Journal

I sold my 1958 solid silver handmade French model Haynes flute today. My father bought it for me when I was fifteen and it went through high school and my years as a music major and afterwards as a music teacher. I think the last time I really played it professionally was with a group of music teachers who performed at various events in Houston; I always played "Flight of the Bumblebee" - a sure crowd pleaser. I haven't played it for 20 plus years but for a long time I just couldn't part with it. Finally rational thought overcame emotion and I placed an ad in the Lawrence paper. I got one caller and she ended up buying it. She plays locally in Lawrence, so it is nice to think that I may be able to go hear my flute being played again.

It was a fun, busy week in Austin - Friday - having Kayleigh and Magda by myself - they are really quite interesting to observe and no trouble at all; then happy hour with Jenny and Elizabeth and home made pizza with everyone. Lots of Monopoly with Jonathan and lots of books with Kayleigh. Jonathan also got me interested in playing "The Age of Mythology". Dale, Jonathan and I hit golf balls at Golfsmith - it will be a lot more fun to do when the weather is cooler. Sunday, Elizabeth invited the Rihas and McHargs over and fixed a superb meal. At various times during the week, Elizabeth and I squeezed in a few moments to play harp and recorder duets. The harp is a real pleasure to listen to. My birthday on Wednesday was very special with decorations in the doorway and the kitchen and lovely gifts that the children helped me open - earrings, salt and pepper shakers for my picnic basket, appetizer plates and "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" from Margaret. And a special treat that evening was a mother/daughter dinner compliments of Elizabeth at http://hudsonsonthebend.com/main.php. The meal and the ambiance were excellent. On Thursday, we stopped by Jenny's for a great lunch with a sinful chocolate birthday cake. I got a chance to see Magda's room which is very pretty. Thanks to all for a lovely time.