tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747555841474573992024-03-14T02:15:26.834+13:00Zara & Rico's World with AlfaOne day, our mummy asked us if we would like to start our own blog...we said "Yes!!!" So, here is our world at DR TOOT. Our daddy, DR TOOT is not a doctor for humans or not for us either...for wind musical instruments, such as flutes, saxophones, clarinets, piccolos, trumpets, cornets, trombones, euphoniums, french horn...etc ! DR TOOT repairs brass & woodwind musical instruments, sells pre-loved (used/secondhand) instruments and teaches at home in Howick, Auckland, New Zealand.Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comBlogger641125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-16017512483353470602021-11-21T16:47:00.000+13:002021-11-21T16:47:06.801+13:00Zara is Back!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbDsgMPoq_A/YZnBE9fvyQI/AAAAAAABuvw/XQ1Lu2OQGHIu3VLsBYO_LjrKMEEOAHgdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s794/zara%2B21nov%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="416" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbDsgMPoq_A/YZnBE9fvyQI/AAAAAAABuvw/XQ1Lu2OQGHIu3VLsBYO_LjrKMEEOAHgdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B21nov%2B2021.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>Yes, I am
back and in charge. It’s always nice to see Alfa act like she is in charge. She
says the right things and acts well, but she doesn’t always deliver. You know
what I mean. To be kind to her, she has been looking after mum a lot. Mummy is
not too well and Alfa is a very good nurse for mummy . She is a great comfort
to mummy, which excuses her from her poor sales. It was sort of a typical Zara
week.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On Monday I
looked after a sale of a pre loved Yamaha YCL225 Clarinet. Customer of course
was very happy and waited till Monday to buy so they could get the paw of
approval from me 😻. On Tuesday a family came over to check out 3 instruments from
DR TOOT. After a little maintenance demonstration, the family walked out with
an amazing YTS 380 Tenor Sax, and BAC SL500 Jazz Bb/F Trombone and a BAC
Apprentice Bb Trumpet. A very musical family and the kids were very lucky to
have such supportive parents to support them on their musical journey !</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The rest
of the week featured the usual sale of accessories and Brass & Woodwind
repairs and service. Taka is so busy that on saxophones and flutes, he is fully
booked until beginning of February. Daddy on the other hand is still accepting brass
repairs and his turn around is great.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The weather
here is very warm and we are expecting a very hot summer. We are told that
things will ease off later this month and more people will have a bit more
freedom than before. All the staff at DR TOOT are fully vaccinated and here to
help you with your next musical journey. Please feel free to call us and ask
about our instruments. I am always excited to see you and we will all look
after you. Even Alfa……when she isn’t eating or sleeping 🙀<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I had my 14th birthday on Tuesday and it's Rico's birthday today...he would have been 13 today. 💜💚</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Time to go
and have a rest. Its been a hard week and a hard week is coming. Love you all
and stay cool like me. Your Queen Zara <o:p></o:p></span>💖</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-82034315063188164682021-11-14T14:56:00.003+13:002021-11-14T14:56:48.242+13:00#lifegoeson 💜💚💗<p><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAFOrTa0pa0/YZBsqLkGIUI/AAAAAAABue4/HyBwyZP7kroXB2cF-vvAXlo7E7ZCEVIfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/alfa%2B14%2Bnov%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="850" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAFOrTa0pa0/YZBsqLkGIUI/AAAAAAABue4/HyBwyZP7kroXB2cF-vvAXlo7E7ZCEVIfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B14%2Bnov%2B2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The week started with beautiful sky and
sunshine…just like me 😸<span lang="EN-NZ"> Lots of things happened at House of TOOT…Unfortunately, I am unable
to tell all stories here, but there were a sad story and an exciting story both happened this
week. Just all coincidence…the life is just like this. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Tuesday, it was Mummy’s birthday…of course.
We cerebrated with a very nice cake <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😻</span></span><span lang="EN-NZ"> Then,
Thursday, it was my BIG BIRTHDAY….Yes, I turned 10 years old !!! 🎂 Times really
fly…I cannot believe I am 10 already. In human age, I am much older than Mummy
and older than Daddy, ummmm. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Well, an interesting thing is that Daddy
and Mummy purchased our current house on Friday, the 12<sup>th</sup> November
2011. 10 years later, Friday the 12<sup>th</sup> November 2021, they bought a
shop in the heart of Howick !!!!!!!!!!! 🙀🙀🙀</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">DR TOOT was supposed to move from here to a
new shop late November or early December….However, they have decided to stay
here and lease it out. Well, I begged Mummy to not leave Zara and me alone at
home all day, every day…..hehehehehe.😼</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Nearly 2 months later, the parcel from
Germany has finally arrived. It has got a few new products and mummy will list
them on our website soon ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Auckland is now Alert Level 3 Step 2, which
means customers can enter shops in Auckland. We have seen some customers - It’s
very good to see more humanoids <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😻</span></span><span lang="EN-NZ"> Hopefully,
we will see more and more customers like before !</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Take care, everyone. Stay well and Happy Tooting from Alfa...Your Princess Alfa 💕💝💖</span></p>
<br />Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-50528693957912077612021-11-07T15:24:00.003+13:002021-11-07T15:24:38.703+13:00BANG BANG BANG BOOM BOOM BOOM…🎆🎆🎆<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suCuyvSbgYQ/YYc4vQkjypI/AAAAAAABuVM/jty8XnJpeoEiginds37A6es3_rFyPJwZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s828/zara%2B7th%2Bnov%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="414" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suCuyvSbgYQ/YYc4vQkjypI/AAAAAAABuVM/jty8XnJpeoEiginds37A6es3_rFyPJwZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B7th%2Bnov%2B2021.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>That’s what
went on at the end of this week! No, it’s not Alfa misbehaving or even Alfa
eating or even Daddy practising his new tuba. It was fire works Friday and
Saturday night. You see, humanoids in this part of the world light off fire
cracker in celebrating Guy Fawkes Night. This and New Years Eve are the most
horrible times. All that noise and it really scares us cats. More so Alfa than
me of course but still it’s not nice. One day I hope this will stop and give us
pets of all sorts a break!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This week
started with a sale of a beautiful pre-loved Yamaha cornet. A cornet is like a
trumpet but smaller in size and mainly used in brass bands. They have the same
fingering as a trumpet but with a more mellow sound. I know these things. I am
Zara. Daddy’s personal PA. Alfa thinks that a trumpet is an ice cream cone with
chocolate coating on top. Poor Alfa. The cornet was the only major sale of the
week, but we still have made many accessory sales including a sale of a vintage
saxophone mouthpiece to someone in New York. Our customers are far and wide. I
think DR TOOT is famous 😼<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mummy is
being very patient with Daddy. Mummy is training Daddy on how to use the
business computer for invoices, accounts etc. Daddy so bad on the computer and
Mummy has to type out things for him to follow. Poor Daddy. I’m sure he will
understand in time and give our Mummy a bit of a break. Speaking of Mummy….
