Zara & Rico's World with Alfa

A lot to learn

2012-02-05T20:01:00.000+13:00

Greetings to my fellow watchers. It’s Zara here and I’m back in the driving seat! Ok…so you all saw how cute Alfa is last week. So what! I still have beauty and brains and I am still in charge…..Come back Rico.

Everyday I tell Alfa many stories of Rico and I. I know that I teased Rico, but I loved him dearly. Alfa and I are getting along much better and now, I let her sleep in my basket bed with me. Just like Rico, she feels better close to me and safe. In the mornings, we run around chasing each other and having so much fun. She is still so very young and I am very careful not to hurt her. Because she is still so young, she has to have a leash on her when she is outside. I am free to do and go as I please…..but Alfa does look kind of funny with this girly leash around her…well that’s enough about Alfa.

This week we said goodbye to Kiyo. She is from Japan and worked with daddy (DR.TOOT), cleaning instruments and working hard in the workshop. Tuesday was her last day with us and it was sad to see her go. For the first time, I was able to inspect her room and see what was there. After all, it’s my house and I have the right!

Many last minute private repairs came in to be serviced just in time for the beginning of school. Mummy and daddy are still able to do our 2-3 day turn around, so everybody is happy. Repaired school instruments have been picked up or delivered, leaving the workshop with a lot fewer instruments. Speaking of fewer instruments….one of our instruments, a Yamaha trombone, went down south to a very happy customer. There is never a dull moment here at DR.TOOT’s.

My name is AFLA :-)

2012-01-29T20:04:00.003+13:00

On Thursday, 19 January 2012, I became a family member of DR TOOT. I had a different name…but since I’ve arrived at DR TOOT, people call me “Alfa”. My new daddy, DR TOOT, told me “Alpha” means “the first/beginning”, then my new mummy has changed it to “Alfa” (of course, it’s an Italian way !). Later, they realized that “Alfa……Romeo !??” Ummmm, it was a bit late to change.

There is another cat here…her name is Zara. Oh, she was scary at the beginning. Even now, she is still a bit scary…J She has told me about Rico, and I feel lots of love from mummy and daddy……from Zara too J I was born on 11/11/11. People think that I am such a special cat J I had a few sisters, but they were all black or dark grey colour. Only I have silver colour with patterns - I think I am special J

On Saturday, mummy and daddy took me to the Howick Vets for my first vaccination. Then, finally they have found out that I am actually a GIRL J They were told that I was a boy when I was adapted. Ummmm, a bit confusion….I have a boy’s name ! Ummmm, it is too late to change…oh, dear J I quite like the name anyway, and mummy and daddy think that I am just like boy – eat a lot, run fast and poo well….ppppuuuuurrrrr !!!

Rico is never far away...

2012-01-22T18:56:00.000+13:00

Hello everybody. Zara here again…..This is not easy doing the blogs all the time. But things are about to change, but more on this later.

Last week started with the usual rust in getting the school instruments ready for the new school year. Apart from the school repairs, we receive instruments from our own students and private ones. We received flutes, saxophones, trombones etc. There is a hum of energy in the air with daddy repairing and mummy very busy in the office.

On Tuesday, daddy went to the airport to collect the largest saxophone DR TOOT has ever imported. It is a Yanagisawa B6 used Baritone Sax that we imported directly from Japan. Wow it is huge and makes a lovely deep sound. When daddy played it, I was a little scared.

Well, our pre-loved instruments have gone overseas ! A Keilwerth alto sax “Shadow” has gone to Japan (where came from…ummm, travelled a lot) and a Yanagisawa silver Elimona alto sax has gone to USA. A gentleman emailed us from Colorado everyday, and the saxophone is on the way to him now. Our best seller saxophone YAS32 didn’t stay at DR TOOT for a long again – a Canadian family who lives in North Shore came to see us and walked away with the saxophone J

I have some news…. On Thursday early evening, when I was asleep on mummy’s and daddy’s bed, mummy and daddy went out for a little drive. I didn’t ask where they were going. When they came back, they arrived with a silver coloured fur ball that made loud purring noises. Yes! You guessed it. It was our new addition to the family. His name is Alfa. I think Rico would approve. He is a tabby….silver and every bit as cute as Rico was. I think cuter, and he understood right from the beginning that I was the boss. A very smart kitten J

He runs around like a wind up toy and is very funny. He makes my mummy very happy which makes me very happy.

