Cammeyer banjo almost ready - Classic-Banjo2024-03-28T18:03:45Zhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87388&x=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi Ginny
As well as the clas…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-15:2667446:Comment:873882014-04-15T20:21:33.438ZTrevor Boydhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/TrevorBoyd
<p>Hi Ginny</p>
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<p>As well as the classic banjo style featured on this site, I really like American old-time music, so I'm familiar with some of the tunes you mention. I have just started learning clawhammer, which is a real challenge after a lifetime of "up-picking" on the guitar. Frailing does not come easily but I am getting there. I have also stared learning Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer which is very different. My philosophy is "why play one instrument well when you can play…</p>
<p>Hi Ginny</p>
<p></p>
<p>As well as the classic banjo style featured on this site, I really like American old-time music, so I'm familiar with some of the tunes you mention. I have just started learning clawhammer, which is a real challenge after a lifetime of "up-picking" on the guitar. Frailing does not come easily but I am getting there. I have also stared learning Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer which is very different. My philosophy is "why play one instrument well when you can play several badly?" ;-)</p>
<p>Trevor</p>
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<p><br/> <cite>Ginny Matheson said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?xg_source=activity&id=2667446%3ATopic%3A87225&page=2#2667446Comment87387"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p><br/> Hi, Trevor,</p>
<p>I know what you mean about aches and pains. I get carried away, sometimes, playing banjo or fiddle, and suffer afterwards. I wish I had been around music as a kid, but I missed out on that. I have a lot of catching up to do. Fortunately, my husband has been playing oldtimey fiddles tunes (on the fiddle) for a long time, and I, finally, got interested in joining in on the fun, once I realized that an older beginner could actually progress ok. We play the Appalachian chestnuts like Old Joe Clark, Soldier's Joy, but also have gotten into Scandinavian, Celtic and English tune as well. How about you?<br/> </p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87470&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2667446Comment87382"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87461"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p></p>
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</blockquote> Hi, Trevor,
I know what you…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-15:2667446:Comment:873872014-04-15T17:19:54.730ZGinny Mathesonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/GinnyMatheson
<p><br></br> Hi, Trevor,</p>
<p>I know what you mean about aches and pains. I get carried away, sometimes, playing banjo or fiddle, and suffer afterwards. I wish I had been around music as a kid, but I missed out on that. I have a lot of catching up to do. Fortunately, my husband has been playing oldtimey fiddles tunes (on the fiddle) for a long time, and I, finally, got interested in joining in on the fun, once I realized that an older beginner could actually progress ok. We play the…</p>
<p><br/> Hi, Trevor,</p>
<p>I know what you mean about aches and pains. I get carried away, sometimes, playing banjo or fiddle, and suffer afterwards. I wish I had been around music as a kid, but I missed out on that. I have a lot of catching up to do. Fortunately, my husband has been playing oldtimey fiddles tunes (on the fiddle) for a long time, and I, finally, got interested in joining in on the fun, once I realized that an older beginner could actually progress ok. We play the Appalachian chestnuts like Old Joe Clark, Soldier's Joy, but also have gotten into Scandinavian, Celtic and English tune as well. How about you?<br/> <cite>Trevor Boyd said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87470&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2667446Comment87382"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I pop in and out from time to time. What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that develop when I play my banjo for any length of time, so that I have to give it a rest for a while. When that happens I don't have much to add to discussions and never seem to get beyond the beginner stage. I have played classical guitar for many years with no (physical) problems. I do lurk on the side-lines, though.</p>
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<p>In the words of the song, "If love hurts, you're probably doing it wrong" (sic) ;-)</p>
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<p>Trevor<br/> <br/> <cite>thereallyniceman said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87461"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Indeed "Much", but NOT "Most". The Classic Banjo world is expanding so there will always be things new and old to discuss.</p>
<p>What confuses me is that we have many sign ups to become members and then the, very welcome, newbies do not introduce themselves or make any posts!</p>
<p>It would be nice to hear about their hopes and aspirations in the banjo world. Some will already be accomplished players, many will be beginners who need guidance.</p>
<p>Signing up is now a series of hoops to jump through in my attempt to stop the spammers and hackers breaking in. So new members, you have put a lot of effort to arrive here...why not say hello as you will be welcomed with opened arms.</p>
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</blockquote> Actually I'm going to the BMG…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-15:2667446:Comment:874702014-04-15T14:23:07.939ZTrevor Boydhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/TrevorBoyd