This Tuesday is Mummy’s Birthday. It seems that this year has gone so fast. The
other special news is that my birthday is one week after Mummy’s. I believe
Alfa’s birthday is coming up soon too...😺<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This
weekend has been full of sunshine, so Mummy and Daddy, under my guidance have
been out gardening and making everything look so beautiful. The roses are out
and everything is looking so beautiful. Almost as beautiful as me 😻</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Well, it’s
time to catch up on some sleep. This watching hard work is hard work! Till next
time. Be like me. Be like Za</span>ra 😻😸😼</p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-62966890251853900472021-10-31T15:43:00.002+13:002021-10-31T15:43:42.400+13:00Happy Halloween ! 🦇 <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EJVGv12FCo/YX4CtWRkYSI/AAAAAAABuCg/7NgjchnA3IECRFMjc33czuSMRizTOUQQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s866/alfa%2B31%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="418" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EJVGv12FCo/YX4CtWRkYSI/AAAAAAABuCg/7NgjchnA3IECRFMjc33czuSMRizTOUQQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B31%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>It was a short week and lots of things happened
at House of Toot during the 4 working days. I am not allowed to say much here... yet but a big news is coming up !!!!!!! I am not talking about Mummy’s birthday
or Zara’s birthday…. or even not my birthday…bigger than that <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">👽🙀</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">It’s already the end of October and
Halloween…and Christmas is coming. Wow, 2021 so fast…faster than my eating <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😹</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Unfortunately, my sales’ skill didn’t shine
this week but I am sure my big sis, Zara will make it up for me. Lots of
accessories went out and they have gone to all over New Zealand. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Auckland now has reached 80% fully
vaccinated - that’s a great news…and 10% to go ! At this rate you all will be
able to see me soon 😸</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Well, my furball friends, it’s time for me
to try and sneak outside while Daddy’s not looking….meow, meow, meow ! 😻</span></p><br /><p></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-88433439957146799652021-10-24T15:46:00.002+13:002021-10-24T15:46:34.929+13:00Long Wet Weekend, and nowhere to go…<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8r5gHUhHDg/YXTI7V_rgrI/AAAAAAABt5A/1MOgJOQS_nY7tX0AuquqWkRPMCnO-NXWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s586/zara%2B24%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8r5gHUhHDg/YXTI7V_rgrI/AAAAAAABt5A/1MOgJOQS_nY7tX0AuquqWkRPMCnO-NXWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B24%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>Greetings
to my loyal furball and human subjects. Some of Alfa’s friends say that I am arrogant.
This is untrue, I just know better that’s all. I am older and so much wiser. I
am Queen Zara, Daddy’s personal P.A. Anyways, that’s enough about me 😸 <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This week
at DR TOOT has been a busy week with trumpet, cornet, flute, clarinet,
saxophone and a special tuba repair. People come to the shop and wait for Daddy
to open the door so that they can leave their instrument on a table to assessed.
Many instruments are couriered to us as well. I miss not seeing people because
I know how much they loved to come in and stoke my fur and give me a cuddle. I
hope that soon we can get back to normal again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of the
instruments that came in for repair was Daddy’s old tuba that he sold over 20
years ago. It arrived from Hamilton by courier which required<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>some major TLC. Daddy seemed happy to see his old
tuba again and played a few tunes on it after he finished the repair. We hear
Daddy EVERY MORNING playing his tuba before work. Personally, it’s driving Alfa
and I a little loopy 🙀<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Two
instruments were sold this week and have found new homes. The first one was a Backun
Alpha clarinet. When I heard Daddy say that they sold an Alpha, I got so excited.
I thought he meant Alfa, my half sister!!! But no……it wasn’t Alfa…😼 The second
instrument was a beautiful BAC Elliot Mason model Artist Trombone. This one
found a home in Auckland and was picked up on Saturday morning. He seemed very
happy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mummy and
Daddy said that this weekend is a long weekend. Every weekend is a long weekend
for cats. We eat, sleep, eat, do our business and sleep again. Alfa of course
does much more eating than I do. She is such a chunky Tabby. Well, it’s time to
go back to my bed and curl up. Maybe Daddy will watch Netflix again and I will
sleep on his lap. I love my Daddy. I know you are all counting down the weeks
and days till my Birthday. Not long now…..😻😺<o:p></o:p></span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-18769717259327249162021-10-17T16:05:00.001+13:002021-10-17T16:05:48.055+13:00Cats & Vax ! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1gOKd1z5Yw/YWuSgDXnzaI/AAAAAAABtoA/dg2lz7IpoJY4KQmtKGCzfkE_-LiGq3O_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B17%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="850" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1gOKd1z5Yw/YWuSgDXnzaI/AAAAAAABtoA/dg2lz7IpoJY4KQmtKGCzfkE_-LiGq3O_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B17%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Times really fly…it’s been nearly 2 months
since this time lockdown has started. We all are hoping to Auckland will go
down to Level 3 but Step 2…so, our customers can enter our showroom and try instruments
or mouthpieces.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">The team of Mummy and Daddy are fully vaccinated
and Taka will have the 2<sup>nd</sup> one this week. So, the DR TOOT Team will
be fully vaccinated and ready for our customers…Sorry, Me and Zara cannot be
vaccinated but we are cats and we are very fine…Meow ! 😺</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Taka and Daddy have been very busy with
repairs/services on instruments. A few customers who booked in many moons ago brought
in their instruments and they are happy to see well-serviced instruments back !
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">On Friday, one of pre-loved saxophones has
found a new home via Trade Me. It’s a vintage Martin alto saxophone and she is
leaving for Gore on Monday. The husband purchased it for his wife’s birthday….what
a very good surprise ! Hope she will love it <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😍</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">We have a good selection of clarinets (brand
new and pre-loved), saxophones, trumpets and trombones - they are available
from our website. Another saxophone, Yamaha tenor sax YTS380 is also on the
way. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">It was “Super Saturday” and 130,002 people
got vaccinated around New Zealand yesterday. What an effort and well done,
humanoids, New Zealand…Keep it going…meow, meow, meow !😸💜😻</span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-40485189223337021762021-10-10T16:38:00.002+13:002021-10-10T16:38:32.725+13:00It’s Mouthpiece Time !<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWjdw3A5kr4/YWJgHaPL6qI/AAAAAAABtRA/L7laR96hzVE6TemKv3vHSGZupbT2JYO7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s713/zara%2B10%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="421" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWjdw3A5kr4/YWJgHaPL6qI/AAAAAAABtRA/L7laR96hzVE6TemKv3vHSGZupbT2JYO7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B10%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>Good afternoon, my lovely subjects
to another thrilling blog from your Queen Zara 😻 <p></p><p>Let's just say that I did 100%
more sales than Alfa did last week. As my fellow feline furballs know, we are
still in lockdown in New Zealand and more so in Auckland. I love my Daddy very
much but he is now always around when I’m eating or sleeping or just relaxing. Every
morning, when I’m trying to rest after a fishy breakfast, Daddy practises his
tuba for no less than an hour in the morning. This does my head in and I am
sure the other cats and humanoid around notice this too. I’m not as young as I
used to be although I am just as beautiful as always of course 😼</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">After Daddy finished grunting his
beautiful new Miraphone New Yorker CC Tuba, he went back to the workshop to do some
repairs. Later that morning, a customer came in with a clarinet that they bought
from us last year. I remember them and the boy was very kind. To my surprise,
he named his clarinet after a very famous cat… ME 😻 On his tag on the outside of
his case it reads Zara (Clarinet), belongs to….The funny thing too is that the
Clarinet was a Backun “Alpha” Clarinet that was named after me….Sorry Alfa…not!
The clarinet was here for it’s warranty service and while they were here, they
bought a Briccialdi Intermediate flute for the other brother. I bet they don’t
name it Alfa 😱 I mean, why would you? 😸<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">As mentioned before, we are now
the agents for Laskey mouthpieces. They are world famous for their mouthpieces,
especially for their Tuba and French Horn mouthpieces. We of course Daddy had
to have one. He didn’t just get one, he got two and both were gold plated.
