These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

A Good Day for Fiddlin' Around

I woke this morning much more rested. I slept well last night, and the world my brighter!

After dinner last night I enjoyed listening as my granddaughter quizzed her mother on the points of the upcoming naturalization test. My daughter-in-law will be taking the test on 12/6/07. I was silently impressed that my son and DIL have their daughter do the reading of questions in this process. What a good and natural way for her to have her own civics lessons! She asked her mom about fifteen questions.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many of the questions I could answer. We all know that civics was probably our least liked class back in school days, and I sometimes wonder how much I've retained. I was tripped up by a couple questions last night. I'd forgotten how many amendments there are to the Constitution, and I couldn't name both my state senators (I suppose I could blame that on my recentcy of residency, but that's a cop out.). This morning I went to the website and did a self-test. I was pleasantly surprised at my proficiency! If you want to try it you can go here. The questions come up four at a time. I did about 100, although I quit counting how many screens of four I did after I reached 56, so that's a guess. Be brave! See how you do.

Today I'm picking up my granddaughter after school. On Wednesday she stays after school for some extracurricular activities and is usually picked up by a friend. Today is my turn! I'll probably take her for a little fun, but I don't know what yet. We will have to stop at the grocery store, but I'll make sure it is more fun than that!

She is taking violin lessons, and she played for me last night. She really does quite well! Her teacher makes a challenge to students each year for a "duel," and this year Kylee won! It was the first time the teacher had lost a duel to a student! WooHoo!! If I'd known she was playing violin (last time we talked about it it was "probable") I would have brought her the family violin. She is on a 3/4 size violin right now, but when she is ready, I'd love her to play on ours. My mother bought it for my father back in (approximately) the 1930s. It was used, but a very nice one. When I was in grade school, I learned to play on it and played throughout high school. Then my nephew played it. After several more years, my daughter learned to play and used the same violin.

It has sat idle for many years now, about 20. In 1991, it was damaged when a pickup truck ran into our house. It wasn't hit, but the impact apparently caused it, in the case, to bounce up and hit hard. It had a crack the length of the back. I took it to be repaired, and the gentleman who worked on it was in awe. He said it was one of the finest he'd seen in his career. He admired the tone, the physical beauty and the craftsmanship. And he estimated it's worth at well over $2000!! Oh, my!! Anyway, it is currently with a nephew who was kind enough to store it during the period that everything was in storage. He and his wife kept my parents' grandfather clock which was one of my inheritance pieces, and the violin to avoid them being damaged by the temperature extremes, moisture or dust that might have been present in storage. Soon, I'll arrange for Kylee to have it. What a wonderful history the old instrument has with our family!

I'm outta here for the day. Have a good one, y'all!!

Life is beautiful!!!



I haven't reminded you of that lately!

13 comments:

  1. What a wonderful thing to hear your granddaughter help her mother prepare for her test!! I hope you and your granddaughter have a lovely time together...I think that goes without saying...how could you not?!?

    And thanks for the reminder...I miss it when you don't say that at the end of a post!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

    Sounds like it was a great night just hanging out last night. And have fun with Kylie today. Grandparents are the best!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like you're having a fabulous time! I'm so glad.

    Kuddos to your granddaughter for beating her teacher! lol I have my grandfather's fiddle he bought in the late 30's and play at it now and then. I admire anyone who can truly play the violin.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Glad you're feeling better.

    So glad you're having fun with your granddaughter.

    What an awesome story of the violin. I am sure your granddaughter will appreciate your generosity.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sherry - I'm back and we did have a good time ... Walgreens, Borders, Cold Stone Creamery. Could it be any better????

    Caroline - Amazing what a good night's sleep will do for me! And about my time with Kylee, see above!!

    Jenster - I am! And, yes, isn't that special that she did so well. I haven't played the violin in so long I don't know that I remember, but I think it would come back quickly. Maybe I should keep it for a while? We'll see.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Daisy - Thanks! She is already big eyed about getting to play that violin! Love it when kids are appreciative of family history.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Like I said...Grandparents are the best.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Glad that you slept well last night.

    Hope that your daughter-in-law paases the test on December 6th, Lynilu !

    Your grand-daughter must love having you there - it is such a treat. Kylee will love her violin !

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love that your violin is being passed down - family traditions are great!! Glad you are having a good time with your family. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Caroline - :)) Yes, they/we are!!

    Annie - Thanks! I'll pass on to Connie your good-test wishes. I'm not concerned about it; she is prepared and bright, nearly finished with her master's degree. As for Kylee ... a treat for us both!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Casey - Family traditions are wonderful, yes. Even new ones, the ones that begin with the "new" families. I love the traditions that my children have formed with their spouses, a blend of ours and theirs, and I love that these will be handed down to their children. I'm humming, "Sunrise, Sunset" right now!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Awww that is wonderful about your GD helping her mother with the test and also about your family heirlooms. They mean so much emotionally if not fiscally

    ReplyDelete
  13. Patti - Honestly, I don't think Connie needs the drilling, but it is a neat way for them both to get quality time and learn, too. And yes, the heirlooms are precious. When I hold the violin, I can almost feel my dad there. Awesome feeling.

    ReplyDelete

If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!