Hey there, Charmion,

It's nice to see that the magic of the mandolin has touched yet another Mudcatter!! ;-) I've gone through a few instruments myself and I know how you feel about finding the one. My mando just makes me happy -- even when I play sad songs on it. Can't say that about any other instrument I've played. Congratulations on your discovery!!

And ya know, they're saying now that 50 is the new 30 . . . just think of all that playing we can get in - Yee haw!!

All the best, Áine (Mandolinquent at 50 and loving it!)