Random thoughts on all things pipe and cigar related. Thursday, February 21, 2013. One of the best ways in which to make new tobacco discoveries is through the swapping of samples with other pipe smokers. The room aroma is similarly complex and delightful with the vanilla and Orientals imparting a sweet incense-like character.

Saturday, 8 January 2011. There has been a big pause in this blog. I have been pretty busy in lots of ways, with trips away, an exhibition, and for the latter part of the year, the sale of our flat! There never seemed to be time to write here, I have logged on nearly every week, but could never find the words. The big gap seems to fit will with the word I have chosen for next year. I was chatting to a good friend. Thursday, 8 July 2010.

Ruby - The first year. Tuesday, 13 July 2010. One week past her first birthday, and she took her first proper steps. She had been taking the odd step here or there but falling straight over. However, this weekend at the Grove Park World Music Festival, she stood up and took four tentative steps forwards. Then she stopped, looked around almost to see who was watching, and then took three more, before toppling over. Thursday, 1 July 2010.

Theme images by Michael Elkan.

Sunrise on a new loom. A sunrise is a beautiful thing, and recently they have been on my mind a lot. While at camp I easily see the sunrise each day. As the time to head back home approaches, I really miss my sunrise time. The above image is from the Arizona desert, but the colours really impressed me. When it came time to think about what to do with the very plain wood of this new-to-me loom, I still had sunrise on the brain.