Hey folks, long time! Funny I should check out this particular thread and find not only that I was being mentioned but that my uncle, who I haven't seen in some years, is now posting on Chiff and Fipple.
Chip, avoid the dark-side... stay away from Chiff and Fipple.
As for me, no, I don't have the delrin Olwell and I'm darn sorry I don't. I always told Jessie I would buy it ever she ever put it up for sale... I'm disappointed that didn't happen, but that's life.
The Seery I gave to a good friend, a remarkable fiddle, guitar and whistle player from Vermont named Geordie Lynd - he wanted to learn flute so I figured he'd need one to learn on. I haven't seen him since then, around two and a half years ago, but I imagine he's pretty darn good on it.
Yeah, the Ward didn't play properly for me. I'm happy to hear that the person who bought it managed to resolve the problem and is really enjoying it.
As for myself, I'm still in northern Uganda. I tried to escape to South Darfur back in October but unfortunately the organization I am now working with (I left UNICEF), the Norwegian Refugee Council, was kicked out by hostile Sudanese authorities just three days before my intended deployment. Now I'm running a program providing information, counseling and legal assistance (particular around the return process) to displaced populations in the two most conflict affected districts, Kitgum and Pader. It's good work, but I'm ready to head somewhere new, and I miss home a lot.
As for music, I play my trust Olwell blackwood Pratten, with sections in D, Eb and C. It's held up like a champ through Mexico, Costa Rica, New Hampshire in summer and winter, Ireland, Germany, South Africa, Rwanda and Uganda. The only problem I've had at all is that the cork tends to erode in humid settings and I've had to have them replaced a few times. It's an amazing flute and the more I play it the more I love it.
Well, it's the end of a long day and time for me to head home. Good to drop in and see so many of the old crew around. All my best to all of you (especially my Uncle Chip and good pal Loren).
Peace,
Chris