Maybe he thinks he will be famous…. 🙀 Th mouthpieces
arrived on Friday afternoon and Daddy was so excited. The kind people at
Backun/Laskey also included T Shirts, Drink bottles and other gear as a special
present for Mummy and Daddy. That and over 20 Tuba mouthpieces. French Horn
mouthpieces will be in the next order although we did receive a couple of
Laskey mouthpieces with this order. Daddy is very very happy with his Laskey
mouthpiece and he says that if you are a tuba player and serious in a great
mouthpiece, then you must try and get a Laskey tuba mouthpiece. We have them in
stock for American and European shanks.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Enough of mouthpieces. They
connect to the tuba and Daddy has been spending more time with his tuba and now
new mouthpiece then he does with me. I have to think of something fast.
Farewell for now my beautiful followers and try your best to be like me 😸😺<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-74709905743632840682021-10-03T15:57:00.003+13:002021-10-03T15:57:32.884+13:00Already October….Meow ! <p><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Skpimm8OTTA/YVkb_eGK3TI/AAAAAAABtC4/mn7LW1onaZIgdCuHf-BDiWW8fwN05tsxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s687/alfa%2B3%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="421" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Skpimm8OTTA/YVkb_eGK3TI/AAAAAAABtC4/mn7LW1onaZIgdCuHf-BDiWW8fwN05tsxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B3%2Boct%2B2021.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>My big sis, Zara and I cannot believe it’s
already October…during Level 3, we are open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
It means Daddy and Mummy have lots of time in the morning before they go to the
showroom/workshop. Daddy is happy to practice a tuba every morning…Sorry, our
neighbours. For both of us, we got used to the sound of tuba…Toot toot <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😹</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Monday, a new shipment of Gonzalez reeds
arrived safely from Argentina. It’s good to see lots of reeds in stock. Please
remember the Gonzalez reeds are chemical free reeds and good for your environment
and your lips and available from DR TOOT only in NZ….wow !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">We also heard Daddy and Mummy were talking
about “Laskey” Is that a name of a new cat or virus ??? Noooooo, Laskey is a
name of a mouthpiece ! They were famous before and closed down as the owner
passed away. Then, they have a new owner…the mouthpieces are back on the
market. They have produced mouthpieces for French Horn and Tuba so far. Some of
tuba mouthpieces are on the way to DR TOOT ! Who’s excited ? Of course, Daddy
is <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😋</span></span><span lang="EN-NZ"> They will make mouthpieces for trombone/Euphonium, cornet and
trumpet soon !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">It was good to see some customers came to
drop off instruments for repair/service this week. Unfortunately, no one is
allowed to enter the showroom/workshop during Level 3 but in distance, Daddy
can talk to them with facemask <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😺</span></span><span lang="EN-NZ"> and everything is contactless…ummm, humanoid is complicated !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Well, Taka will be back to work tomorrow
after 2 months leave…finally ! We are looking forward to seeing him <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😸</span></span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-75261195916415471652021-09-26T14:34:00.002+13:002021-09-26T14:34:25.675+13:00OUMPA OUMPA OUMPA !!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOyA9Bmlb_E/YU_N5quLTwI/AAAAAAABsxc/v0Jpkjj8rLUaIenOnbni17tTxJuATR8hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/zara%2B26%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="850" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOyA9Bmlb_E/YU_N5quLTwI/AAAAAAABsxc/v0Jpkjj8rLUaIenOnbni17tTxJuATR8hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B26%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Good afternoon, my fellow fur ball admirers.
Yes it’s my turn to share the real news with you on what’s going on at DR TOOT. Nothing sugar coated from
me. I tell it as it is! I love my Daddy as you all know and I am very patient
with his work load and things. But, as you know, Daddy received from Germany a
brand new Miraphone 1292 New Yorker CC Tuba which he has named Sammy. Weird
name if you ask me but that what he has done. He has spent a bit of time
setting “Sammy” up the way he likes it like spring tension and slide movements.
That’s fine it doesn’t affect me. What does is his tuba practise <b>EVERY</b>
morning. Long notes, short notes, load notes sometimes quiet notes, but always
notes. I don’t mind now and then but everyday??? 😺<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Been a pretty busy week this
week. We have been in level 4 for a month and on Wednesday we went down to
level 3. That’s level 4 but now able to have takeaways. Level 3 also allows
customers to come to our shop and drop off repairs. This keeps Daddy busy and
gives the house some peace and quiet with him not playing his new tuba. Just
saying that I am not jealous of that hunk of metal…Sammy! Anyways, Daddy has
been busy with repairs and Mummy working hard on accounts, and accessory sales.
So no instrument sales this week. Lots of interest, but no firm sales. Maybe I
have done the hard work for Alfa and she gets my sales 🙀<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Some new stock should be arriving
from Japan including a Yamaha YAS82Z Custom Alto Sax and a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yamaha Alto Sax YAS275. Very exciting to get new stock
in. Other great news is that we will be the importers and distributors of a
range of specialized mouthpieces for Brass-wind <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Musical Instruments from America. The company
is Laskey and this company is world wide known for make amazing tuba
mouthpieces. Of course Daddy must have one which means even more practise 😼<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Well you all got the news right
from the Cat’s mouth. Stay well and be kind to your owners, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(even though we know we own them). Queen Zara
signing off 😻 </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-52316612981436463132021-09-19T16:50:00.002+12:002021-09-19T16:50:33.234+12:00Another interesting week at House of Toot 😻 <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eikTNnfdYY0/YUbA71M3uHI/AAAAAAABshU/-8jEvtGlJS0W9ctjS7WmQydKlHHUORalgCLcBGAsYHQ/s728/alfa%2B19%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="418" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eikTNnfdYY0/YUbA71M3uHI/AAAAAAABshU/-8jEvtGlJS0W9ctjS7WmQydKlHHUORalgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B19%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>As all we know, another week of Level
4 lockdown in Auckland. As we mentioned before, it’s been quiet without seeing
our customers…and Zara and I are missing to see lots of cars with customers !!!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Nowadays, we see only courier vans and
drivers…but it is still fun to see different courier vans and drivers come to
deliver goods and pick up orders from our customers around NZ. Thank you,
customers…without your support, we cannot EAT <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😸</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">On Tuesday, we received a pre-loved Yamaha
French Horn from Japan as Mummy posted it on instagram. She has found a new
home in Auckland at the same day - It was totally coincidence ! A customer
emailed to us the other day and they were looking for a French horn for their son.
