First, the story:
I came home from work on Tuesday very tired and sort of irritated. There were two packages sitting on my chair in the office, but I moved them both to one side and sat down to check my email. Not interested in packages today.
Big mistake.
Wednesday I came home and saw the packages again, but Karin was having a candy apple emergency, so I got changed and helped out. By the time it was all said and done, I had forgotten about the packages. I ate dinner, played with the kids, watched Mythbusters, and went to bed.
But what of the packages?
Thursday I get home late because of snow blanketing Boston. At least I had the foresight to take the 4x4 instead of the tin can I usually commute in. By the time I got home, I had just about enough time to run through the shower and start dinner (the kids have step dance class a few night every week, so I cook those nights).
After dinner I sat down in front of my computer to check the mail and my wife says "Are you *ever* going to open those boxes?". I opened the bigger box first, which was a restock of my favorite tobaccos, and a couple new ones I wanted to try. A couple of my usualls, Mississippi Mud and Autumn Evening, and a couple that I was interested in, Irish Blessing and Byzantium - all from C&D. The jury is still out on Irish Blessing, but Byzantium is *great*.
The other box was significantly smaller, and from Texas. I had no idea what could possibly be in it. The only place in Texas I ever get stuff from is Texas Knifemakers Supply, but I couldn't recall ordering anything from them in a while. Maybe it was a preorder that finally came in? No idea.
Boy was I in for a shock!
And now the pics:
Thank you all. This means so much to me. I was almost afraid to smoke it, but I couldn't help myself. It's a wonderful pipe, and it's taken a prime spot in my weekly rotation between a couple Talbert pipes.
And aside from what it means on an esoteric level, I have to say, it's one of the best looking pipes I've ever seen. You guys really nailed the shape, and I love the swoopy half-saddle (is that antler in there?). And someone out there has changed my mind about rustication. Whichever one of you did the rustication on this pipe can take credit for that. I never liked rustication, and I suspect it's because I've never seen *good* rustication. The rustication here is deep, craggy, and *very* interesting. I love it! You've inspired me to try my hand at it again.
Thanks again guys, this is truly a wonderful Christmas present!
