Stem savers are almost unknown here. Never seen them available at the local shop. But i know that those who who use them make theirs of heatshrink tubes. You know the thing that's used to protect electric solderings etc. It's cheap: 1 meter costs about 1 € and that would be enough for 100+ pipes. Sits 100% tight, doesn't slip, thin, sturdy and easy to remove (now that i think: comes in multiple colors for those who want to look like hard-core individualist or bohemian :p). However, i've never tried even black ones.
Inspired by the recent pic of Mick, here's my Navy beret. I used to have also green (Jaegers) and blue (UN) but upon joining the navy i gave them to my kids. Haven't seen ever since so probably they are long gone lost :D
And my late friday eve home coming pipe. JF Germain's Rich Dark from Oldenkott. Piper Wit wheat beer from the local Sveaborg brewery.
While i've heard that it's quite warm weathers going on in Australia now, we are back to normal winter weathers. This week at work the average temps were -25 C (-13 F) to -35 C (-31 F) and windy 'enough' at sea so i wouldn't mind any colder. Actually, bit warmer would be nice.
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/...pse9d6af74.jpg