On music, a harmless addiction, and fine art reproductions

The latest addition to our family arrived this week.  We (especially JB) have wanted to have a piano in our house ever since we moved in, and we finally found one.  It's not that pianos are so hard to find; but when you are waiting for someone to practically give one away, finding a good one is a little harder. In the course of our search, we may or may not have climbed the back fence of a dilapidated house with a tree growing out of the kitchen floor to look at a piano we were told would be there.  

This piano belonged to one of JB's former co-workers.  The big plans we have for piano lessons in the coming years are always somewhat tempered for me by memories of La Tarantella.  Does that name ring any bells, sisters o'mine?  Over and over and over again, faster and faster and faster?  

I can't wait to have people come through and play our piano!  JB has been serenading us already with songs he knows by ear.  JB's gift of playing instruments by ear is a part of him that I will never truly understand, but one I can whole-heartedly appreciate.  It seems he can pick up any instrument and start playing a song.  

But the accordion keeps you humble, right dear? 

Our friend Hanna, a young woman from Germany who is here for a year with a volunteer service, helped inaugurate our piano with some fine renditions of Schubert and Schumann.  And one song from a vampire musical.  Thank you, Hanna!  

Anyone else want to come and play?  Benjamin will make you coffee...

B extremely attached to the daily ritual of coffee-making

And two final pictures for Ellen, whose medieval triptych Christmas and birthday cards have been the surprise hit of the year.  He contemplated the artistic merits and theological implications of the piece (and the quality of the reproduction) for a good five minutes.  And he also likes playing hide and seek with the baby Jesus.  

Off to NY, RI, and CT this week!  Looking forward to visits with family and friends.