This Time it's Saturday This and That

We have been having such gorgeous weather lately. I hope it lasts for a while.

Last weekend we went to the Maple Syrup Festival near Salem, Indiana. It was freezing cold, but we still had fun. I forgot to take my camera though, so we went back today. It was absolutely gorgeous, though very windy, so pictures will be posted soon. We had a wonderful time again. There was quite a crowd there today.

Thursday, March 26, Eler Beth finally got her ocarina!! (If you are a reader of her blog, you already know how excited and happy she was when it came!) She has been saving her allowance for an ocarina for many weeks. When she finally had enough and ordered the one she wanted most, she was disappointed to find that it had been a special edition that was no longer carried. But she ordered and received her second choice, and I think she's just as happy with it. She is already playing several songs on it. It is a 12-hole sweet potato ocarina. She can play some songs from tabs (tabulated music) and some by ear. I do want her to learn to read music, so I have hired Andrew to give her music lessons two or three times a week. During the first lesson I listened in for about 10 minutes and was impressed by Andrew's teaching style as well as Eler Beth's aptitude. Andrew says she is a quick learner. He is going to make a good teacher some day.

She wears that ocarina around her neck all day long, and plays it all through the day. I'm hoping soon she'll let me videotape her. Here is a link to one of her favorite songs and ocarina players. She met a Native American gentleman at the festival last week who played his little ocarina for her. Here is a link to his web site, where you can hear some more ocarina music, by clicking on the first box.

Good news on the job front. Two Friday's ago, Thomas' company put out the word that there were no more layoffs on the horizon. They let all of the contract workers go. The rumor had been that they would then let 200 company workers go, but after getting rid of those who were still on their probation period (and giving early retirement packages to several foremen), they decided they didn't need to do anymore layoffs. So, so far so good.

I did a pork roast in the slow cooker last night, so when we got home today, dinner was over halfway done. We all took a little nap, then I finished up dinner with mashed potatoes, a very simple salad, and some crusty rolls. It was SO good!! The pork was so tender! Now I'll take the leftovers and make BBQ sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. I think we'll go out for dinner tomorrow.

I have a lot in mind to write about, but I want to read some blogs and upload my pictures from today, so I'll try to get back on here tomorrow with more news.

Hope everyone is having a very good weekend!