Since my last posting, I had a phone call from Jon Swayne, my pipe-maker, asking me if
I would like to audition for a vacant position in his English Bagpipe Orchestra "Zephyrus".
Like to? of course I would bloody like to....it was a chance to make a dream come true.
The band chose 4 players to audition (me being one of the four).
We were given the dots to 4 pieces, written by Jon, and told that on the day of the audition, there would be a further 2 pieces to try, sight-reading the parts.
Before I give the outcome...a little more explanation about "Zephyrus".
It was formed by Jon as a means to play his compositions and the line-up consists of 6 pipers and 1 percussionist. All the pipers play pipes made by Jon, and they consist of 3 different keys, 3 pipes are in G, 2 pipes in low C and 1 pipe in high C. Each pipe has 3 drones, making a total of 18 drones and 6 melody chanters.
Anybody reading this who might be interested can see Zephyrus on Youtube, type in Jon Swayne, Zephyrus.
Well....although there were only two of us who commited the parts to memory, I apparently came second to the eventual winner Mike York who made my Swedish Pipes, works with Jon at his workshop and by the way is an excellent piper!

My Swedish Bagpipes are made by Mike York, who works out of the workshop of Jon Swayne
in Glastonbury, Somerset, UK.
They are made of Yew wood.

It has been nearly 2 years since I have used LJ...but now feel the time might be right to do the occasional blog.
I've recently been playing my Swedish Bagpipes more often than I have in the 5 years since I bought them.
The problem before was that the bag needed seasoning and they were very hard work to play.
This was remedied and now they are much easier to play...BUT..I feel the design of the reed leaves a lot to be desired. I am going to try and get hold of some proper reed (cane) and have a go at making my own reeds.
If I can get the pitch to be more stable...it would be great (music to my ears?).
Considering I only paid half of what a proper pipe maker would have charged..they sound pretty good.

Finally got wireless to work after spending too much money!!!!!
Unfortunately... reception in my room is very poor... but at least I can get 60% strength
in the Library, where it is quiet and relatively secluded!!!!!

On the whole, it was relatively painless operation to get connected.... still very pleased
with myself and thanks to Toshiba and PCWorld for getting me going on air....

Starting from today, I can look at what other people are doing on LJ...maybe even try and find a few friends?

Will report back later.

Yipee!!!!!!!
Connection to broadband successful first time!!!!!!!
Have had to use ethernet cable...... but tomorrow I will try and get a wireless connection.
This will make a world of difference to me.... at last I can communicate with the outside
world!!!!
I haven't had any internet access here since I moved into the house-share!!! not even been
able to use landline to talk to my girlfriend!!!!!!

Now might be able to talk via free internet phone system or Google-Talk!!!!!!!! and also
use Laptop in my bedroom to get some privacy!!!! Wonderful!!!!!!!!!

Friday early evening.... just thought I would do quick update of my boring journal
before I leave work.
The previous entries are out of order, because the computer I was using at work
had the incorrect time......duh!!!!

I have a suspicion that my girlfriend has been shopping for mens' clothes..which I presume will be for me?
She is VERY NAUGHTY like that, but also VERY THOUGHTFUL!!!
She has the most wonderful taste in clothes and fashion..... Some people are perhaps born with this sense, some acquire it through practice and mistakes???

Next update will (fingers crossed) be more meaningful...because I will hopefully write it at home, where I will have time to collect my thoughts more!

Time just flies when you working at the computer......
Have to get a laptop so I can continue exploring LJ at home!!!
Had good offer on Apple Mac Notebook that I might except... then have to OK connection to internet with my grumpy landlord.
If all goes well.......might be delving deep into LJ by this bank holiday weekend!!

As well as trying to get some work done.......
I'm trying to get my life in order. There have been some really helpful bits of advice from a very close friend
that I need to put into action.
Light at the end of the tunnel?
Perhaps!!!!!!

LJ Virgin
Still at work in recording studio...but trying to find time to learn how to use LJ.
I have a feeling it might become addictive!!

My lovely girlfriend seems to have the friday blues........and she is 150 miles
away...... Wish I was with her to cheer her up!!!

Bought Laptop today......now ready to seriously delve into LJ.....
so many peoples' journals to look at-so little time!

Tomorrow is the start of August Bank Holiday weekend...time to delve,do washing,drink,practice my English Bagpipes,compose tunes and dream of my girlfriend!!

There is no reason for this journal, except to jot down random, possibly interesting thoughts and comments on other's journals! You know who you are.


today....
Got lovely email today from girlfriend!!

I seem to have acquired a Live Journal Account.......funny how these things
happen out of the blue isn't it?
At least I won't forget my username.......
I wonder what my password is?