Forum Activity for @dusty

Hi @retomas.  It sounds like you have a really nice instrument there.  I would be surprised if no one around this site has any information for you.

FYI: I moved your post from the Site Questions Forum, which is for questions about how to use the site itself, to a Forum on specific instruments and specific luthiers.  That way your discussion will be easier to find.

And it shouldn't be hard just to reduce the size of your photos before posting. The free editing software that comes with most PCs or even most phones should be able to do that easily.  

I was fortunate enough to find a very nice Ray Branson four string Dulcimer. It was made by Ray in 1987. It is inscribed inside, but I cannot make out all of the writing. I have found very little information about Ray or his dulcimer. 

If anyone has anything to say about Ray Branson, I would appreciate your information. I was not able to attach pictures because the files are too big! The instrument has a very nice scrolled walnut headstock with slot, cedar top, mahogany or rosewood sides, mahogany or rosewood fingerboard,  cherry back.

I may be wrong about the sides and finger board, but I am probably close.

I plays and sounds very excellent. Thank you, thank you...

I find if I ride often I can quickly build myself up to longer distances each time. Land here is flat so its easier for me... Robert.

Bobby, you might want to reduce your rate of increase a little- adding 1 mile per week, or 1.5 mi per week gives your body a chance to build the muscles and gain the aerobic strength it needs for the increases.    :) 

That wood is so nice.  Love the upside-down hearts! 

What a BEAUTY!

It sounds like Angus left you with many wonderful memories.  Sorry he had to go, but know he'll be waiting for you with all 4 legs on the other side.

Thank you Dan.

$400 - $500

I found out that someone I know has an Edd Presnell dulcimer made back in 1969.  It's curly maple and looks like a walnut fret board.  I haven't seen it in person, but she sent some pics.  She has had it for years but never really played it - mostly used as decoration.  She may be willing to sell it to me.  My question is how much would be a reasonable price to offer for this dulcimer?  I know it's probably hard to say without seeing it, but it appears to be in good shape.  I just want to make a fair offer and would love to have this one if she agrees to sell it.  Thanks for any suggestions.

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Yes, Black Cherry can help..........I suspect you need to drink more water since your weight loss may be contributing to those crystals forming in your joints. 

Big hug, Paul.

Yes, we'll be heading for southern Sweden (Skåne) in 3 weeks. :)

I'm sorry about Angus, Paul.  Pets are family.  

Sorry to hear about Angus. He was a pretty dog.

Sad news. The other Tuesday (4 June) we had our Sheltie, Angus, put down. He developed cancer in the late summer of 2016. The next spring his right front leg was amputated. He coped well with that, but tore the ACL in his right rear leg, was operated on and had a pretty good recovery, but then he tore the left rear ACL. Recovery from that wasn't so good. He limped and didn't walk much. We had carpets covering most of the hardwood floors to keep him from slipping and falling. Then, this spring, he developed a hacking cough. We took him in to be put down several weeks ago, but they diagnosed it as bronchitis. But, despite the meds, the cough wouldn't go away. Finally, the Mrs. couldn't stand to see him in pain/discomfort any more. It was a quick, painless death, and he's not suffering now.

When I was in the hospital in September, a fellow patient asked how long Angus had had his cancer. When I told him it was two years (at that time) he, a veterinarian, was amazed. He said most dogs last six months. When Angus was first diagnosed, our vets said that it was a very aggressive cancer and they weren't sure he'd last the six months. Angus was always eager to please, but, when it came to his survival, he was one tough dog. Even with his bad legs, he still tried to herd the squirrels.

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@tssfulk I imagine Bosse may be getting to spend time outdoors soon.  

@David-Bennett Did Sally play Gray Cat on a Tennessee Farm? 

Sally checking out the dulcimore Dulcimore Dan made for me

It's a beauty, have fun playing it!  :D

This has been a busy thread, and I love it!  I so agree that it is INSPIRING!  Thank you all for sharing so much of yourselves.  

Today equals a month of working out with HASfit~just 15 mins., 3X a week, senior vids.  Yesterday the kids and I went to the park and walked some wooded trails.  My knees and balance would not have been able to handle the unevenness of the terrain just a few weeks ago, but I was able to hop over creeks even!  So big improvement over such a short time.  (I tell myself if I can't get 15 mins. in, I'm a scrub!  HA HA HA!)  I am looking forward to increasing when I'm ready.

@slate-creek-dulcimers, I miss your fat bike updates!

GORGEOUS!!!!  Want one!!!

I think he would like to take a break from worshiping and enjoy a few good Irish jigs and maybe do a little dancing.  He wants to have fun, too.

Gorgeous bowed psaltery, Susie.  Interesting sound hole.

Thank you Robin and Steven. I really appreciate you taking the time to take a look.

Good words and well spoken too!  Wayne.............I've seen so many people over the years taken from us by those, "widow makers."  In many cases they had no warning as you said, and no health issues that they could discern either save for assuming they were invincible and living lives that were, "typical."    

I would add that folks should not assume that this sort of problem does not affect women.   Too often women ignore symptoms and unfortunately suffer serious or fatal consequences.  Widow maker heart attacks are equal opportunity destroyers as are a host of other diseases that can be avoided.

For the younger of our lot who might be reading these posts...........now is the time to make the changes you need to make to live a long healthy life.   For the rest of us let's see if we can abstain kicking over the bucket by watching where we are going and turning on the lights in our 'noggins.  

What wondrous Love it this, oh my soul, oh my soul.....ends with the words, "and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on................I'll sing and joyful be and through Eternity I'll sing on.......

There are other songs I'd sing, but I'd ask what tunes He knew....What psalms He and the Apostles sang and I'd ask Him to sing to me those songs.  aloha, irene

Back in April 2018 (April 5th to exact), I suffered a massive (Widow Maker) heart attack - NO WARNING WHAT-SO-EVER!!!. Two main arteries were blocked at 90% & 100%, I am truely blessed to be here today. The doctors didn't need to open my chest, stints were placed, I was kept on a ventilator for 3 1/2 days in order to heal/rest and spent 12 days in the hospital. After my discharge I had to wear a Zoll Life Vest (for those who are familiar with those) for 7 MONTHS!!!  The recovery/rehab was quite a journey but I was determined I was going to make it - which I have. Yes, I have heart disease and always will BUT the TOTAL LIFESTYLE CHANGE has been a literal God send. I'm now 60 pounds lighter (I wasn't even all that overweight anyway), I'm on a total heart healthy diet (Sharon as well), I work out at 5 days a week (treadmill, bike, weights), meds for life, and my entire outlook has changed. Ended up retiring last October at 64 so I have VERY LITTLE stress (I taught Middle School). Now i raise a good size garden, play my dulcimer (and Native American Flutes) and simply enjoy life. Thanks for letting me share part of my story. I would just add to all reading this post ..... PLEASE take care of yourself ..... eat healthy, get exercise, loose some weight AND eliminate as much stress from your life as you can. NEVER EVER SAY it can't happed to you! God Speed. Wayne

I suffered from chronic knee pain for 30 years. Got a bicycle 15 years ago, a hybrid type not one of those road bikes. Riding solved my knee pain, never suffered again! No pills no elastic braces. I wish everyone would ride and play music, it would really make us all healthier... 

A lot of pumpkin pies for sure!. I promised to give myself a day off and recoup, maybe learn a new old fiddle tune. But I'm only 65, still a kid yet. I recoup fast... Robert

I think I would play Just as I Am........

How fitting to humbly play my music for the King!

Congratulations, Susie! Have fun with it, and make some music!