Interrupting chronological sequence here . . . this is my morning smoke, I'll put last nights on later, but this one (to me at least) is very significant. I simply had the best smoke I've ever had. Period. I did the loose triple pack this time, medium finger pressure only. Lit up the little Ropp J16 Etudiante, and proceeded with my listening program - this time my favorite violinist, Isaac Stern, playing both Bartok Rhapsodies and the Prokofiev Violin Concerto #1. Total performance time, 42 mnutes. I had time to listen to the 1st Rhapsody again.
I've of course dedicated this pipe to Mad Fiddler, but the pipe, with a fairly loose pack, lasted 55 minutes. That'll take in a Brahms Symphony! To me, at least, astounding for such a small pipe. MF is my usual morning smoke and I'm glad I broke my latest more "let's do this now" rhythm. It's no secret the Ropps smoke sweet, and respond to all the slow smoking techniques I know. I'm now a real fan of pipe dedication - it helps so much to get to know your tobaccos and what each pipe can do.
I'd like to say to one and all, that I'm really enjoying this ongoing thread. I've learned a lot from so many of you - and been exposed to so many ideas, seen so many beautiful pipes, and have received many helpful PMs. It's so much more than a show and tell thread, and I'm getting to the point where I feel I can honestly do a little contributing of value in other threads. Thank so much, folks. It's been great and will continue to be so!