Wednesday 2 January 2008

The cornet box


As you can see, the cornet box that Himself was making over the last week is finally finished and looks wonderful. He has textured it so it doesn’t look new, spent ages fitting the upholstery – with polystyrene and foam padding – and used the fittings off the old box to fit onto the new, including the Boosey name tag which is now sitting proudly on top.

Altogether a job to be proud of. It looks so good that I suggested he should take up making boxes full time. This suggestion was not met with the enthusiasm I felt it deserved.

The other night the phone rang and a German voice asked to speak to Himself. It turned out to be the fellow that he sold the (last) cornet to.

I watched Himself’s face as he chatted and smiled, then silence. I heard the cornet being played down the phone. His old cornet. I smiled.

When the music stopped, Himself said to the German, ‘That was wonderful. So you’re pleased? Good.’ Pause. ‘No it hasn’t arrived yet.’ Pause. ‘I’ll let you know when it does.’

My hackles went up. ‘What hasn’t arrived yet?’ I said, when he put the phone down. I could sniff another cornet disaster.

Himself looked up, his mind evidently on jazz. ‘He’s sending me a tape, Pop. This fellow plays in seven different bands and he’s sending me a tape of his band playing.’ He grinned, looking aged about six. ‘The cornet’s just arrived, and he’s delighted.’

So while Himself might not have made any money on the deal, it looks like he’s made a new friend.

17 comments:

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

Well, new friends are always nice. ANd it's somewhere to stay if you ever fancy a trip to Germany!

You are so patient FP!

Flowerpot said...

I dont know that Germany is top of my places to visit but that;s a thought! Patient - I've never been called that before!

laurie said...

wow! he called from germany to play the cornet over the phone? what a terrific thing to do. i love it.
and that box is gorgeous.

Flowerpot said...

Yes, Laurie - I was impressed by the German playing down the phone! I#ll pass on the message about the box.

CC Devine said...

What a beautifully crafted box! Oh to be that handy in a workshop :)

Akelamalu said...

He he I could just see your face - you thought he'd bought another cornet didn't you? LOL

He's done a fab job on the box and it's always good to make new friends. Thanks for being one of my blogging friends. x

Flowerpot said...

Ak - yes I did think he'd bought another. Sense of doom looming. And you're quite right about being friends - the feeling's entirely mutual!

Ellee Seymour said...

It is indeed a work of art. I love it when people play music down the phone to me.

Flowerpot said...

I don't think anyone's ever done that to me, Ellee! I'd be very chuffed if they did though.

the rotten correspondent said...

Maybe this guy will hire him for something and you'll get a trip to Germany out of it.

That would be pretty sweet.

Lane Mathias said...

You're quite right. Himself could have a future making custom made boxes! He's obviously got the talent.
Happy New Year fp to you and himself:-)

rilly super said...

well, kraftwerk can only be improved by a little diversification...

Anonymous said...

I'm very impressed with the box - he certainly has a talent for such things. I can only imagine what it would look like if I attempted such a thing........

Flowerpot said...

RC - yes, perhaps they could set up a band playing in Europe starting off in Germany!

Lane - glad you think so. I will suggest it aain when he's had more to drink.... all the best for 2008 to you too!

Flowerpot said...

rilly - how lovely to see you around still! All the best for 2008.

Graham - you're not the only one. Mine would be a right disaster!

Cornish Dreamer said...

It looks like he's done a wonderful job with the box FP! I bet you're relieved that he hasn't bought another cornet!

The chap who bought the old cornet must be very pleased indeed, and how wonderful to send a recording too.

Flowerpot said...

RT - yes I would not have been pleased at yet another addition to the cornet family!