The lucky French horn was out of our door next day ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">The same day, Wednesday, another pre-loved
instrument, Yamaha alto sax YAS475 found a new home too. It has gone to Dunedin <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😸</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Speaking of Wednesday, it happened a lot at
House of Toot…ummm, Daddy was fine in the morning and after breakfast, he was
at workshop as usual. Then, he felt very dizzy suddenly…he was lying down for a
while in the living room. It was not really good timing, but after a long wait
his new tuba has finally arrived safely from Miraphone in Germany !!! He was
sooo excited Monday, Tuesday…and Wednesday, the tuba is here but he could not
play it. After he unpacked it, he saw the tuba and had to go to bed to
rest…Poor, Daddy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Thursday, Daddy went to see his doctor
(really one 😼</span><span lang="EN-NZ">) with Mummy. As you may know, Mummy does not drive, so they took
Uber. They came back and Daddy went back to bed. We were so worried…especially,
Zara was ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Then, Friday, we all heard that Daddy
played the new tuba, Miraphone New Yorker CC tuba…wow, what a sound…and wow,
Daddy is back ! Saturday and Sunday, he practised a lot and we all heard the
noise…no, the sound <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😹</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Hopefully, we will move to Level 3 this
coming week, Auckland !!! Meow, meow, meow 😻</span></p><p></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-11409766428647943382021-09-12T17:01:00.004+12:002021-09-12T17:01:36.854+12:00I’m Zara…I do my Best!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgEJ_SW_3VM/YT2JjQjc3lI/AAAAAAABsSo/QY_c6nrwg_EPnasoScDx_D_gz5IVLprIACLcBGAsYHQ/s844/zara%2B12%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgEJ_SW_3VM/YT2JjQjc3lI/AAAAAAABsSo/QY_c6nrwg_EPnasoScDx_D_gz5IVLprIACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B12%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>Another level 4 lockdown in
Auckland. Another week of Daddy doing a little work and watching the 1pm news update on the TV. Life here is very quiet without
humanoids visiting us. That being said, it didn’t stop me in representing
DR TOOT in the sales department 🙀 You see, we have an amazing online shopping
site that mummy has worked so hard in developing. All of our new and pre-loved
instruments are beautifully displayed with descriptions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and photos on each item. Mummy spends
countless hours researching each instrument and taking lovely photos of them 😼<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">This is good as it is impossible
under level 4 to view them in our shop. As a result of my personal hard work
and presence, we have found homes for 3 instruments 😍 On Monday morning a lovely
wooden, pre-loved Selmer Paris 10SII Clarinet has found a new home in Havelock
North. Later that day a brand new Chateau Alto Sax was swept away to a young
girl in Hastings. She was playing on an alto sax that was barely held together
and was in need of some serious repairs. I know she will be very happy with her
new saxophone. On Wednesday a pre-loved Pearl Flute has a new home locally here in
Auckland. The lady hasn’t played in 30 years and her old flute had given up the
ghost. Her old flute was a student model, silver plated flute and the Pearl
flute she got was a professional solid silver flute. I am sure she will amazed
with it and it’s sound! Even though we are in lockdown, we are still able to
accept sales on accessories and instruments and get them couriered to you. You
see, under hard and difficult conditions, I do my BEST! 😸😺😼<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Daddy has been glued to the computer this week looking at
incoming flights from Munich to Auckland. I can’t say much as I am sure Alfa
will share this news with you. It could be the only news she will share with
you, if you know what I mean….She has been very active this week playing indoor
soccer by herself. Daddy, when he was cleaning, found a little ball that she
use to play with when she was very young. Now that she has it, it’s like being and
playing with a long lost friend. Actually, at this moment it’s her only friend
she has except for family, and sometimes I’m not sure about that..🙀</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Well it’s time again for a long
overdue cat nap. I have been awake now for 20 minutes and I must go back to
sleep and regain my energy. Stay well everybody wear your masks, and keep your
distance. Be kind and considerate like me. 😻</p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-22670055736881429172021-09-05T15:52:00.004+12:002021-09-05T15:52:49.512+12:00Happy Father’s Day in Bubble !!! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnRt4f5fmLY/YTQ-77eteoI/AAAAAAABsDQ/3bkaoIz3Qh4Wlcp8HBDe4sVYGQmYfszTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s866/alfa%2B5%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="408" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnRt4f5fmLY/YTQ-77eteoI/AAAAAAABsDQ/3bkaoIz3Qh4Wlcp8HBDe4sVYGQmYfszTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B5%2Bsep%2B2021.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>Auckland is still on Alert Level 4 and it’s
been quiet here…No customers…No phone calls…but courier drivers still come for
deliveries and pickups, which makes me happy somehow…humanoids !<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Daddy tried to catch up all repairs and
long waited a pair of vintage clarinets finally completed this week and have
gone up to their home in Whakatane. With a new Protec case, they looked
fabulous <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😻</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">A parcel from Japan and Australia arrived
safely this week. There were two pre-loved instruments from Japan - Yanagisawa
alto sax A902 (bronze saxophone) and Yamaha Custom SEV Bb clarinet. Daddy
serviced both of them, and the Yanagisawa saxophone has already found a new
home in Hamilton ! It was delivered to a customer, who is one of our long term
customers, and they are very happy with the new saxophone !<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, Mummy read an email from them to me this
morning <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😼</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">A parcel from Australia was a full of
accessories…Mummy tried to re-stock all the time. More Gonzalez reeds have been
ordered and they should be arriving here soon. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Last night, we had a phone call from the
owner of Zara’s siblings. Sadly, Zara was told that her real brother, Pretty
has passed away…Zara told me that she doesn’t remember him much. I also have
some siblings but I came to the House of Toot after a few months later I was
born, so I really don’t remember them at all. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Daddy has decided to make an adaption about
his tuba…So, he says “Good bye” to his tuba, Anton soon when Alert Level
changes, Anton is leaving for a new home in New Plymouth. Well, about his new
tuba, maybe Zara can tell you more next week. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">It was a Father’s Day in New Zealand today
and Zara and I wrote a card and gave him big hugs and kisses…hehehe. For us, it
is hard to write a card…you know, but we did it anyway <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😺😸</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-27416395583593694562021-08-29T17:10:00.006+12:002021-08-29T17:10:49.612+12:00What can I say???<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk47sSS0LsQ/YSsVoL56VYI/AAAAAAABrvE/jIxNYoh0RPk8VvbZ6gA3xRUmWe0DBzWwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1012/zara%2B29%2Baug%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="866" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk47sSS0LsQ/YSsVoL56VYI/AAAAAAABrvE/jIxNYoh0RPk8VvbZ6gA3xRUmWe0DBzWwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B29%2Baug%2B2021.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>The Humanoids are still in lockdown which means Alfa and I see a lot of Mummy and Daddy. I guess that is cool
but Daddy insists on sitting on my cushion watching a little Netflix during the
day when I want to sleep. Because we are in Level 4, no customers can visit us. The courier still comes, but I must admit that I am getting
a little bored in seeing a bit too much of Daddy. Dare I say that even Alfa at
times seems interesting.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">This week seems to have a few day
patterns. Mummy and Daddy wake up, feed us (later then usual), then they go into
the showroom/workshop where Mummy works very hard filling in orders and Daddy, ever so
slowly tinkers around on a clarinet repair. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">At 1.00pm most days, they go to the
living room and watch the news for any Covid updates. Mummy goes back to
work while Daddy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>seems to fill in a lot of
time fitting small bit of cardboard pieces together. These pieces are part of
what Humanoids call a puzzle. It’s a puzzle to Alfa and I why someone would
spend so much time putting all these tiny bits of cardboard together to make a
picture the when it’s completed take it all apart! I mean..REALLY??? 🙀<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Like I said, customers can’t come
here but recently we have been receiving many big boxes containing a huge
assortment of Brass & Woodwind gig bags and cases for sale. There are so many
here that I can hardly fit in the room that they are stored in. Alfa with her
very full figure can not enter the room. She is too….well, you know! 😼<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">There are things happening here
that I am not told about. Mummy and Daddy are talking about many things but are
speaking very quietly and keeping it a secret from Alfa and I. As soon as I hear
any news, I promise to share. For now, please be safe and be patient if your
Humanoids are acting a bit strange. Till later my furry subjects...be like me 😻😺😸 </p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-71647140194129980252021-08-22T16:15:00.004+12:002021-08-22T16:15:55.916+12:00Alert Level 4 again…Lockdown cha cha cha !!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG2Uv6rdr-o/YSHPQTSz8pI/AAAAAAABrhQ/DHbzAA0eXug0cL4ZKg527kaCksePeHuAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s582/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B22%2Baug%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="402" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG2Uv6rdr-o/YSHPQTSz8pI/AAAAAAABrhQ/DHbzAA0eXug0cL4ZKg527kaCksePeHuAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B22%2Baug%2B2021.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>Hello, lovely people, followers and my
farrrry friends around the world 😺 You might have heard by now (the readers in
NZ, of course, you are in the same big ship !), New Zealand is now at the Alert Level
4 and we are in lockdown…again 😿<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">When Zara and I heard that Mummy and Daddy were
saying the word “Delta” “Delta”. We seriously thought that another cat is
joining us…hehehe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you know, Delta is
a new variant of COVID and much stronger than the first one….so, one community
case was found last week and now there are the total of 72 so far….scary !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">In New Zealand, “Lockdown” means really “lockdown”...mummy
or daddy goes out for only grocery shopping or walking. Our showroom/workshop
has been closed for the public since last Wednesday. Well, Mummy and Daddy are
still working as they do from home anyway. For the team of Zara and I, our life
is still the same and I am stuck inside as a house cat anyway ! My older sis,
Zara does not go out much anymore….she seems to be happy staying inside all the
time nowadays. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Just before the lockdown, the new arrival
of the pre-loved Yamaha French Horn YHR567D and Yamaha Bb clarinet YCL450 have
found a new home. The French Horn has found a new home locally and the clarinet
has gone to Hastings. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Mummy has listed another new arrival of
pre-loved Selmer Paris 10Sll Bb clarinet which was just serviced by Daddy.
