April was a very short month, or at least it seemed that way. Preparing for the Chicago pipe show meant long hours in my shop and precious little time with my wife. It was decided that we would take a small vacation in Charleston, SC to celebrate my 30th birthday, as I had begun my actual birthday with a 5:30AM trip to the airport (another thing she was not happy about). The preceding week had been bizarre enough for us. As Eric noted in the last newsletter, someone stole my wife's scooter and I was in the process of getting a healthy upgrade from the $1 (not kidding*) pickup truck I've driven for the last six years. It was time to relax. Cruising down on Monday morning in my new Victory Red Chevrolet HHR allowed us some comforts we've never had before. Air conditioning and music! Speeds in excess of 50mph, without immediate mortal peril! We eventually arrived at a little bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown that was constructed prior to the great fire of 1778, which also happened to be directly across the street from the home George Washington stayed in for a week in 1791. This is my favorite historical period, and yet I left one important thing at home: my clay tavern pipe. As we sat in the little brick house with a fire going after a fantastic dinner at McCrady's, my wife asked where my pipe was. Trying to be a caring husband, I told her I left it at home because she might not enjoy me walking around the grounds smoking Virginia tobacco and damning the British. While she might have been a little embarrassed if I was wearing my 18th-century militiaman costume, she probably wouldn't have actually minded the pipe. The next time we drive down for a visit, you can be sure there will be a proper clay in my luggage.

We have quite a spread of new and estate pipes for your perusal this week. Three pipes from Rolando Negoida - including two of his Tubos designs. For the record, Rolando made tube-shaped pipes years ago and has played around with turning them into calabash pieces. Tom Eltang and Rolando are good friends and each has fun playing with the idea, and you can be sure that Rolando's versions are completely "Rolando". Former and Lasse also make up the new pieces, along with Ardor, Ser Jacopo, and the introduction of Posella. With increasing summer heat around the country, choosing to savor a pipe in early morning or after dinner might be the best options. Just remember to bring a pipe if you take some time away from home.

* - He is not kidding; it is a $1.00 truck in every way imaginable, and yet worth every penny. - Eric

Adam Davidson: Quality Control & Pipe Inspector