<p>Actually I'm going to the BMG Summer School in June and might be able to make the Classic Banjo taster session with Elias Sibley. Perhaps he can spot what I'm doing wrong.<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Trevor Boyd said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87382&xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87382"><div><p>I pop in and out from time to time. What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that…</p>
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<p>Actually I'm going to the BMG Summer School in June and might be able to make the Classic Banjo taster session with Elias Sibley. Perhaps he can spot what I'm doing wrong.<br/> <br/> <cite>Trevor Boyd said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87382&xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87382"><div><p>I pop in and out from time to time. What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that develop when I play my banjo for any length of time, so that I have to give it a rest for a while. When that happens I don't have much to add to discussions and never seem to get beyond the beginner stage. I have played classical guitar for many years with no (physical) problems. I do lurk on the side-lines, though.</p>
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<p>In the words of the song, "If love hurts, you're probably doing it wrong" (sic) ;-)</p>
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<p>Trevor<br/> <br/> <cite>thereallyniceman said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87461"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Indeed "Much", but NOT "Most". The Classic Banjo world is expanding so there will always be things new and old to discuss.</p>
<p>What confuses me is that we have many sign ups to become members and then the, very welcome, newbies do not introduce themselves or make any posts!</p>
<p>It would be nice to hear about their hopes and aspirations in the banjo world. Some will already be accomplished players, many will be beginners who need guidance.</p>
<p>Signing up is now a series of hoops to jump through in my attempt to stop the spammers and hackers breaking in. So new members, you have put a lot of effort to arrive here...why not say hello as you will be welcomed with opened arms.</p>
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</blockquote> I pop in and out from time to…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-15:2667446:Comment:873822014-04-15T14:17:50.510ZTrevor Boydhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/TrevorBoyd
<p>I pop in and out from time to time. What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that develop when I play my banjo for any length of time, so that I have to give it a rest for a while. When that happens I don't have much to add to discussions and never seem to get beyond the beginner stage. I have played classical guitar for many years with no (physical) problems. I do lurk on the side-lines, though.</p>
<p></p>
<p>In the words of the song, "If love hurts, you're probably doing…</p>
<p>I pop in and out from time to time. What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that develop when I play my banjo for any length of time, so that I have to give it a rest for a while. When that happens I don't have much to add to discussions and never seem to get beyond the beginner stage. I have played classical guitar for many years with no (physical) problems. I do lurk on the side-lines, though.</p>
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<p>In the words of the song, "If love hurts, you're probably doing it wrong" (sic) ;-)</p>
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<p>Trevor<br/> <br/> <cite>thereallyniceman said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87461"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Indeed "Much", but NOT "Most". The Classic Banjo world is expanding so there will always be things new and old to discuss.</p>
<p>What confuses me is that we have many sign ups to become members and then the, very welcome, newbies do not introduce themselves or make any posts!</p>
<p>It would be nice to hear about their hopes and aspirations in the banjo world. Some will already be accomplished players, many will be beginners who need guidance.</p>
<p>Signing up is now a series of hoops to jump through in my attempt to stop the spammers and hackers breaking in. So new members, you have put a lot of effort to arrive here...why not say hello as you will be welcomed with opened arms.</p>
<p></p>
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</blockquote> HI Ginny, Good to hear that a…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-15:2667446:Comment:875352014-04-15T09:23:48.480ZRichard William Inesonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/RichardWilliamIneson
<p>HI Ginny, Good to hear that another Cammeyer banjo has been rescued, I have had a couple of the Patent model and they also needed restoration, the walls of the hoop/pot, are hollow and have holes cut into the inner wall which is made from thin wood which usually warps over the years. If you want any music which is not in the music library, just ask, and I or someone else, will supply it, we must have most of the published banjo music, amongst all of the members of this site. I also like…</p>
<p>HI Ginny, Good to hear that another Cammeyer banjo has been rescued, I have had a couple of the Patent model and they also needed restoration, the walls of the hoop/pot, are hollow and have holes cut into the inner wall which is made from thin wood which usually warps over the years. If you want any music which is not in the music library, just ask, and I or someone else, will supply it, we must have most of the published banjo music, amongst all of the members of this site. I also like Ballade No. 1 and of course the Bolero.<br/> <cite>Ginny Matheson said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87379"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hi, Richard.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for your information. I found pictures I took of my Cammeyer zither banjo before it went to the luthier who is doing some minor work on it. I haven't even tried to play it yet as it had pretty wasted steel strings on it. I will try to post some pictures if I can figure it out. Besides trying to play the banjo (still learning clawhammer traditional American fiddle tunes (and a smattering of 2-finger Bluegrass), I am trying to figure out Windows 8 and how my PC handles pictures. It is giving me fits I'm making some progress, but don't want to, accidentally, post a picture of my cat or something, instead of the banjo!</p>
