@Mouse , @Fiddlerman , @SharonC - 

THANK YOU, very much!  

I don't know how anyone else feels about these birthdays (?) that fall right before a decade (29, 39... 69!) - for some reason they make me feel really OLD!  

On the other hand, if I make it to a decade milestone... then I feel like CELEBRATING!  

Anyway, I'm looking forward to another year of exciting music adventures with my fellow Fiddlers here!!!!!!!!  

@ABitRusty - 

Thanx, Greg!  

Do you have a special question you ask yourself ONLY on your Birthday?  

Like... what can I do to make this next year even better, or did I reach any of my goals yet, 😶 will I make it to the next one?  

Mine: "Why is it I STILL haven't taken any time to arrange/learn to play a special Happy Birthday Song"????  

...because by the time I think of it, the day (and incentive) is

GONE!

@AnnyJ - 

Thank you!  

I had a great day catching up with some old friends. 🥰  

Family getting together Sunday (Hubby's B-Day!) with all the grandkids. 

Kevin said he'd bake me a cake for it... I asked for a Jello 'Poke Cake'!  I don't feel too guilty eating sugar-free cake mix & sugar-free Jello, but there are some decadent 'Poke Cake' recipes out there.  Anyone ever have a 'Harvey Wallbanger' cake?  I've made one (loved it), but it was many years ago - when the cocktail was still in vogue... unique combination of flavors.  Was just thinking of old recipes... my Grandmother liked making a 'Dump Cake' (clean up your mind). 🥳

Geez, I shouldn't 'think' about food!  Playing the fiddle helps... maybe just a few minutes, it's getting late!

@Mark - 

Thanks, Mark!  

How have YOU been, lately?

@Mark - 

Life sure doesn't get easier as we get older - and I hate to hear you are still dealing with so much that (to me) sounds overwhelming.  

Have you been able to go fishing at all this Summer?

Just want to say I'm so glad you still visit here!  

Your support is appreciated, and you really do play the violin very beautifully.  I remember back when I first introduced myself - you told me how much & how long you've been involved with music & different instruments.  I was very impressed - most impressed you have put such a huge amount of work into mastering the fiddle!  

Where do you keep your violin(s) when not practicing/playing? Thread  

I'm not very good at remembering to treat myself well, especially when trying to resolve multiple problems & can't do all the things I used to rely on to help me refresh my resolve, anymore. 

I have other ways of making music for a few moments, but there's something about grabbing the fiddle, playing an old/familiar tune, or learning something new, that ends up being more than just a spritz of 'alligator repellent' - more like a day at the spa... maybe not as good as taking a day to go fishing, though. 😉 

Take care, Mark.