Reflections on Portal music camp

That was a loooong road trip! I've been home a week now, but I still have unpacked luggage and a general reluctance to do anything much. I did manage to make it to one yoga class and a couple of walks with Charly. It's muddy-paw season, and my kitchen floor is muddied, as are my bed sheets. I'm belatedly geared up now to meet Charly at the door with a damp towel. I can't quite get motivated to mop the floor or wash the sheets. If I do make it to the washer any time soon, it will be with an armload of dirty underpants.

The upside is I'm still playing my whistle, making The Arran Boat sound a little more like a tune every day. I still can't quite play it from memory, but I'm getting closer. Now I'm craving a $200 Burke brass D whistle, waiting for payday to take the plunge. I hope it isn't premature. No, no, I'm sure I'll carry on with this and that it'll be way more fun than the alto recorder was all those years. Will Harmon (my twice-daily teacher in Portal) drilled into me the importance of developing my ear and playing from memory, leaving me eager to become adept at doing so. Going to Kells tonight to practice listening closely.

For me the music camp was a great success, though I was too shy to make the most of the good company all around me. Fortunately I had my cousin for company, and my silly dog. One-on-one lessons were ideal, and Will is one of the nicest people I've ever met and a font of information, encouragement, and advice. Our conversations will stay with me, as will the music. I'll definitely want to go back next year. I'd enjoy it more without the javelinas eyeing Charly and her wanting to play with them.