Well, the title is catchy, but not quite accurate.  They weren’t fiddling, in the negative connotation of the word, at least. One was playing her violin and the other was playing her cello.

Specifically, M was playing her violin and S was playing her cello, FOR A SOLID WEEK, at the intensive, five-day Suzuki Camp at the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford.

And dad Ryan and Grandma Sue were there, each and every day!

And Grandpa?  Well, paddling might mean fiddling to some folks, to confuse the metaphor even more.

The bottom line is that yours truly totally got out of attending music camp each and every day, except for the ending performances, where the photos below were taken.

How did this all happen?  Let’s do the math.  Two children.  Each child must be accompanied by a parent/designated adult to all the classes and workshops.  Four adults:  Ryan: available and obligated; Jenn: full-time job;  Grandma Sue:  available and willing; Grandpa:  lots of fiddling to do.

So, here’s where things stood at the end of the week:

Ryan and Sue—pretty maxxed out.

Jenn—frazzled from a tough work week and planning and packing for a trip to Colorado.

Grandpa—three paddles in Connecticut and Massachusetts under his belt and feeling quite mellow, like he could easily face another week of fiddling around.

The grandchildren—same as always, rarin’ to go.

RETIREMENT:  It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it!

Simone’s Group

There she is.

Margeaux’s Group

There she is.

Ryan and his bass guested during the viola concert the evening before.