Also, there are pre-loved saxophone mouthpieces x 10 added too. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Although NZ is in lockdown, in our little
bubble, we keep going !!! Happy Tooting to all, be safe and be kind like me </span>😻</p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-28601586598578982102021-08-15T17:04:00.003+12:002021-08-15T17:04:47.984+12:00It's been awhile...😺 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HJq0SzfKHc/YRigPxM-IdI/AAAAAAABrCM/mthkxcHn9O0mA_ZoztuZD2nHmi4fA9kRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s688/zara%2B16%2Baug%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="415" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7HJq0SzfKHc/YRigPxM-IdI/AAAAAAABrCM/mthkxcHn9O0mA_ZoztuZD2nHmi4fA9kRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B16%2Baug%2B2021.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>Good afternoon my fellow very
patient and loyal followers. Yes, it has been awhile since I have personally
had a connection with you all. My life has been very busy recently and I am not
old and lazy! 🙀 Alfa has kept you up to date in an Alfa sort of way. Very
dramatic and some of the stories are correct.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Well, we are still a shop of 2
(mummy and daddy), and Alf and me. Taka is still away and not back until early
October. Daddy has been very busy with woodwind and brasswind repairs. As well
as being busy with repairs, daddy has been busy playing in many concerts with
different groups. It seems that I have to book in a time to see him and sleep
on his lap.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">This week as always has been an
interesting one. Shipments are coming in from all around the world. We received
towards the end of the week one huge and one smaller box. The large box was too
big to fit in the showroom so it with the other box was put in the living room.
In the two boxes were flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn,
trombone etc. cases. Mute and accessories cases too. Alfa and I love boxes but
have been told to stay out of them. I am a good girl and listened, but I don’t know
about Alfa. She doesn’t always listen…😼<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">On Saturday, a family came in to look at our amazing flute selection and picked
out an intermediate Briccaildi Flute that had a solid silver head joint and a B
Foot Joint. Mummy looked after the sale and they were very happy. Today while
daddy was at Brass Quintet rehearsal, mummy again sold a lovely pre-loved vintage King Trumpet. Mummy is so cleaver.😸<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Many things are happening at
DR TOOT. Customers coming and going and stock coming in. There is never a dull
moment at the House of TOOT. My humanoid and furry friends, I must say goodbye
until we meet again in two weeks. As you know , daddy turned a big number on
his birthday last Sunday. I am not aloud to say how old. I will give you a hint….it’s
not 64….and it’s in between 64 and 66…hehehe…meow meow.😻<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-19848151099501336352021-08-08T17:17:00.000+12:002021-08-08T17:17:12.650+12:00Meow, Meow, Meow from Alfa ! <p><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMKGmWs_dVI/YQ9ovM1P8SI/AAAAAAABqto/TQjqZxYjcPE4wUyHa_t6mYeKbi5GkxBHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s676/alfa%2Be%2Bzara%2B8%2Baugust%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="417" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMKGmWs_dVI/YQ9ovM1P8SI/AAAAAAABqto/TQjqZxYjcPE4wUyHa_t6mYeKbi5GkxBHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2Be%2Bzara%2B8%2Baugust%2B2021.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>Three things…No. 1, I must apologise (yes,
again…) that my big sis had another SCM (Senior Cat Moment). It was her turn
for a blog last Sunday but she didn’t. Well, we were at Loft (our cattery) and
Daddy and Mummy picked us up last Sunday afternoon. They told us that they had
a very good time in Napier. They had the
DR TOOT pop up store at the Concert Bands Festival, and they were happy to see
lots of people at the festival. It sounds that they had a wonderful day ! We
would like to thank all customers who visited the pop up store <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😺😸</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">No. 2, speaking of Senior, Daddy turned 65
year-old today - Very Very Happy Birthday, Daddy !!! He had a gig with Howick
Brass Quintet this afternoon at one of rest homes in Auckland. Mummy brought a
special cake and celebrated the day with the quintet members and audiences. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">No. 3, Yes, another celebration… it was the
International Cat Day today !!! Zara and I hope that all our fur friends had a
great day ! 😻</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Otherwise, this week was quiet. We had not
so nice weather here in Auckland and Taka is now on his annual leave for 2
months…yes, long one ! We won’t see him till beginning of October. Well, Daddy
must survive without Taka. Instruments are still coming in for
repairs/services, and Daddy has been very busy…he will try his best to make
sure everything would be ready in time. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">OK, all my fury and meow friends...let's see what Zara is going to say next Sunday ! 😺🙀😸</span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-48526090357596792622021-07-25T16:33:00.002+12:002021-07-25T16:33:27.962+12:00Cattery Calling...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtKBwi7x37w/YPzpcYu7zpI/AAAAAAABqIo/w6eDWntzvEEoLkkIXR5eFRAhd3SUY9yQACLcBGAsYHQ/s816/alfa%2B25%2Bjuly%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtKBwi7x37w/YPzpcYu7zpI/AAAAAAABqIo/w6eDWntzvEEoLkkIXR5eFRAhd3SUY9yQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B25%2Bjuly%2B2021.jpg" /></a></div>Yes, Daddy is back from Christchurch and
united. Needless to say, my big sis, Zara was so happy to see him and of
course, sat and slept on his lap as usual…yes, the life is back to normal here 😺<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">As you all know, I am not a just chubby
tabby…I am Princess Alfa and I can deliver !!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week was “Epic” - the middle of the school break and the DR TOOT
repair team was soooo busy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Lots of customers visited us too. From
Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Hastings… Did they all come to see me
???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Wednesday, a gentleman visited DR TOOT
showroom for testing a pre-loved Buffet A Clarinet RC. He is a professional
clarinettist/teacher from Christchurch, who happens to be in Auckland for his
holiday. He tested the A clarinet for his student. He was a very happy with it
and his student purchased it online immediately. The clarinet found a new home
in Christchurch !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Thursday, one of brand new Miayazawa flutes
found a new home. One of our customers who lives in Hamilton tried the 602REB
and loved it. Yes, the flute found a new home in Hamilton !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Taka has finished servicing a pre-loved
Yamaha tenor saxophone YTS62S (yes, silver colour like me 😉</span><span lang="EN-NZ">) which was a special order from one of our long term customers. She
is ready to leave for a new home in Gisborne on Monday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Saturday, we saw a familiar face with a new
face - He brought his friend to test the two pre-loved Yamaha French Horns,
which arrived from Japan the other day. She really liked one of them and she
was so excited to own the new French horn ! Well, the French horn has gone to
Hastings ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Daddy and Mummy told us that we have to
