[Didjeridu] The Logs of Old

[Karl & Sue Kalbaugh]

Despite the 50 degree (F) balm here in Washington, DC, I've opted to start a
small blaze in the fireplace. Why am I telling you this? Because the logs
I'm using where to be, at one time, didgeridoos. Or at least, my version of
the didgeridoo.

Besides being very easy to work, poplar makes a good first log right after
the kindling starts to "coal up." Right now, there is a wonderful chunk of
cherry snapping away. It was a didge candidate from about 5 years ago. 

And on the "hot-stand-by" pile, a chunk of pear (hi Per!): a trimming from a
pear log that turned out to be a beautiful looking and playing stick.
Finally, a small length of some variety of oak. Long burning stuff, oak.
Having made a few didges out of it, I know why.

In a way, I feel as if I'm sending friends to the arboreal Valhalla. And, as
you can tell, its put me in a reflective mood.

To think, how a hollow tree branch has connected everyone here and beyond. A
connection made THROUGH culture (with gratitude to Aboriginal peoples) but
goes far beyond it.

You all have enriched my life beyond measure. Be it here, at fests, at get
togethers, in phone conversations and emails. It gives me long pause to
think if I had never gave the didge a go back in the day... 

So, my warmest goes out to everyone of you - whatever continent you're on or
country you're in.

Karl Kalbaugh