On the way to the restaurant for lunch on Friday, we passed a yard sale (complete with flags) that had a number of electric guitars out for sale. So, after eating and picking up some rope at Lowe's, we stopped in. The guitars (all name brands) ranged from $100 to $250, but what caught my eye was a violin, in a case. I asked the guy what he wanted for it and he said $40 US (well, he didn't actually say "US," but I always throw that in for my foreign visitors, so they can do the currency exchange. Here's a tip: Whatever currency you are talking about, a dollar is probably worth less these days). And, to my amazement, I said, "I'll take it!"
Now, why? Hard to say, exactly. I have always been fascinated by violins. My father used to play the violin, you see. I remember when my brother Joe, back from the Army, had Dad's violin restrung as a present (Father's Day, Birthday? I dunno. Does it matter? I don't know, although Joe would know. He remembers everything. I, on the other hand, have trouble remembering yesterday!) I did learn to play a guitar (you will notice I didn't say "mastering" a guitar as I always was just a very mediocre guitar player. I just needed something to accompany me with my songs.) but I never could figure out how you played the violin. Without frets, how do you know exactly where to put your fingers to make the right note?
Once back at work, I carried it inside; thinking the heat of the day in the car would not be good for it. Of course, I got deluged with questions from people. I did talk with Gary, the manager of the programmers who is in a band, himself (guitar, I believe). I asked him the name of some reputable music store nearby who would be able to re-string (or to least sell me strings for) a violin. He hooked me up with a place in Allen Park.
So, I took my treasure home and took a picture of it for you. I went through the usual rituals and then headed out with rope in hand to help the gnomes. Took a little finessing to get the spacing right, but I finally got it fixed.
Back inside, I decided to celebrate Friday by taking the rest of the night off. So, I did! I made a grilled cheese sandwich and ate that with a can of Hormel chili with beans. I watched TV until 10:00 and then, burping discreetly, went to sleep.
I still remember Grandpa playing that violin back in the day... once with uncle Carl on the piano.
ReplyDeleteYou mean you never mastered that guitar back in your Cat Stevens days ! Lol
No, I admit it! I got about 6 chords down pat and one finger-picking style and worked all my songs around that!
ReplyDeleteThat was not long after that stump incident...
ReplyDeleteRemember that bridge that jump out from under me ??
Hey, RPG! Good to here from you! How's the family? I do remember something about an accident you had with a bike (trust me, my memory is not up to the Uncle Joe caliber) but don't remember details. What exactly happened?
ReplyDeleteFamily's good. You and I were riding out on the back 40 at the farm and I hit that tractor bridge wrong and went over the side and into the creek. I don't think you were on your Sprint, I believe you were riding DeDe's 305 Dream and I was on my Zuk. Had we only the insight to know what those bike would be worth today Eh ? I don't have your email but mine is first initial, last name and 2@comcast.net... I already get enough spam as it is! Lol
ReplyDeleteOh and BTW, I'm your oldest nephew.( I didn't know how bad that memory was... !Lol)
Holy Shit! You are older than Steve? I didn't know anyone was older that Steve (except Donna, lol!) LMAO! I do remember trashing DeDe's Honda that day! It had saddle bags, as I recall, and before I was done, whatever was in them had flown out!
ReplyDeleteI guess the lesson learned is never give a road bike to a dirt bike rider!
I will check in with you at your email. Trust me, the subject line will NOT be "Increase your penis size" or "Cleanse your colon" LMAO!!!