I spend a moment everyday on Rico’s resting spot. People don’t realise that we cats feel and talk to those that have left us. I know in my heart that Rico is happy for us and doesn’t want us to be sad. I miss Rico, but Alfa is keeping us all too busy to worry too much. Next week….it’s Alfa’s turn.. you will see his picture

New Beginning

2012-01-15T19:27:00.000+13:00

Hello everyone from the office of DR.TOOT. Mummy and daddy have allowed me again to share my thoughts and views about life and what’s happening at DR.TOOT.

On Wednesday, 11 January 2012, Rico’s ashes are back to home. Then, daddy and mummy buried it with his collar and name tag the next day. He is sleeping near the magnolia tree “Little Gem”. I visit him everyday. Mummy and daddy also see him everyday from the living room.

We received very sincere cards from Howick Vet, Manukau After Hours and Pet Farewells. Also, some people sent us some kind messages…Mummy and daddy would like to say thank you to all of you. I miss my little brother, Rico and I feel still lonely….but I am now having all attention and care from mummy and daddy – that’s not a bad thing J

Life here is busy as always. Repairs are always coming in from all parts of NZ. Daddy is busy working on many school instruments getting them ready for when school starts in 2 weeks time. It’s so busy here. Very exciting but there seems to be little time for them to play with me. When Rico was here, we used to play and run around the place a lot. You know…you never really appreciate someone, until that someone is gone. I was pretty hard at times on Rico and I shouldn’t have been. We should all watch what we say about our family and friends. I go to where his ashes are buried and say sorry everyday. From now on, I will always look for the good in everyone and be more positive

A few instruments arrived on Monday. Two alto saxophones, two clarinets and one lovely flute. You can see these on our website and they will be listed on TradeMe. Tomorrow or Tuesday, our first Baritone Saxophone will arrive. It’s a Yanagisawa B6 Baritone Sax. Daddy tells me that it is large and produces a low deep sound…..so exciting!!!

The sun seems to have finally arrived for summer and I am enjoying laying in the sunshine getting an even tan. Good night all and enjoy the good weather at long last.

PS: @Rico Point...dreaming of Rico...

Little Gem

2012-01-08T17:43:00.001+13:00

Hello everyone, Zara is here….as you know, it is Rico’s turn today. Honestly, I did not know what happened to my little brother, Rico until mummy and daddy told me later…

Monday, 2^nd January 2012, it turned to be the day we will never forget. In the morning, Rico and I got up as usual – had breakfast together and we were playing together in the living room. Just having a relaxing New Year’s Holiday.

Rico went out and I went to mummy and daddy’s bedroom upstairs to chill out. Then, I went to deep sleep…..when I wake up, I could see that mummy and daddy were both crying….they were very upset and devastated.

My little brother, Rico has gone to Heaven. He was hit by car and he lost too much blood internally. An amazing thing was that he came back home ! Mummy and daddy found him on a desk at mummy’s office. They saw blood in his mouth and took him an emergency vet immediately.

Mummy and daddy have planted a magnolia tree named “Little Gem” as Rico’s memorial. He was a really special cat and one of kind. His body might not be here anymore, but his soul is always with us at DR TOOT.

PS: Rico has found a new Rico Point….I miss you little brother…

My New Turf !

2012-01-01T20:24:00.002+13:00

Happy New Year to my fellow followers. It is only right that I Zara speak to you first in the new year. Last year was a good for daddy and mummy and all of us at DR TOOT. Our goals were met and we are all happy…..well almost happy.

