Previously.

Fuss, originally uploaded by debbygerth.

She has had attitude issues all week, saying "I haven't done anything fun" (not true) and "I just don't want to go/do/be there".

We had a good discussion about her attitude yesterday afternoon, when her brother was trying desperately to get her to go play in the Easton water fountains with him, and she rebuffed him with a scowl on her face.

Then last night after dinner, we went to a nearby Goodwill (which we never go to, even though we love thrift stores, because Goodwills are usually...um...overpriced). Right there at the entrance were two violins. Once was a nice condition, student-level, 3/4 violin for $50. The other was a Stradavarius. For $700. The thing is beat up, no strings, no bow to speak of, but it was beautiful. (Yes, I had to open the case to peek!) And very old! The date on the inside of the violin said 17-something. Natalie was there with me, and she said, "Oh, mom! That one is not good, is it?" Ha ha...

But we did get the shiny, clean, $50 one. And Natalie is thrilled. I've not seen a scowl turn upside down faster.