Several years ago my son asked if I would loan him $100 on his Westbury Dreadnaught guitar (circa '79-'82). It sat in the family room until a year ago when I decided that it would be a shame to not try to learn to play the thing. Plus I was out of work at that time, which helped.

For years at festivals and jams I have admired and envied guitar players and wondered how in the world they could remember chords. I especially did not think I could ever do it. But here I am a year later entertaining myself with a bunch of songs I have put together in a notebook and some even memorized. ANYONE CAN PLAY GUITAR. "Green Green Rocky Road" can be played with one chord - D! Wish someone had told me this years ago.

A few months ago I saw a small, family bluegrass band and so admired the way the woman (who was almost my age) played her 5-string banjo. Not particularly fast, but so smoothly. So now I have a new banjo! This could be a whole different story and I bought one in a mid-price range with a hard case with the thought that if it proves too difficult, I will sell it. But I'd rather learn to play it.

Penny