Thanks Mal and Merry Christmas!! Okay, I pierced this one again yesterday. Piercing schedule/technique I use is this. Once the rind has formed pierce with a 1/8" 3 mm stainless steel needle/pin, a large thermometer probe works well, from top to bottom every inch. Start with a hole in the center and work your way out in a wagon wheel pattern. Next day pierce sides at alternating up 30° angles and the next row down 30° angles. One row every inch 25 mm. Go completely around the wheel in this pattern stopping just short of the center. Wait four days and repeat. The original wholes should be closed up by this time but don't worry if they're not. This one is displaying good veining but needs time to mature.