stay at a cat hotel for a few days this coming week. The Concert Band Festival
is happening in Napier on Saturday, 31<sup>st</sup> July (NB: The DR TOOT HQ
will be closed from Friday, 30<sup>th<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>-
See you on Monday as usual). Daddy and Mummy will have a pop up store at the
Napier Municipal Theatre all day. Sorry, Zara and I cannot be there but we will
be sending our love and cheers to everyone from the cat hotel….meow, meow, meow <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😻😸😺</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-46282828951102745382021-07-18T17:20:00.000+12:002021-07-18T17:20:19.925+12:00Who needs Daddy !???<p><span lang="EN-NZ"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DCE627ZKdo/YPO514ZXj2I/AAAAAAABp2o/WZYKAw4Kq_w6Ae4X-KaGVK7I3mQowTG-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s809/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B18th%2Bjuly%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="421" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DCE627ZKdo/YPO514ZXj2I/AAAAAAABp2o/WZYKAw4Kq_w6Ae4X-KaGVK7I3mQowTG-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B18th%2Bjuly%2B2021.jpg" /></a></div>Well, Daddy has been very busy with
rehearsals, gigs, concerts and the Championship…etc. I missed my last turn….you
know it’s not my fault….you know what I mean <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😼</span><span lang="EN-NZ"> I did
not have “senior cat moment” but Daddy had “senior moment”, hehehe <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😹</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">We had a great start this week…Monday,
there are lots of people visited DR TOOT <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😺</span></span><span lang="EN-NZ"> One
of customers was from Melbourne….meow ! Funny thing was that he has also a cat
at home and he saw me and he was talking to me. He came here to see me….oh,
no….not quite. He wanted to try the sopranino we had in stock. He spent some
time here and he has left with the sopranino ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Early morning on Wednesday, Alfa and I
heard noise and we knew that Daddy left home for the airport. Mummy opened the
showroom and Taka came to work as usual. It seems to be a quiet day, but I am
Queen Zara…I deliver ! Daddy wasn’t at work/home and worked very hard <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😼</span></span><span lang="EN-NZ"> Meow, a lady in Palmerstone North phoned up and she was looking for
an alto saxophone for herself. After she talked to Mummy, she phoned Mummy
again later…she decided to go for the Selmer Paris Axos…I think she made a
great choice <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😺</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">During this is happening, a mother and a
daughter visited us who were here the other day. Yes, they came back to try a
pre-loved Yamaha alto sax YAS62 which was just serviced, set up and tested by
Taka. She tried and liked it…has left with the new saxophone ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">On Thursday, a family came in with an old
clarinet and it required a complete overhaul. It will exceed the value of the
clarinet. Then, they decided to go for a pre-loved Yamaha YCL250 clarinet after
the son tried it. Well, the clarinet has found a new home in Auckland !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Then, Friday, another family from Hastings
visited DR TOOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of daughters wanted
to upgrade her ABS clarinet to a wooden one. She tried three pre-loved
clarinets and fallen love with the sound of the Buffet E12F - Well, the
clarinet has gone to Hastings ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">It was a horrible weather here on Saturday.
Mummy thought it would be a quite day at showroom, but…she had a few customers
and a few phone calls…busy, Mummy ! Also, I saw that a courier man delivered
two saxophones from Taiwan - Chateau alto saxes CAS22…YES, they are back in
stock now! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Daddy is back...Leaving a cold and crisp Christchurch and
coming home to a warm but wet Auckland. He is very proud of me and all that I
have done while he was away. I really missed my daddy. Let’s see what Alfa has
to offer for next week….😼😻</span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-36822302933122115342021-07-11T16:40:00.003+12:002021-07-11T16:40:44.011+12:00Senior Cat Moment...🙀<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y9cBB25Kz8/YOp1uXJErNI/AAAAAAABpls/0ZY8l2saNm0KcNV7G8w9xTZPvo_OXKVhACLcBGAsYHQ/s548/alfa%2Be%2Bzara%2Bjuly%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="421" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y9cBB25Kz8/YOp1uXJErNI/AAAAAAABpls/0ZY8l2saNm0KcNV7G8w9xTZPvo_OXKVhACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2Be%2Bzara%2Bjuly%2B2021.jpg" /></a></div>First of all, I must apologise to our
followers/readers that my big sis, Zara did not do blog last Sunday. I think
she had “senior cat moment” 🙀. I reminded her a few times but…she was tired, I
think.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Well, this week was another “meeeeoooowww”
week for me ! It started with a Briccialdi flute sales. The lady and her
husband visited us on Monday. She was a looking for a new flute and left for
home with the Briccialdi intermediate model flute 😻</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">During the week, two each of brand new BAC
trombones and trumpets arrived from USA (yes, we now have a great selection of
trumpet and trombones in store), two brand new Backun clarinets have arrived
from Canada (yes, our clarinet line up is fuuuuurbulas). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, for the first time, some Rigotti reeds
from France have arrived…puuuuuurfect ! 😹</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">On Thursday, it was C day…Yes, C for
Cats…mmmmm, it was a Chateau saxophone day 😺 </span><span lang="EN-NZ"> There were two Chateau saxophones in stock and both of them found a
new home - the alto sax has gone to Invercargill and the tenor sax has gone to
a new home in Auckland. The customer came in and tried a pre-loved Yamaha
YTS475 and a Chateau CTS22. He preferred the Chateau which produced bigger and
more punchy sound ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Saturday morning, Zara and I went to our
vet for an annual vaccination. We are both gooooood <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😸</span></span><span lang="EN-NZ"> After
we came back, Mummy and Daddy opened the shop (yes, we are open Saturdays
9.00am-1.00pm ). It was another busy Saturday ! A pre-loved Jupiter tenor
saxophone has found a new home in Auckland…a very familiar face visited DR TOOT
and left with the saxophone ! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Daddy has been very busy with concerts and
rehearsals. He will be away a part of the next week for the Brass Band
Championship in Christchurch. He will be playing a tuba with Howick Brass. If
you see him in Christchurch, say “DR TOOT” !!!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">PS: The photo was taken yesterday...just before off to our vet ! </span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-542803154673035412021-06-27T17:51:00.000+12:002021-06-27T17:51:50.286+12:00Sleeping Beauties...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE083o2gRak/YNgQ1BYeFbI/AAAAAAABo_Y/RUxK8q0EXQYR-5J8jkK5U2H6PAwpI2B4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s866/alfa%2B27%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="421" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE083o2gRak/YNgQ1BYeFbI/AAAAAAABo_Y/RUxK8q0EXQYR-5J8jkK5U2H6PAwpI2B4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B27%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" /></a></div>It’s been raining all day here in Howick.
