Does every youngster start with the violin? NIce Picture and Merry Christmas. Do you have Boxing Day in Austrailia??

Most start with the piano. At least I did. Didn't play the fiddle until grammer school. Then in high school I played the trumpet, french horn, flute, bassoom, and oboe. Now I play the radio.

Funny, Dorthea.

My gosh, Dorthea! You could be a one woman band!

The violin is one of the hardest instruments to play. Also difficult are the viola and the cello. So I hope not too many kids are given those choices for starters! I'm with ntd waiting to hear whether the Aussies celebrate Boxing Day. Do ya, do ya, do ya?

I started with violin. But all of my friends started with piano. Then they changed to a band instrument like flute, clarinet or trumpet. Violin is really hard because you have to train your ear to hear the notes correctly and learn where to put your fingers. There are no frets like there are on More...

Yes, ntd, we have Boxing Day in Aussie. It is a holiday for everyone and MY day with my children and grandchildren. There are so many conflicts with in-laws who also want to see them, that I settled on this for our get-t-gether. So back to preparations before they arrive.

Yes, as dino says, we have Boxing Day in Australia. It is the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race which is a 628 nautical mile race. It has been sailed for 63 years. There is also a Boxing Day cricket match on every year, as well.

Boxing cricket as well, you guys know how to have fun! The race sounds exciting and has so much history! The excitement never ends, does it, kids!
Meanwhile, playing the cello was very hard which is why I quit! Great to visit with all of you every day. (I'm pretty good with my Discman, but haven't bought an ipod yet.)

Dorthea, I am impressed, but what, no guitar? You have me beat for musical instruments by one, but I think your's were harder (I was good at the oboe, and never tried the bassoon, flute, or trumpet!).

2/16/08

4/27/08