I think there are still two unsmoked cigars in my dusty humidor....
Another aspect of pipes that I hadn't counted on was the joy I get from refurbishing estate pipes. Refinishing estate pipes has allowed for me to acquire some fine pipes with my meager PAD budget. I appreciate all the folks who have helped me learn and hone this craft (ejamoes and Cajungy not withstanding).
Thanks Folks! I started the day with a cherished Ferndown and will pull out my $20, "Italian Briar" basket Ebay pipe that started it all.
I'm indebted to everyone for their camaraderie and assistance in the past year. My travel has fortunately allowed me to meet some fine folks thru shops on the East Coast. I may never have the chance to meet some members, but consider them valuable pipe friends as well.
Smoke safe folks and many thanks!
Last April, on vacation, a gentleman smoking a pipe on the balcony opposite caught our attention. My wife remarked she wished I smoke a pipe instead of a cigar, and the wheels started rolling........
I've made a few mistakes and learned plenty. I've acquired a wonderful collection of mostly British pipes and honed my blend tastes to some English blends as well. Of course, I aspire to more "pipe dreams". The tobacco choices seemed so overwhelming a year ago. Yesterday I marveled at how effortless packing/lighting and smoking my pipe has become. A match or two per bowl seems the norm these days, a far cry from a year ago. Tongue bite? Yes, I remember that as well, in the distant past.
Thanks to all the fine folks here who aided and abetted my passion for the briar pipe. I still remember my cigar store clerk telling me not to waste much money on a pipe, as I'll be back to the cigar in short order. I think there are still two unsmoked cigars in my dusty humidor....
Another aspect of pipes that I hadn't counted on was the joy I get from refurbishing estate pipes. Refinishing estate pipes has allowed for me to acquire some fine pipes with my meager PAD budget. I appreciate all the folks who have helped me learn and hone this craft (ejamoes and Cajungy not withstanding).
Thanks Folks! I started the day with a cherished Ferndown and will pull out my $20, "Italian Briar" basket Ebay pipe that started it all.
I'm indebted to everyone for their camaraderie and assistance in the past year. My travel has fortunately allowed me to meet some fine folks thru shops on the East Coast. I may never have the chance to meet some members, but consider them valuable pipe friends as well.
Smoke safe folks and many thanks!
:
Good diet, good exercise and relaxed times, no wonder your body and health show it. :