It takes a bit of getting use to our new home. It’s bigger, newer and heaps more room. The trouble is, is that there are heaps of cats here that don’t appreciate who I am. I am Zara, Queen of everything around and ever so important. There are so many other cats around that think they can just walk around my new turf. This is not right and in time I am sure things will work out.

Daddy and Kiyo have been very busy with repairs. Kiyo is a Japanese lady that is working for us during the holidays. She is nice and taller than daddy and is really funny. I know that I am the one that makes daddy laugh, so I am not worried.

Mummy and daddy have more instruments arriving later next week. Saxophones, clarinets and flutes are coming in. This is for me very exciting as it is the first shipment due in our new address. I of course will check everything as they arrive. I may live in a different place, but my position always is the same.

This week mummy sold a Yamaha YAS 24 alto sax to a lady in Dunedin. They travel everywhere our instruments. Accessories seem to go everyday, but instruments go now and then.

Although daddy is very busy, there is always time to bring in your own instrument for daddy to check out. As a bonus, you will be able to see me too J

First Christmas in our new home !

2011-12-25T17:07:00.000+13:00

What a week……..On Monday, my big sis Zara and I were finally allowed to go outside. Beh, for me it was quite an adventure ! I met lots of mates around here. Most of them are very nice to me, but a couple of them were quite mean to me. So, I came back to our new home, late morning and stayed on mummy and daddy’s bed for the rest of the day. Even Zara came back early and we stayed together !

A few days later, I succeed to go on the roof…..hehehehehe….Zara was jealous J because she didn’t know how I did it ! I am the son of DR TOOT and I don’t miss the chance JJJ A window in the bathroom upstairs was open a little bit wider than as usual. So, I escaped from there and ran on the roof J I jumped on the fence and ran to the backyard ! Mummy and daddy were in the living room and they saw me I was running like a bullet ….I heard mummy was saying “What was that ?” and daddy said “That was Rico !!!” Both of them thought that I was sleeping upstairs and saw me on the ground…I .gave them a surprise !

DR TOOT had lots of visitors this week. I saw a lot of familiar faces – customers and friends. I guess lots of people were curious about our new house ! Daddy was very happy to show them around the house. One of visitors was a customer who drove down to Auckland from Whangarei. He visited DR TOOT to purchase a Yamaha Trumpet J Some customers came in to drop off their instruments for servicing. More instruments have arrived from schools in Auckland for DR TOOT’s treatments. Daddy, mummy and Kiyo have been working very hard.

Then, it’s Christmas Day today. Buona Natale a tutti - Merry Christmas to everyone ! In the morning, mummy, daddy and Kiyo did some gardening up the driveway and in the backyard. It looks much better than before ! Good for us too J

Beh, it is a kind of tradition of DR TOOT. As you know, it’s Christmas….which means we have to wear a Santa hat ! Zara hates it….I don’t mind…I mean I quite like this J I think it suits me JJJ Here is a photo with a tree this year at our new home !

Hello from 158A Ridge Rd, Howick !

2011-12-18T20:15:00.000+13:00

Zara: Hello, everyone…Queen Zara here ! This week is supposed to be my turn…but my little little brother Rico wanted to join me, so here he is…

Rico: Ciao tutti. Yeahhhh, we have moved into our new house !!! It is a very very nice new home J Well, this week was tough for us, because we had go to a cattery for two nights and three days. Beh, I didn’t like it at all.

Zara: Yes, I must agree with that, Rico…we were not happy at all, were we ? A big black cat was in the next cage and she was really loud ! We were short stayers, so no one really cared about us…I know that I did poo on the way to the cattery, but they even didn’t clean it ! I don’t think I will go back there again.

Rico: Yep, you are right…we won’t go back there again….Anyway, we were so happy to see mummy and daddy on Wednesday J When we got our new home, we were soooo confused !!!