<p>I'm so glad you listed some of your favorite tunes Cam composed. Are they posted somewhere on this site? Thank you very much! Ginny<br/> <br/> <cite>Richard William Ineson said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87460&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2667446Comment87376"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p><span>Welcome to the banjo world of Ning, Ginny. There are usually some interesting discussions going on here, and we are lucky to have people like Jody, who knows a lot about all kinds of banjo playing,to share his thoughts with us. There is a lot of interesting stuff in the back pages, take a look. I have a couple of Cammeyer zither banjos and much Cammeyer music, Cam was quite a character. My favourite pieces written by the 'Great Cam' are 'Down Devon Way' 'Cornish Dance No2' 'Marche en Passant' 'Danse Bizarre' 'Don't Sigh, Don't Cry' 'Dustman's Picnic' . Cam also wrote two books, his autobiographical 'My Adventuresome Banjo' which is really a catalogue of the famous people for whom he performed and also, a booklet about banjo technique, called 'The Cultivation of the Hands' which is quite interesting, if you are interested in becoming what Cam would have called ' a finished player' finished, in what way, he doesn't say.Please post a photograph of your Cammeyer banjo, on the site.</span></p>
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</blockquote> Ginny, "Patent" is the name o…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-14:2667446:Comment:874652014-04-14T21:15:24.275ZJody Stecherhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/JodyStecher
<p>Ginny, "Patent" is the name of the model. Confusing, yes. All the models had the name and the number. My Patent (which is in need of restoration) is Patent 4421. Apparently that means it was 4421st Cammeyer banjo made, including all models and including some of the Essex and Cammeyer banjos that were made before Cammeyer went off on his own. Eli Kaufman was able to deduce that mine is the 626th Patent made. </p>
<p>The Patent is a good banjo. And beautiful too. All Patents I have seen…</p>
<p>Ginny, "Patent" is the name of the model. Confusing, yes. All the models had the name and the number. My Patent (which is in need of restoration) is Patent 4421. Apparently that means it was 4421st Cammeyer banjo made, including all models and including some of the Essex and Cammeyer banjos that were made before Cammeyer went off on his own. Eli Kaufman was able to deduce that mine is the 626th Patent made. </p>
<p>The Patent is a good banjo. And beautiful too. All Patents I have seen have needed restoration. Dare I ask who is the luthier? There are some gooduns in north california. and some not-so-gooduns. You can respond off-line by accepting my "friend invitation". Then we can communicate privately. If I like the work of the luthier you are using I will communicate publicly. No reason to insult anyone on the internet. </p>
<p>Nylgut strings are excellent for your Kay. They will make your Cam sound like a mattress with strings. (All steel strings will make it sound like tin can with strings). Try this: keep the fourth and third string from the nylgut set and use them on the Cam. They may be too heavy but they won't harm the instrument. for the fifth and first string use .008 " steel and for the B string use .10" steel. My favorite for the bass string is an Aquila copper-wound lute string ("D type" #108 available from aquilausa.com) but the nylgut bass might be good.</p> Hi, Richard.
Thanks very much…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-14:2667446:Comment:873792014-04-14T20:18:31.678ZGinny Mathesonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/GinnyMatheson
<p>Hi, Richard.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for your information. I found pictures I took of my Cammeyer zither banjo before it went to the luthier who is doing some minor work on it. I haven't even tried to play it yet as it had pretty wasted steel strings on it. I will try to post some pictures if I can figure it out. Besides trying to play the banjo (still learning clawhammer traditional American fiddle tunes (and a smattering of 2-finger Bluegrass), I am trying to figure out Windows 8 and…</p>
<p>Hi, Richard.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for your information. I found pictures I took of my Cammeyer zither banjo before it went to the luthier who is doing some minor work on it. I haven't even tried to play it yet as it had pretty wasted steel strings on it. I will try to post some pictures if I can figure it out. Besides trying to play the banjo (still learning clawhammer traditional American fiddle tunes (and a smattering of 2-finger Bluegrass), I am trying to figure out Windows 8 and how my PC handles pictures. It is giving me fits I'm making some progress, but don't want to, accidentally, post a picture of my cat or something, instead of the banjo!</p>
<p>I'm so glad you listed some of your favorite tunes Cam composed. Are they posted somewhere on this site? Thank you very much! Ginny<br/> <br/> <cite>Richard William Ineson said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87460&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2667446Comment87376"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p><span>Welcome to the banjo world of Ning, Ginny. There are usually some interesting discussions going on here, and we are lucky to have people like Jody, who knows a lot about all kinds of banjo playing,to share his thoughts with us. There is a lot of interesting stuff in the back pages, take a look. I have a couple of Cammeyer zither banjos and much Cammeyer music, Cam was quite a character. My favourite pieces written by the 'Great Cam' are 'Down Devon Way' 'Cornish Dance No2' 'Marche en Passant' 'Danse Bizarre' 'Don't Sigh, Don't Cry' 'Dustman's Picnic' . Cam also wrote two books, his autobiographical 'My Adventuresome Banjo' which is really a catalogue of the famous people for whom he performed and also, a booklet about banjo technique, called 'The Cultivation of the Hands' which is quite interesting, if you are interested in becoming what Cam would have called ' a finished player' finished, in what way, he doesn't say.Please post a photograph of your Cammeyer banjo, on the site.</span></p>
