A Musical Breakthrough (Almost)

My best friend, Nichole, came from Louisville to visit this past week, so minimal flute playing occurred until after her departure today. I love her visits. She has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun. She also reads my blog, so what's not to like? She, Keith and I did a lot of eating out and driving around the city. Yesterday we watched University of KY (UK) beat my and Nichole's alma mater (University of Louisville) in the NCAA men's basketball final four at a bar in DC called Nellie's. We had a blast, even if our team didn't win.

I had my post-op appointment a bit early due to splintgate. The ortho said I can walk without crutches (yea!) but will need to wear my metal boot for the next 4-6 weeks (bummer). Fortunately, or unfortunately, I get to go back to work starting tomorrow.  I plan to work half days this week, and then it's back to a normal schedule.

The housing drama continues.  I saw a real estate attorney who told me that Keith and I can delay closing until the agreed-upon repairs are completed to our satisfaction.  We really want this home, so I came up with a contract for the seller to sign that states he agrees to repair the exterior of the home (repoint) pending an inspection from a structural engineer, or he will refund our deposit and we'll all part ways.  If the engineer says the exterior is in good condition, then we agree to move forward.  The seller hasn't yet responded.  Fingers crossed he'll agree.

I practiced for the first time in three days today due to my friend's visit.  Here's where I am:

Long tones (Moyse)
Harmonics (Wye)
Scales (T and G): EJ 1&2, mezzo forte, articulation #6, 76 beats per minute, second page, two octaves; EJ 4, C Major through G minor, mezzo forte, articulation #6, 76 beats per minute
Orchestral excerpt: Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis
JSB Partita in A Minor: Bourrée Anglaise

I had a sort of breatkthrough today with long tones.  For some reason, I was hitting the fifth harmonic of low C, C# and D with minimal difficulty.  There was even some clarity there.  I still had problems with low Eb.  Once I get that high Bb to speak, I think I'll start using a harmonic warm-up from my most recent edition of Flute Talk.  I find these harmonic exercises to be very beneficial in knowing how much I can push each note, improving the richness of my sound.

Finally, some exciting news from Ms. Trimber.  My flute has arrived!  I can't get it right away because, (a) she's in Germany, and (b) I'm not prepared to pay for it (I've made a 50% deposit already).  I've asked her to allow me to get the flute from her upon her return and to charge my credit card on May 1 (when the flute was supposed to have arrived).  I haven't heard back, but I will keep my dear reader informed.