Zara: I think you were confused ! Boxes and things were everywhere, our loved furniture have gone, everything seems to be fresh and new, and there was another lady in a house !

Rico: Her name is Kiyo J She introduced herself to us and mummy and daddy said that she is a new assistant of DR TOOT ! I thought that she was my nanny…hehehehe.

Zara: It’s the fifth day…we haven’t gone out side. Mummy and daddy told us that we must stay inside of the house for a while. I have to share my poo box with you, Rico…

Rico: Don’t worry – we can go out tomorrow !!! I’ve heard that mummy and daddy were talking. If the weather is good, we can go out tomorrow…hehehehehe.

Zara: Paw’s cross ! The weather in Auckland has been yucky, so who knows… but, I know that you were looking at birds all the time from a window. You are die for !

Rico: Not many trees are around here, but I can see some birds are flying and calling me J Have you seen other cats around here ??? I’ve notice that there are a few…

Zara: Black one, ginger one…daddy said that he has seen a tabby cat at the back…just like you, Rico ! Ummmmm, it sounds very interesting.

Rico: Looking forward to meeting them JJJ

Zara: Mummy and daddy seemed to settle down at the new house – have you seen DR TOOT’s new work studio ??? Huge ! There are already lots of instruments arrived from schools and our busiest time of a year has come !!! One of alto saxes (Yanagisawa) has found a new home in Waitara and she is going to meet her brother, Yanagisawa tenor sax. The customer bought the tenor from us early this year…and this time was an alto. I think they are happy staying together…just like me and you, Rico J

Rico: Whatttaaaa !??? Do you really think so ? I knew that you really love me….deep deep down J

Zara: ……Maybe J You are special and you need special care, so I will take care of you….I am Queen Zara and understand cats’ needs.

On the move…

2011-12-11T21:32:00.000+13:00

Rico: It’s supposed to be my turn, but my big sis Zara, has other plans…She thinks I’m not big enough to share such important things.

Zara: That’s true ! You are not big enough and this news is bigger than two of us.

Rico: It’s been a hard week for me. On Monday, I was rushed to the vet with a life and death situation….but it is OK, I am alright. Some medicine and TLC and I am back to my health.

Zara: Life and death !??? I don’t think so. I wasn’t there but I heard that you had a fight with another cat and you won ! I find this hard to believe, but that’s what I heard.

Rico: Yep, I won !!! But I had go to hospital, so I am the man J

Zara: Well, the man wasn’t here when a young boy and his mum came by and bought a beautiful Yamaha wooden clarinet and a shiny Yamaha flute. Such a lucky boy and I was there !!!

Rico: Beh, I was busy saying :”arvederci” to Fluffy and friends on Uxbridge Rd. The week has gone so quickly…I just cannot believe it.

Zara: That’s true, and now our house looks like a castle made of boxes and things. You and I are having so much fun running around exploring open boxes.

Rico: Yeahhhh, that’s sooooo fun J But did you hear that mummy and daddy were talking about sending us to a cattery ???

Zara: Yes, I did hear that. We are going after your last visit to the vet tomorrow early morning. We are gone for just a few days while mummy and daddy set up our new home.

Rico: I don’t wanna go…I don’t wanna leave here…but I guess no choice and that’s life !

Zara: Get over it ! Mummy and daddy always do what’s best for all of us. Bye for now and I look forward to seeing all of you in our new home still in Howick !

Rico: New home…158A Ridge Rd….remember !?? R for Rico and Ridge Rd JJJ

The Kings Royal Auckland Plumbers Inc. (The K.R.A.P.)

