Dr. Grabow Pipes

Rev. Avery · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject: Introduce Myself -- Finally

Hi,

I thought that since I’ve enjoyed my time here so much that I would briefly introduce myself … for any that might be interested.

I’m 55, been married 31 years and have five children – 3 boys and 2 girls, in that order. My oldest son is married and has been a cop back N. East for 5 years. My middle son is married, has a son and another child on the way. He is a Natural Hoof Care Practitioner back N.E. That means he trims hoofs so the horse doesn’t need shoes. My youngest son manages a bedding store. My two girls are still living with us. The oldest is in her second year of college and my youngest is a senior in HS.

In 1982 I was ordained a Baptist minister. I served in two Associate pastor positions; did mission work in New Orleans to merchant seaman; and finally, pastored my own church for 19 years. Three years ago I decided to resign my church basically for two reasons. First, I was tired and needed a break. I guess in all reality I sort of burned myself out. I’m the type that takes the cares of the world upon my own shoulders thinking I can help to fix anything and everything. I found out I couldn’t. Second, during the last five years at my church I decided I needed to come to terms with what I thought I believed -- which to some degree wasn’t quite in line with what the average Baptist/Evangelical church believed. This centered more upon secondary issues that were doctrinal in nature but still important enough to causes some differences in belief and practice. In order to accomplish both of these I felt it was necessary to resign my church … which came as a huge shock to everyone.

Three years ago we moved to AZ. We came here because my wife’s family is here. Also, my youngest son was in school out here and my middle son and wife were moving out here too. Since then my youngest son moved to FL and is moving back N. East next month. About a year ago my middle son also moved back N. East. We’re going back too in a couple of years!

I have a really great job which has helped me to unwind some. It took about a year and a couple of jobs to get here, but it was worth it. Also, I have had a wonderful time searching the Scriptures for personal growth. For so long a lot of my reading and studying was always with the mindset of needing to preach and/or minister to others. This time has been very refreshing.

This past June we visited my sons back N. East. Also, I was able to visit with my mom and two sisters. While there my mom gave my oldest son (to carry on the tradition; he’s the IV) the pipes and pipe holder that was my grandfather’s and dad’s. It still had the little corn cob that was mine when I was a kid. (I have a cute picture of my grandson holding it with his hand while puffing on it. He said: “It’s not working” Smile

) My two oldest sons had started, for whatever reason, to smoke pipes. While there I smoked one of my dad’s (maybe granddad’s) old Kaywoodie. It was great. The last time I had smoked a pipe was over 30 years ago. I had smoked some Borkum Riff and nearly burned my tongue off. I decided then that pipe smoking wasn’t for me. But, while in Portsmouth we stopped in a smoke shop and I bought some tobacco. It was wonderful … smooth and no bite. I was hooked.

I had been picking up mostly Kaywoodies until I hit upon my Omega Grabow. What a pipe. My second Omega (which is larger) is just as good. I’m looking to get more Grabows eventually.

So that’s it. Glad to be a part of this Forum. Very Happy

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Rev. Avery

drbridges · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:39 pm Post subject:

Great story, Rev. Happy you shared it.

Irishlefty · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:41 pm Post subject:

Welcome although after your posts, you hopefully feel welcome already. I'm not one of the founders or even an 'old timer' on this forum but feel very comfortable here as the mainstays are great to everyone and the forum itself is delightfully free of the flaming and fighting that sometimes plague this form of discussion.

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Rev...We are glad you are here. You've made a "grand" addition to our band of "merry men". Thanks for the story.

My wife and I tried for two years to make Arizona our retirement home...place called Casa Grande...It never really worked, but AZ is still one of our favorite places...ted

ozark southpaw · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:18 pm Post subject:

Great intro Rev. Thanks for sharing it! Been through Arizona a coupe of times and once spent several days in the Kingman area helping a friend put the finishing touches on a 70 Plymouth Hemi Cuda for a show in Vegas. Beautiful country but is lacking in one thing--GREEN.
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The only thing shorter than my memory is a certain part of my anatomy!

Rev. Avery · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:45 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys!

Yes, no flaming or fighting. That's one of the first things I noticed -- and liked.

No green in AZ. So true!! That's something we really miss. Would love to have the Cuda. I really liked the early ones too.

We're not going to retire here either. My oldest son is going to make a three car garage with an apartment over it for us. That'll be in 2 - 3 years. Once that happens, back home for us. Very Happy

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Rev. Avery

LokoMac8 · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: Introduce Myself -- Finally

Rev. Avery · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:20 pm Post subject:

Thank you RJ.

Unfortunately (or, maybe to some degree fortunately if it happens at all) it does take years, life, and experiences to learn we're not superhuman after all. If only I knew then what I know now ... Wink

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Rev. Avery

steverino · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:14 pm Post subject:

Great intro RA, we're glad to have you here and glad you are enjoying it so far.

Terry292 · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:29 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum. I was stationed at Ft Huachuca, south of Tucson, on and off for about a year. Loved the place. What I remember best is how dry it was. It would rain buckets for an hour or so some days, and fifteen minutes after the rain stopped, dry as a chip. Great for my sinuses.
Terry

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If I cannot smoke in Heaven, then I shall not go...Mark Twain