Hi, neighbor in the Inland Empire -- I hope to meet you some day!
Your comment doesn't sound a bit weird.  In the process of relocating
my museum project I lost a complete fantastic Wurlitzer theatre pipe
organ and two grand pianos.  Actual tears, I kid you not.

Several years ago I donated a Murray Harris pipe organ that caused
separation anxiety that totally surprised me, although at the time
I was not as passionate about organ restoration as I have since become.

I still mourn the loss of my Wurlitzer 78 RPM jukebox and a choice
'36 Ford coupe that I gave away years ago, never realizing the value
of these at the time and figuring somehow life would go on as always;
now I realize it is up to valuable folks such as those who comprise
this list to maintain whatever we can of yesterday before it is gone
forever.  I know yesterday was not perfect, but the best of it is
definitely worth preserving.

It was well stated by Carolyn G. Hart in her mystery book I was reading
last night (nothing to do with musical instruments) so I clipped as an
ongoing incentive for me:

  "... ultimately to preserve for the glory of the present the
   grandeur of yesterday."

Let's all hope and pray for wholesome restoration this coming year!

When I was a kid visiting at Knott's Berry Farm I never realized
their wonderful array of musical instruments would be gone some day,
and that preservation may eventually fall on more humble shoulders than
we understood then.  Those ten words: "If it is to be it is up to me."

My appreciation to the folks on this list whose valuable advice and
encouragement enables and equips and encourages many of us to prevail
before it is too late.  (I have much to learn restoring my Krell player
grand piano.)

Paul Kealy
Southern California