Cooper knows reeds. Cooper really knows reeds.

And he taught me more in the hours we spent yesterday (feels like today, but that’s because insomnia has hit again and it’s 1:20 AM) than the lifetime I’ve spent on reeds already.

Cooper and Namju (his wife) arrived around 3:30 today. We set in almost immediately on reeds and all things oboe and English horn. Unfortunately duets didn’t happen; the reeds were simply calling and what can you do but answer? I showed Cooper (somewhat reluctantly, as I know how poorly I make reeds) a couple of my recent attempts. One wasn’t able to be saved (due to gouge, according to Cooper) but the other … well … I have a reed now!

Actually, I have reeds. Both oboe and English horn. And I like them. Very much.

Turns out that while I thought I had carved far too much on my reeds, I simply hadn’t gone far enough. Who’da thunk it?

Cooper is a maniac with the knife. He truly can make a reed in under 30 minutes. I was astounded to watch him work. (Humbled too, but that wasn’t any surprise.)

He’s also a great teacher, and I see a future in education for the man.

Oh. And he’s nice. And incredibly generous.

Speaking of generous … Dan and Namju put up with our entire afternoon and evening of reeds. And Dan cooked a wonderful meal for us too.

I think we are both blessed with great spouses. (Or should the plural of spouse be spice?)

Okay. Enough for now. I’m tired. I SO want to sleep. I’m going to give it another go.