Dear Diary and readers 31 December. As I reflect on 2012 I recall that one of the certain highlights was the moment I decided to take up the mandolin and bid my guitar farewell. Naturally finding an oval hole mandolin was the next highlight, one of many as on the work front the year also brought wonderful rewards as papers were presented and awards won on work projects. I am practicing scales. I move on the clear linen white track of G the lilaac of D the crimson of A and allow my fingers to conjur a ringing sound out of each string. As I do this, I take my time - trying to savour the sweet lower sounds of G and the higher pitch on the E string. The main goal - each string must ring clearly. I get to the part where I am allowed to to a chord or two and the dessert: playing "Auld Lang Syne" I can hear in improvement in my sound and that is encouragement. Happy new year to those who read this! Vanillamandolin
