Snow & Pipe Racks

The weatherman actually got it right today. It looks like we will see a good bit of snow before the day is out. This is the south, so everything is closed- well schools and the like. And fortunately I get to walk out the back door to my studio in the back yard and work on pipe racks. I listened to the weather reports and got all my wood cutting done (outside) over the past 2 days. So now I can stay inside and work in warm comfort while listening to the BBC. What a great day! -T

More Chicago News

I just received an email from Gregor Lobnik saying he will be at The Chicago Pipe Show this year. I have been a fan of Gregor's pipes for a couple of years now, and even though we exchange emails, I have never really met him. I am really looking forward to seeing him and hopefully a new batch of his pipes. You can see more Lobnik pipes at TheBriarPipe.com .

Another Ready to Go

Just finished another slightly more conservative version of the J. W. Lowe pipe rack. This one accommodates 16 pipes instead of the 12 the original Lowe held. I really like the finish on this one. I'm already planning a new pipe rack using this same finish. -T

Done

Another one ready to ship. -T

Getting Close

This one should be finished by the end of the day. Just a couple of coats of varnish now. With the humidity so high, it might be the first part of next week before I can ship it. -T

Work Days

Monday and happy to be working!

The weather is great! Sunny and 60 degrees. -T

3rd undercoat - a few more to go.

Naked pipe rack waiting for some attire.

Chicago 2010!

Christmas is over, The New Year has begun and this means it's time to turn our thoughts to the Chicago Pipe Show coming up at the beginning of May. I for one, start thinking about the pipe show before Christmas ... ok ... really, I start planning for it on the drive back home from the pipe show. It's the one time of the year that I get a chance to see all my pipe buddies from all over the world and see thousands of amazing pipes. If you've never been, you can't imagine how much fun it is. Every pipe enthusiast should make the pilgrimage at least once. You owe it to yourself.

I recently got an email from my German friend and pipemaker, Heiner Nonnenbroich. He is coming for the 1st time. He's planned the trip in years past, but it never worked out. But this year he has his plane tickets and has made his hotel reservations, so I think he's really coming. Also from Germany, Wolfgang and Gitta Becker are planning on being there again this year. I'm always happy to get a chance to visit with them! Collector and Pipeman extraordinaire, Neill Roan is coming as is David Wagner of baff? pipes. Besides Mark and me, that's all the confirmations I have. Hopefully I'll hear from others in the coming weeks. I'll pass the info on when I get it.

Our reservations are made and I'm saving my pennies and counting down the days! -T

pictured above are the Moran brothers, Tom and Kevin from California and of course Cousin #1, Mark. This was taken at last year's show in the huge smoking tent.

David Enrique does it again!

Back in February '09, on this blog I wrote a review of 3 of David's pipes. I raved about them. Now less than one year later, I own 7 Enriques and frankly, I want more. The latest one- the Pencil Shanked Poker that I was impatiently waiting for last week, is maybe the best of the lot. It is FANTASTIC (and NO, I haven't received any form of compensation from David for saying this)! I love everything about it. The size, feel, finish and workmanship are all excellent and it smokes as good as any pipe I have ever owned. I am again, more than pleased. Heck! I'm pleased as punch! I almost hesitate to write anything else about David's pipes. It is hard enough to get them now. I hate to think what it would be like if everyone finds out about him. -T

above- Me on the frozen pond smoking my new pipe

11 degrees

Mark and I had planned a hike for this morning. When I woke up and saw that it was 11 degrees outside, I started having second thoughts. Then I remembered that so many of my best memories involved doing stupid stuff ( many times w/ Mark ) ... so off I went at 5:30 to meet Mark at sunrise. We met- it was cold, but we had a really wonderful time. We hiked trails that are usually reserved for atv riding deer hunters. It's a swampy area, normally covered with 8-10" of water. Today the water was frozen solid and we were able to walk on top of it. We hiked down creeks and across ponds. What fun! We're optimistic that climate change will allow us to make more frozen treks in the future. -T

above- Mark standing on the pond

A Little Snow

We didn't get much snow, but what we got made for a very nice walk in the woods this morning. Great time for pipe smoking! -T

Waiting!

About a week ago David Enrique mailed my 2nd new Enrique pipe and now I am waiting ... . I enjoy this part of pipe purchasing. Anticipation is fun (except w/ ketchup). The bad thing is- I have to sign for the pipe when it arrives and I find I tend to hang around the front of the house all midday waiting for the postwoman to come. It is interfering with my oh so productive nature. I should be painting or pipe rack making or doing those chores around the house that I would probably find some other excuse not to do anyway. So here I am. Waiting. Fortunately I have the other Enrique pipe (the one I received for Christmas) to smoke while I twiddle my thumbs. I'm not complaining- just killing time. -T

1/4 - Dang! not today!

1/5 - Still no pipe ...

1/6 - Arrgh! It still hasn't come! Did I say anticipation was fun?

1/7 - I thought this would be the day ...but NO :(

1/8 - 11am- I've taken up my position by the window ... 11:43- mail truck passed - no pipe ... :((

1/9 - It's HERE! :))) more about it soon!

Got What I Wanted, But Didn't Know It Existed!

This year my son Corey gave me the perfect Christmas present. It was exactly what I wanted, or it would have been exactly what I wanted if I had ever seen one before. That makes it even more special. It's a match safe made by Specialty Service Corp., Des Moines, Iowa. I have no idea how old it is, but it certainly has had some use. On one end there are metal ridges for strike anywhere matches and on the other you can put the strike pad from a match box for regular strike on the box matches. If you see me, ask to see it, I will definitely have it in my pocket. -T

Here Already!

We hope 2010 is a Great New Year for everyone! Let's try for Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward Men! -M+T