It’s a typical winter Sunday and I snuggled under my purple blankey all
day….hiding from my big sis, Zara ! She was sleeping all day too on the big
black cushion….yes, she was blended in and sometimes we can’t tell if she is really
there…ha ha 😹<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Well, it was a bit quiet week for me…but the DR
TOOT Repair Team, Taka and Daddy were very busy as usual. Taka finished working
on the beaaaaauuuutiful silver plated Selmer Paris vintage alto sax Mark Vl the
other day. It was made in 1955 (yes, vintage, vintage….a year older than
Daddy!). The owner came in and collected it from us on Friday and he was quite surprised
to see how it turned up. When the saxophone was brought in, it had not been played for a while and it was tarnished. Daddy polished very well by a machine
and hands and it is soooo shinny now ! The owner tried it and it produced gorgeous
sounds ! Taka used Pisoni Pro pads with metal resonators which resonated very well😸 </span><span lang="EN-NZ">Anyway, he was very happy and we were all happy too !</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">We welcomed some customers during the week
and it was so busy on Saturday ! We saw new faces and familiar faces…One of
customers was a family of a father and three children from North Shore. A son
is a clarinet player who has done the Grade 6 and wanted to upgrade his
clarinet. He tried a few clarinets and liked a pre-loved Yamaha Custom SEV
clarinet - Zara and I heard beautiful sounds. He went home with his new
clarinet and smile…we hope that it will bring him lots of joy and sweet
memories, meow, meow, meow !😺😻😸</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">Daddy is not only busy with his work at the
workshop but also he has been busy with playing a tuba. He had lots of
rehearsals during the week nights and weekend…and gigs are coming up this
coming weekend. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ">I guess lots of people are also busy with
practising… it sounds very good. Stay warm and healthy…and Happy Tooting from
the DR TOOT Team ! 😸</span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-3158946350423450842021-06-20T16:18:00.003+12:002021-06-20T16:18:50.844+12:00Strangers Everywhere!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEHkmYVLx0E/YM7ALer5WNI/AAAAAAABooM/gVNSysYH3e4Akrh9dfnjrfAKqTNMTvRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s758/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="415" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEHkmYVLx0E/YM7ALer5WNI/AAAAAAABooM/gVNSysYH3e4Akrh9dfnjrfAKqTNMTvRjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" /></a></div>This is my home. Daddy always
says…in the beginning there was Zara. This week has been a bit out of the
ordinary. As you all know, we get many customers that come and go in the course
of the week. Some stay for a little while and some a little longer. This week
we were invaded on Thursday and Friday with outdoor gardeners pulling up
bushes, trimming this and that and making more noise than an Alfa eating her favourite
meal! Lawns and gardens being sprayed, blowing machines blowing and strangers
talking. My estate is getting a makeover and it seems that I don’t get a say in
this. A few weeks ago, two trees that I sharpen my claws with were
removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will keep a closer eye on
things from now on and have my say!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">The week started off with a hiss
and a roar with 2 saxophones finding new homes. Both instruments were alto
saxophones, a Yamaha Silver YAS62 and a Matte Finish Chateau. For stock, Another
YAS62 Alto Sax has arrived and 2 more Chateau Alto Saxophone have been ordered
and should arrive in the next few weeks. Taka has been very busy working on a vintage Buescher Tenor Sax and setting up a Yamaha Bass Clarinet
that was a special order from a customer of ours and picked up on Saturday
early afternoon. Taka is now very busy working on a few major works so Alfa and
I have been told to stay out of his way 😼</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Daddy has received some new dent
removing tools that he has used already on a Bass Trombone and Full Double
French Horn. Both customers are very happy with the work done and one of the
customers gave Mummy and Daddy some homemade jam 😻. Nothing for me… Mummy has
been busy with packing, invoicing, customers, shipping and receiving goods. Apart
from me, I believe she is the hardest worker 😸<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Daddy is still very busy playing
his tuba. Monday night was rehearsal with Manakau Concert Band, rehearsing for
a concert and Festival in 5 weeks, Wednesday night rehearsing for Howick Brass,
rehearsing for the Brass Band Championship in 3 weeks, Friday night rehearsing
for a Brass Quintet gig they did on Saturday morning in Howick and Sunday afternoon
rehearsing with the Manakau Symphony Orchestra, rehearsing for a concert in a
couple of weeks time. Busy busy Daddy. Daddy’s son stayed with us on Saturday
night, so my time as you see has been changed a lot.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">I must stop now as even writing this
makes me feel so weary. Be kind to all and special to cats that have ideas of
greatness but are, well, you know… Alfa’s time next week..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-8959841966479986322021-06-13T17:07:00.002+12:002021-06-13T17:07:33.140+12:00I Still Got It!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzVFrCfwdeg/YMWSW_YAGLI/AAAAAAABoMo/RaFY8jBJJmUUEQ651ndOSIxC28qAmUHTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B13%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="850" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzVFrCfwdeg/YMWSW_YAGLI/AAAAAAABoMo/RaFY8jBJJmUUEQ651ndOSIxC28qAmUHTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2Band%2Balfa%2B13%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was a short week as
my big sis, Zara just did her blog on Monday. The week has just disappeared ! It was a
beautiful Saturday yesterday and now it’s raining again on Sunday…<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Taka had his longer
weekend and came back to work on Thursday ! It was a good to see him again.
Without Taka, mummy and daddy had an interesting and busy Tuesday and
Wednesday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mother and son visited
DR TOOT on Tuesday and he tried a pre-loved Buffet RC Bb clarinet. He was a bit
nervous and wasn’t sure about the clarinet. They went home without the clarinet
and then they came back to try it again the next day. He was quite different
and he played it very well this time - Yes, Zara and I heard that he played the
clarinet ! So, they left with the clarinet this time <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😺</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Then, the same day, mummy
had a phone call from Lewis McCallum, who is a professional saxophonist who
lives in Auckland. An hour later, he was here to test lots of mouthpieces and
saxophones. Again, Zara and I heard his playing. Wow…..what a sound ! Mummy
took videos that he was playing Chateau alto sax and tenor sax. He loves
Gonzalez reeds and saXholder too ! 😻<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Daddy was happy to
receive new toys…Ups, I mean new tools from USA for his repair work 😹</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Also, two pre-loved instruments and some
accessories have arrived from Japan. The two instruments are a Yamaha alto sax
YAS275 (a special order from a customer in Hastings) and a Yamaha clarinet
YCL450 (a very popular intermediate wooden clarinet). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had a privilege to
walk around and stay with mummy and daddy at the showroom while mummy and daddy
were working during the day. It’s good to see lots of displayed beaaauuuutiful instruments
there. Even I caught a fly….and of course, I ate it…Yum, Yum, Yum…mummy said to
me “I still got it <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😼</span> !” hehehehehe…😸😸😸<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Stay warm and Happy
Tooting, Everyone !!! 😻</span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-71382670843032323612021-06-07T16:56:00.006+12:002021-06-07T16:56:47.348+12:00Rain Rain Go Away!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTzwLNj6CE4/YL2m2DORSaI/AAAAAAABnxs/TjoPYTS8iFo1C3l9U8Wwog2DSuy4_6uXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/zara%2B7%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="850" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTzwLNj6CE4/YL2m2DORSaI/AAAAAAABnxs/TjoPYTS8iFo1C3l9U8Wwog2DSuy4_6uXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B7%2Bjune%2B2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My paws get so wet and cold in
winter. Clear cool weather in nice but the rain is no good for my fur. I am a
summer cat with short fur and I am slim. Alfa is a winter cat with long fur and
FAT 🙀. We are 1 week into winter and it’s times like this that I wish I could fly
to the northern part of the world and enjoy their summer. My advice to all my
furry friends and humanoids is to stay warm and eat well. Be like Zara 😻<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">This week as always for a Zara
week has been a busy one. It started with a sale of a Buckun “Beta” Wooden
Clarinet which was sold to a very nice boy who really appreciated the lovely
warm sound you always get with the Backun clarinets. Many accessories from
Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Australia<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and USA
arrived this week and Mummy has been so busy unpacking, packing and getting all
back orders out. Mummy does it all. She looks after Daddy, us fur babies, and
DR TOOT. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">On Wednesday evening she was feeling a little sick and Daddy got very worried.
