From: Michael Coan <????????????????????????????????>
Subject: First Pipe

Hello-
	I thought some people might get a laugh out of my experiences
with my first pipe. I'd appreciate advice on doing things better,
given my limited options. (I'm a grad student at age 39.) This summer
has given me time to ponder just why my grandfather and dad always had
a pipe handy.

	I live in a quiet town in a rural state (Maine), and the pipe
smoking options are severely limited. The local pharmacy had only two
pipes in stock, so I wound up with a Dr. Grabow _Savoy_ model. The
thing takes filters, so I purchased a pack of charcoal ones too.
Tobacco was also limited, but I bought two samples: Borkum Riff
(Cherry) and Sir Walter Raleigh. Total cost: $18.45.

	The first thing I did was sand off the black mystery exterior,
and uncovered a pleasantly grained briar. The grain has some
interesting burls, and no putty filling. This bare surface was
promptly oiled with vegetable oil, given 3 coats, until the wood no
longer sucked it up.

	I've been smoking it for a week now, occasionally rubbing the
warm bowl with the side of my nose to oil it after a smoke. I've
been using book matches to light it, and have had great success
keeping it lit. (Don't like the sulphurous cloud from wooden matches.)
My smoking tools are a 20 penny nail and a pocket knife.

	This is about as entry level as it gets! Still, I'm pleased to
have personalised the pipe somewhat, and enjoy seeing the briar
darkening with handling. The filters don't seem to be too much of a
frivolity, either. In fact, they trap the drool very well at the stem
end, and catch all sorts of little nasties before they get into my
mouth. I seem to prefer the Raleigh, now.

	Questions:
	1) Does anyone have evidence or stories concerning pipes and
	   stress? (My cluster migraine headaches have gone away!)
	2) Is there anyone out there with advice on home flavoring?
	   I'd like to try a few things: maple syrup (the real stuff),
	   vanilla, and maybe almond. There has to be a way to flavor
	   some myself.

	Thanks for reading, hope you found it interesting to hear from
the lower end of the spectrum. Peaceful smoking to all.
	
				Mike Coan (one damn cheap Yankee)
				????????????????????????????????



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