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</blockquote> Ginny Matheson said:
Jody…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-14:2667446:Comment:874642014-04-14T20:10:53.506ZGinny Mathesonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/GinnyMatheson
<p><br></br> <br></br> <cite>Ginny Matheson said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/comment/show?id=2667446%3AComment%3A87295&xn_out=json&firstPage=1&lastPage=1&xg_token=a2fd7aba8961a91ca9915dbc78cfa5fe&_=1397505670101#2667446Comment87295"><p><br></br> <br></br> <cite>Jody Stecher said:…</cite></p>
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<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Ginny Matheson said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/comment/show?id=2667446%3AComment%3A87295&xn_out=json&firstPage=1&lastPage=1&xg_token=a2fd7aba8961a91ca9915dbc78cfa5fe&_=1397505670101#2667446Comment87295"><p><br/> <br/> <cite>Jody Stecher said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87460&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2667446Comment87460"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>"Much", yes. "Most" or "the best", I hope not. What amazes me is that newcomers do not ask the same questions over and over. It's usually something new or a new angle on an old topic.<br/> <br/> <cite>thereallyniceman said:</cite></p>
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<p> after 4+ years, much has already been said! </p>
<p>Hi, Jody. I'm trying to find my way to replying corrrectly, and not over-stepping along the way. I don't have much experience in being a member of sites, so hope I can get some help, and not offend anyone. It's a wonderful thing that some of you are offerring your time and advice!</p>
<p>It looks like the zither if have is a Patent (or is it a Patent number?) It needed some minor cleaning up and some of the inlay needed to be reattached on the fingerboard. The luthier is going to try to adjust the action by switching the bridge. It seems quite high at this point. He said that that the neck is somewhat bowed, and can adjust it by taking it off and doing a little sanding. I suggested he try a shorter bridge, first, and we are awaiting nygut strings to be sent and then see what happens. I sent him the suggestion about using both, nygut and steel strings, thanks to information sent by you kind gentlemen on Classic Banjo before I go off half-cocked! Thanks, guys!</p>
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</blockquote> Jody Stecher said:
"Much",…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-14:2667446:Comment:872952014-04-14T20:01:12.578ZGinny Mathesonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/GinnyMatheson
<p><br></br> <br></br> <cite>Jody Stecher said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87460&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2667446Comment87460"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>"Much", yes. "Most" or "the best", I hope not. What amazes me is that newcomers do not ask the same questions over and over. It's usually something new or a new angle on an old topic.<br></br> <br></br> <cite>thereallyniceman…</cite></p>
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<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Jody Stecher said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87460&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2667446Comment87460"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>"Much", yes. "Most" or "the best", I hope not. What amazes me is that newcomers do not ask the same questions over and over. It's usually something new or a new angle on an old topic.<br/> <br/> <cite>thereallyniceman said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/cammeyer-banjo-almost-ready?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A87376&xg_source=activity#2667446Comment87288"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p></p>
<p> after 4+ years, much has already been said! </p>
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</blockquote> Hi, Ian.
Please know that I u…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2014-04-14:2667446:Comment:872942014-04-14T19:45:18.051ZGinny Mathesonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/GinnyMatheson
<p>Hi, Ian.</p>
<p>Please know that I understand your frustration in a lack of response from "members" who sign up and don't engage. There are, surely, many reasons why this occurs, mainly, security risks, world-wide, as well as just time. I wanted you to know that your tremendous efforts in classic banjo assistance to others is really appreciated!!!! Your videos are understandable and clear. It has given me a good kick-start in seeing the value in what I have at hand, and the possibilities…</p>
<p>Hi, Ian.</p>
<p>Please know that I understand your frustration in a lack of response from "members" who sign up and don't engage. There are, surely, many reasons why this occurs, mainly, security risks, world-wide, as well as just time. I wanted you to know that your tremendous efforts in classic banjo assistance to others is really appreciated!!!! Your videos are understandable and clear. It has given me a good kick-start in seeing the value in what I have at hand, and the possibilities ahead. Thank you very much.</p>
<p>I have found the pictures of my Cammeyer (It is at the luthier's now for some repairs), and it does have patent numbers on it. For security reasons, I am wondering how to have you see these without it being out there for the world. Would you please let me know whether or not this is a concern, and I would love to share this with you.</p>
<p>Thanks, again. I have many questions, and I am so glad that you are willing to spend the time with me, as well as Jody, so far! </p>