News from Richard Bleil
This will not be published for a few days, but today was very expensive, and I have very little to show for it. Still, though, I’m excited, so I thought I’d share a few things with you. I have to admit, though, that this is very possibly related to my depression. As I wrote a few days ago, when I’m very depressed, I tend to spend a lot of money, and today was no exception. Still, though, I’m not feeling as depressed, so who knows. One thing’s for sure; because of today I have to tend to my yard tomorrow in earnest.
First of all, I think I’ve already blogged about the Piano. Yes, I bought an upright Chickering piano, ca1898. I bought it for the history as much as I did for the instrument. Today, I found a piano mover, and it’ll cost me more to get it into my house than it did to actually buy it. So, in TWO DAYS, it should be in its new home. I’m very excited, but also very nervous. As old as she is, I don’t like the idea of her being moved (especially going down the stairs where she is now). I suspect if I sell the house, I’ll keep the piano as part of the house. I also have the name of a piano tuner, and once its in place, I’ll have him come and tune it. He should be familiar with the piano as the seller said it was the tuner he used as well. Of course, while I hope to play it, I still have my electronic piano for everyday use. Still, though, this is exciting, and I’m still working with my friend overseas who is teaching me a thing or two about playing.
But, that’s not all. Today, my friend’s son (who I also count as my friend) contacted me. This young man is rather regionally famous, and musicians from several surrounding states (and I do mean professional musicians and big names at that) specifically seek him out to service their guitars. So, I asked him if he could recommend a good beginner’s guitar, a step above the guitar that I used to have (an Ovation), something I can grow into if I get some skill, but not professional level since, let’s face it, I’ll never be a pro. Although, through him I do have some contacts, I guess! Anyway, he works at a guitar chain, and they had a Fender come into the store. It’s second hand, but my friend is so good that I know he knows it’s quality and will set it up for me. Now, I can’t get the guitar right away. As it turns out, there is a two week waiting period required by law (probably so they have time to be sure nobody reports it stolen), but I put it on layaway. Sometime around August 17 or so, it should be shipped to the store here near me. Speaking of, I also paid for four full lessons. I’m hoping it’ll be enough to get me started. My friend is teaching me music theory with piano, so maybe something will click and I’ll be able to play reasonably well. I did try playing for my friend and her boyfriend many years ago with my old guitar when he leaned in and said something to her and they both laughed. It was so disheartening that I gave up guitar and sold it. So, this is kind of a reboot.
I also bought a kitchen pantry. I find that with all of the new Pampered Chef purchases, the extra pieces, and the old appliances these new pieces are replacing, the kitchen is just too small. So hopefully this will alleviate the buildup and clear up some working space. That should come in the next two weeks as well. It looks like a beautiful piece, but I bought it online, so who really knows.
And I bought one more thing today. I decided to stop and get some lunch, and the restaurant had an interesting concept. All of the lunch menu items cost exactly the same amount, so there were no prices by individual items. I love this idea. When choosing a meal, you should base your decision on your appetite, not your wallet. An elderly woman was also having lunch there with two very young women who I assume were her granddaughters (or perhaps great granddaughters). So, as I left, I stopped at the front and paid for their meals as well. No, I didn’t wait around for thanks or anything creepy like that. It was just a random act of kindness.
So, very expensive day, but eventually, with my new hutch, my new piano, my new guitar, and my new lessons, I have a lot of things to look forward to.
Bleil's Banter 