Christmas and New Year

[Rob MacKillop]

I haven't taken a photo in a month or two, but forced myself to try my hand over the festive period when daughter, Rhona, appeared for the duration.

1. The annual jigsaw 1, with floating plate!



2. 1. The annual jigsaw 2




3. 1. The annual jigsaw 3




4. The annual (and very often daily) walk




5. "Go away!"




6. The birks 1




7. The birks 2




8. 12-course lute 1




9. 12-course lute 2

 

[Brian Moore]

You already know what I think of 8 and 9. The flying saucer in 1 is wonderful, and so in general is the pleasant domesticity of 1, 2 and 3. I also like the anachronistic look of 1, 2 and 3. (i.e., nae telly!)

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Unfortunately we do have a telly...but do target specific progs, watch them, then switch off. Maybe an hour per day. I'd happily get by without it. The girls have spent much of their holiday reading, knitting, and – despite the atrocious weather – walking. They do like jigsaws – this was their second in a week – but I get frustrated with them, so am usually in my room playing a lute. This time, though, it was nice to get the Q2M out for a spin.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

And here's a video from the day after it arrived:

 

[Brian Moore]

Fascinating background information on the lute, Rob, and fine playing. Looking forward to hearing more of the instrument in future videos.

 

[Pete Askew]

Love the flying saucer! All nice and atmospheric and I like especially the second shot of the bridge through the birch trees and that last shot is rather special too.

A fine set.

 

[Pete Askew]

Interesting video too. Now for a stupid question: why are there 8 tuning pegs for the 4 extension strings?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, lads.

Eight pegs for four extra “courses” - a course is made up of a pair of strings, one a low note, the other an octave higher. The reason for octave pairs is that gut strings get less distinct the thicker they get, and these low bass notes are very thick. The paired higher octave brings definition when the pair are struck together. Zoom lessons available

 

[Dave Farnes]

I do like the floating plate! That is a fine set, the puzzle ones are a study in concentration. The lute looks seriously complicated.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Nah, the lute is simple. It's the girls that are complicated!