It’s a big day . . .

. . . when you get your own ‘proper’ violin.

The eldest granddaughter has been taking violin lessons for a while now and really enjoys it. Until now her mother has been renting smaller size violins for her, but came the time when she needed a full-sized one. So Grandma said she would buy her one – as grandmas as prone to do apparently!

We set off this morning for Cockermouth, where my research had found that there was one that would be just right. And so it was. A lovely time was spent with a guy who knows all about violins. I learnt a lot about such things as resins, shoulder rests, etc. She was happy with it and so it was bought.

We caught up with everyone else and had a picnic by the river. Then we called in at the newly-found Thacka Beck Nature Reserve and walked all the way round – lots of wildlife to be spotted. The first extra is the youngest about to spread a few more dandelion seeds. And yes she does wear the tiara - all the time!

A return home and our other daughter arrived in time for tea and birthday cake – next extra is the cake for which the Smarties were required. Four candles – needed multiplying by 10. Her birthday was a week or so ago, but this is the first time we have been together since.
 
And then there was great excitement, as the older two were to go with Grandad and Auntie to watch their first football match – Carlisle against Sunderland in some cup or other! The next extra is a picture my daughter sent from the ground – I presume that is some sort of mascot and I notice that they seem to have acquired scarves! They will be very late back, much to their delight.