We never see mummy ill so it was very odd to see her like this. On Thursday
morning she looked fantastic and all was back to normal. Don’t know how Daddy
would cope if Mummy was ill for a long time. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">On that Thursday we sold a pre
loved Buffet Flute to a customer. Taka had cleaned it and repadded all the keys. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">On Friday, with my assistance sold a Yanagisawa pre loved Alto
Sax. Very much a Woodwind Week you could say. Daddy of course too has been busy
with some brass and woodwind repairs. When he is not repairing, he is out
playing his tuba with concert bands, brass bands, quintets etc. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Today is Monday
and it is a public holiday. It’s Queens Birthday Weekend celebrating The Queen
of England and Queen Zara Birthday. It is nice that the country respects us and
give our people and cats the day to relax. Speaking of relaxing…Taka will be
taking Tuesday and Wednesday off too. He works very hard and has earned some
extra time off 😺<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Well time to go. Daddy has been
practising his tuba for some up and coming concerts. He took a break from his
practice to talk on his phone to a friend he knew when he was a naughty noodle
in Canada. His friend Robert/Bob is still in Canada and they were both
remembering friends from the past and Daddy’s Sousaphone he played in the band
and some of the silly things Daddy did when he had hair and a much smaller
tummy…..sorry daddy…Time fly’s by so fast and memories of good people and times
will last forever. Daddy is very happy !😊<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Take care my furry friends and
when you are lost and sad, then think of me. It works for me every time 😸😺</p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-36554442986349937592021-05-30T16:51:00.002+12:002021-05-30T16:51:34.587+12:00Come and Go ! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Btt4jjuL9S0/YLMYzrR7BTI/AAAAAAABnfU/CsI5F_-rRbUIyvK7gXznpeFpmJOeDBR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1062/alfa%2B30%2Bmay%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="850" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Btt4jjuL9S0/YLMYzrR7BTI/AAAAAAABnfU/CsI5F_-rRbUIyvK7gXznpeFpmJOeDBR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/alfa%2B30%2Bmay%2B2021.jpg" /></a></div>It was an
international week at DR TOOT <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😺</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Monday, a parcel from
Japan arrived safely. We received a pre-loved Yanagisawa tenor sax T901ll and
Buffet RC Bb clarinet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Tuesday, a brand new
Berg Larsen Bronze Duckbill tenor sax metal mouthpiece arrived from Berg Larsen
in Belgium. It was a special order by one of our customers and it has gone to a
new home in Tauranga. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Also, a new shipment
of Briccialdi flutes from Italy was delivered to us later that day. It’s very
good to see more Briccialdi flutes in stock ! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Wednesday, a small parcel
from Australia arrived….it was another special order by one of our customers in
Auckland - Guo New Voice piccolo (ABS piccolo in a very nice wooden case !) The
customer came in the next day to collect it. He tested and wow…it sounded jut
lick a normal piccolo. The white colour body with black keys…ummmm, it just
like me actually <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😻</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Saturday, more pads
arrived from Italy. In the morning, a son and a father visited DR TOOT. The son
was interested in the pre-loved Yanagisawa tenor sax T901ll which arrived on
Monday. He contacted our Mummy before and Taka serviced, set up and tested the
other day and it was ready for him. He was happy to see the saxophone and
became the new owner ! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Daddy played the tuba
with MCB (Manukau Concert Band) Saturday night for celebrating their 50<sup>th</sup>
birthday…over 200 audiences gathered and it was a successful night. It was a looooong
day for Daddy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a nice weather
in the morning, but it turned not nice weather today. We had lots of rain here…Hopefully
everyone had a safe and sound weekend. Zara and I are feeling chilly and curled
up together…I know Zara doesn’t mind <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😸</span></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-574755584147457399.post-51340631926541739582021-05-23T16:45:00.000+12:002021-05-23T16:45:03.156+12:00It’s Been a SUPREME Week!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgxpjkU8KRg/YKndr5FO8ZI/AAAAAAABnFA/Zuk2ylKEBVo6-PTuVMzjQF45tII7i2OwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/zara%2B23%2Bmay%2B2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="850" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgxpjkU8KRg/YKndr5FO8ZI/AAAAAAABnFA/Zuk2ylKEBVo6-PTuVMzjQF45tII7i2OwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/zara%2B23%2Bmay%2B2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes that’s true. It has been a
very Supreme week. I am not the only supreme object in this world. Many of you
know how wonderful and supreme I am….but there is another. It’s not Alfa! <p></p><p>This
week, all the way from France, two Selmer Saxophones arrived through our door.
An Alto and a Tenor. The Tenor Sax was an Axos Professional Tenor Sax at an
amazing price of $7,995. This is a fantastic price for a Selmer Paris
Professional Tenor Sax. The other saxophone was a Selmer Paris SUPREME Model
Alto Sax. The very first one in New Zealand and wow, what a saxophone 😻 Many new
features and a dark honey look about her. Features such as Hinged toggle on
left hand pinky finger keys for greater ease of movement from one key to
another, Redesigned shapes and placements of the side keys, facilitating fluid
passage from one to another and many other new features. The sound is what you
expect from a Selmer Paris. If you are interested in quality saxophones, then
you must check out our stock of new and pre-loved saxophones from DR TOOT !</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Many accessory sales this week and
one major Item. It was a new Briccaldi flute and it’s on it’s way to Dunedin.
That’s cool only having one sale because all sale are good and everybody is
important. Almost as important as me 🙀. I manage the shop, I manage the staff and
I manage the sales. I don’t manage Alfa 😼 Taka has been very busy as usual in
his Man Cave working on a wide range of woodwind instruments. I am confused a
little. Flutes and saxophones are made out of metal such as brass, nickel or
silver, yet they are known as woodwind instruments. Even some clarinets are
made from plastic resin. Humans are complicated. Daddy has been hard at work
working on clarinets and brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones and French
horns as well as playing with 5 different music groups this week. He has so
much energy. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Daddy is Zara’s Daddy. Hard working and modest. Mummy too has been
very busy invoicing, ordering more goodies and busy with sales…..also keeping
an eye on Taka and Daddy that they keep working and focused on their jobs.
Alfa talks a bit too much. Eats too much and sleeps too much under her blanky.
She is pretty handy at night time as it is getting cooler and the large amount
of Tabby fat and fur she carries helps keep her and me warm at night 😸<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Daddy had to get ready for a concert this afternoon with the local orchestra. Busy boy is
our Daddy. Be good and be like me.
Meow Meow.😻😺🙀</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><o:p></o:p></p>Zarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582768900929704958noreply@blogger.com