Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Local Places
Me and my Banjo
I quite often ponder why I wanted to play banjo. I wasn’t a bluegrass fan so I can’t blame Scruggs. Was it Mumford and Sons? Avett Brothers? Steve Martin? Kermit the Frog? Or was it just that the banjo is the happiest instrument ever?
After seven months of lessons with Ken Brooks from Strumhollow in Spring Hill, I think I’m making progress and definitely having fun. Ken is great on all acoustic instruments and likes to make light of banjos. I’ve heard a few jokes about the intelligence of banjo players and when I had a houseful of guests at Christmas but still came to my lesson, Ken suggested I play the banjo for them and they would leave. (It didn’t work, they stayed) Ken is constantly pushing me to learn more, most recently saying I should play by listening rather than by using sheet music. My piano teacher from way back in the 60s would turn over in her grave!
I know I need to play in jams to get better. But where to find a local group that would allow me to join up with them? Jim Davis writes a column in the Citrus Chronicle about the local music scene and had a brief mention of an acoustic “meetup” at the Coastal Library in Crystal River. I emailed Jim to find out what a “meetup” was and his response was that it was “a digital age equivalent of a jam”. My interest was piqued.
So I went to their very first meetup with my camera but left the banjo at home. There were four guitarist and one fiddler. Paula Bateman recently moved to the area and had put the meetup together after failing to find a group already created. Although I didn’t understand a lot of the lingo, they were very welcoming and I got the feeling that they might have the patience to let me play while I learn.
So, I just want to say, sorry friends, family, and especially my neighbors. I’m going to keep playing the banjo. It’s not a phase that I’m going to get over. More banjo picking is in our future.
Anyone else out there that plays an acoustic instrument, the next two meetups are on March 24 and April 7 from 2 to 4:30 pm at the Coastal Library in Crystal River. If you have any questions, give Paula a call at 260-316-4099. Come and join the fun!
Treasure Hunting in February
Last week was Treasure Hunting time here in central Florida. Starting with Renninger’s Antique and Collectibles Extravaganza in Mount Dora. Michelle and I went in November and planned to return in February but time just slipped away. Kathryn did go without us and got a bunch of treasures. Really regret that I missed the fun.
But I tried to make up for the sadness by going to Webster’s Flea Market on President’s Day along with Michelle, William, Mia, and Terry. And I gotta tell you that place was CRAZY CAKES!
So here’s what I went home with…
And why exactly are these treasures?
I pick up these little dogs all over the place. Never more than two bucks. I figure when I die and the kids are going through my stuff, they’ll be like “what the hell does mom have all these little dogs for?” and then they’ll throw them away. And it won’t matter. $2.
And Godzilla because how often do you find a Godzilla for $2?
But the best buy was the little fish dish. Cause back when I spent money nilly-willy many years ago I actually paid a wee bit more than $2 for the same line of dishes. BEST BUY! (Of course, I probably spent $50 on gas.)
And Michelle said that she spent more on food than treasures until she came across this on her way back to her truck
But that’s not all. There was more treasure hunting this week! Terry and I went to the Zephryhills Winter Autofest. And it was just like another giant flea market. Kind of a Renninger’s for boys! Without the hills!
So we weren’t ready to buy a car on this trip, but this treasure hunt comes back in November. Gotta start saving our pennies!