It’s been a while, but now that we have another middle schooler, Layla, we have another kid lugging around an instrument–at least for a while. Unlike our previous experiences with Madysen and Speed in Plano ISD, here they rotate each kid through the music electives (band, orchestra, choir, something else?) before they signup for a whole year in 6th grade. Up first for Layla, band. And like Madysen several years ago, Layla chose the clarinet.
Then a couple of weeks ago, I was lured up to the school for a “concert.” That was a little misleading. It was a very small group of flutes and clarinets showing the few things they learned during the 9 weeks.

And two very short videos. Layla assures me that she’s not the one with the stray notes in either. Up first: Hot Cross Buns.
doneThe timeless Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
doneHer teacher says she’s a natural, which I assume means that she’s not totally incompetent and a a reasonably good to instruct. Next up, Layla, like Madysen again, will be playing the violin in orchestra. Rest your ears until then.







Dallas Summer Musicals’ Mary Poppins. This was a girls only event. Emma was less than impressed.
And then this Columbus Day weekend, she and I were supposed to be in the D.C./Baltimore area for the WAGS Tournament. Aside from all the games, we were going to spend an afternoon in Philadelphia and a day and a half in my favorite place, Washington D.C. But I had to cancel because of an illness, so she had to go with the team with a couple of parents looking after her. A shame.







I’m a bit worn out commenting on the various books I read, so we’re going to try a more succinct overview for a while and see how that works. If you don’t like it, write a note in your journal.
Colm Toibin,
Barbara Freese, 



