My Son’s Rite of Passage (…17 years from now)

As mentioned in the last post, my son Roy was born by C-section at Memorial Hospital in Long Beach on December 13 2011. He was named after 3 different grandfathers on both my side and his mother’s. He was born big and healthy (10.5 lbs!) with all 10 fingers and toes. Over the last 11 months he has grown into a happy, rambunctious toddler. It has been an incredible journey, with lots of joy and wonderful moments that I will remember forever. Fortunately we have lots of pictures too!

Just before Roy was born, I procured several tins of Escudo and 4 ounces of SG Full Virginia Flake, which I jarred up and marked to be opened on 12/13/2029 (18th b-day). I also paired this with several bottles of my favorite port, to be opened in 12/13/2032 (21st b-day). Those dates seem like a million years away right now, but I know they will come quicker than I think. At least I’m prepared for his rite of passage! My father had done something similar for me (although only port, not pipe tobacco), and I’m very glad I am able to carry on the legacy for my son!

A triumphant return from hiatus!

Wow, I can't believe it's been over ten months since I've posted here.  A lot has happened since then.  My little boy was born on December 13, 2012.  Also I found full time employment (funny enough, because I smoke a pipe - more on that later) in my field of product design.  Those two things are the main reason I haven't kept up with this site lately.  I've also moved from Long Beach to Orange to be closer to my work.

Of course, somethings are still the same:  I'm still teaching at CSULB; I've bought some new pipes, sold and gifted some old ones; and of course I've procured more tobacco to horde.

I have a lot to add to this site (including stories, pictures, and how-to's), and I've been making some changes around here as well.  Today I've split this blog into two sites:

• This site will continue to be my personal blog, with pipe related (and sometimes just life related) stories and tidbits.  
• The other blog, Pipe Class 101, will include all the educational, informational, and instructional posts.

There's lots more to come, so please come back often - and I promise I won't disappear again!

~TMP

My First Guitar Video

Completely of the topic of pipes, I have recorded a short clip of me playing guitar a little while ago, and I wanted to share it on this site as well.  I am used to playing infront of an audience not a camera, so this was a new experience.  It's short and funky - a little too fast, I know - and I hope to make more of these soon.  Cheers!

Enough to Make Any Man Happy

I had a wonderful evening over the weekend.  It all began with the purchase of a new hat from our fine local retailer, Targét.  As I returned home I stopped at the local store and procured a pint of my favorite ale, Fuller's ESB.  Once home I was in such a good humor that I decided to smoke my favorite pipe as well, my best calabash.  I filled it full of Stonehaven, donned my cap, grabbed my pint, and stepped outside for this picture.

It then occurred to me that I had one shot of Jack Daniel's left in the bar.  This led me to remember that I had recently acquired a JD's "double bubble" shot glass too.

"Well," I thought, "I haven't had a boilermaker since high school, and this certainly is the night to indulge."  So I measured out my dosage, and snapped this picture in the process.

The hat was doffed, the glass was tilted, the beer was drank, and the pipe was smoked, and the night was well enjoyed.  Strange how these simple, age-old pleasures are still enough to make any man happy.

So here's to you, and hoping you have a great night soon too, whatever your pleasures may be!

~TMP