Sheila's new toy

This is Sheila's new Dulcimer. It is a Fellenbaum and actually made by Tom Fellenbaum himself after they discussed what options it should have. Apparently there are 3 or 4 well known dulcimer makers and he is one of them. He lives in one of the Carolina's. Sheila started lessons last November and is still at it. She really likes it. Think the teacher and her students are planning 4 public appearances a year. Who knew.

We did the Tour of the Lakes bike ride in Brainerd last weekend. Every 20 miles or so they have a rest stop. First stop included breakfast burritos hot off the grill, all kinds of fruit, loads of bakery goods, candy bars, etc. etc. Each stop had the same quantity only diff. types of food. Good thing we were biking. All went well for Sheila and I. Ron not so much. He got about 30 miles into the ride and exploded a rear derailleur. I have never heard of that before. His day was done. Bike was his new carbon fiber bike with 300 miles on it. Good thing it is under warranty. Think the chain is $50, Derailleur $150, If rear cassette is bad another $100. Oh and then he sends me a note today that the frame is bent (probably the drop outs) so has to be sent back to factory for repairs. Good thing the frame is warrantied for life. But in spite of all we got to spend a wonderful weekend with friends. Doesn't get much better than that.