I’ve spent a goodly number of hours the last three days catching up with an online friend whom I thought had disappeared from the “blogosphere”. A mutual friend posted a link back to our friend’s blog, with a bit of really spectacular news, and I had to dig back into his posts and catch up with what was going on.
As with most people, there were good times and bad times, but for now, the good times seem to be in the majority, thank <deity of your choice>.
I can’t seem to stop grinning at their good news, and the fact that I’ve found them once again. 
In fact, I’m inspired to start writing on my online journal again (he never would call it a blog, he always called it his ‘online journal’).
How about a picture to start? Matt is playing Mr. Carnes in the homeschool group’s production of “Oklahoma”. Here he is in his ‘wedding’ costume (I made the vest and the western-style bow tie, if you can believe it):
Matt's 'wedding' costume.
Well, celebrations should ensue. I think that’s the word–it’s 6 something in the morning and I, of course, didn’t go to bed until after 1. YUK! Sleep deprivation!
Oh, about music notation–Finale is well worth the cost–Alexandria loves working with it.
You can get a student discount if Rob purchases it
Love,
The Austin Menagerie
PS Great work on the vest/tie!!!
Thanks! The vest is a little wonky if you look too closely, but since it’s a costume, I tried to smash down that little voice that kept screaming “it’s not good enough!”
I did end up buying Finale Notepad. It doesn’t do all the fancy stuff that Finale does, but it was sufficient for my needs, and only $10!
I am loving your blogging from Italy – what a wonderful experience for all of you! (and I’m only just a little bit jealous )