2011-12-04T21:12:00.002+13:00

Yes….This is the name of the Brass Quintet that my daddy has just joined. Today they had their first concert in Mt Albert. I have no idea if they sounded like KRAP, but daddy said that it went ok….and the audience went KLAP KLAP KLAP…

This week like others, has been very busy. As you all know, we are on the move on Monday, December 12^th. Moving to a new house here in Howick. The house address is 158A Ridge Rd. Howick and will be the address of my new palace. Because of the move, mummy and daddy have been packing many things and selling heaps at $1 reserve on TradeMe. Mummy was thinking on putting daddy on TradeMe for $1, but was afraid that there would be no takers. I am thinking of putting Rico on TradeMe, but there are laws about selling damaged goods……

Sunday last week we sold a Yamaha YAS 32 Alto sax, (our best seller), to a lovely family down south and a Yamaha Professional A Clarinet to a very nice young man here in Auckland. All gone to good homes to make beautiful music. Many accessories too have gone as mummy and daddy sell many reeds, stands, etc.

Teaching here has almost come to an end so not as many people as usual will see my beautiful face. This is very sad for them because I know that daddy’s students are more enriched when they see me. I have the gift…and I am so generous and humble…

Time to go. Next weeks blog, our last one at 95 Uxbridge Rd., will be presented to you by Rico and my beautiful self. This is so important, that it can’t be left to Rico alone. I don’t want to say more on that. Sleep well and be happy…J

Where's the point ???

2011-11-27T20:41:00.001+13:00

The week started as my birthday ! Hehehehehe, I am now three years old JJJ I am big and handsome boy…that was mummy said J For my birthday, I had requested to have a meal “Flaked tuna & shredded crab” to mummy in advance, so I could have it. It was sooooooYuuuuuummmmy and I was a happy boy J Thanks, mummy…and daddy !

DR TOOT’s busiest time of the year seems to have already started. Lots of instruments have arrived for repairs and services. And, this week was “clarinet’s week”…three clarinets have found their new homes in Auckland. Everyone seemed to be very happy with their clarinets, so that’s gooooood.

Also, lots of instruments have arrived from

Japan

- two Yamaha tenor saxophones, a Yamaha trombone, two Yamaha flutes and a Yamaha French Horn. They are looking for a new home…anyone !???

Speaking of a new home, mummy seems to be busy organizing the shift to our new house.. Daddy has told me that our new house is bigger but there are no trees !!! Then, I realize that I am loosing my kingdom…I cannot climb up trees or catch birds…beh, too bad….so, I am enjoying my kingdom as much as I can everyday. No more “Rico Point”….mmmmmm, I’m sure I will find a new Rico Point that is better than ever….even if there is no point…. J

Next week it’s Zara’s turn. The final blog from 95 Uxbridge Rd., will come from me. I think that’s the right thing…hehehehehe JJJ

Birthdays…and …Mystery Cat !

2011-11-20T19:45:00.000+13:00

What a week!!! Rico really is loosing his memory. ..He remembers his meals but nothing else. I read his last week blog and he didn’t mention that it was mummy’s birthday. I mean…she is our mummy. Speaking of birthdays, it was mine last Wednesday. It’s another year gone and I am more beautiful and wiser. Hard to think that it was 4 years ago that I ventured into this world and took control of many things. I am not a selfish cat that always talks about herself….it’s Rico’s birthday tomorrow.

As some of my subjects have heard, we are on the move. Yes that’s right. We are moving to another place in Howick that’s not too far from here. Daddy says that it’s a very new house with 4 bedrooms and three bathrooms and a very large double garage which will be his new workshop. This will make my work harder checking over all rooms, but I am a big girl now and with age come move responsibility. I will keep you all posted on the details in time. It is only 3 weeks to go…..maybe we can leave Rico behind J

It is getting to that time of year again when mummy and daddy get really busy with the end of the year musical instrument servicing. Many schools and private musicians bring their instruments around for their TLC. Daddy will have a large repair shop to now make things easier, but still maintain his high standards.

Yesterday, we had an intruder in our home. Mummy and daddy were out. This intruder creped in from the cat door to steel our food. It was one of Rico’s friends I think. It was a black and white fluffy cat with bad manners and attitude….like I said…one of Rico’s friends. Rico and I, without fear or worries for ourselves, chased the beast out! This is our home and I am Zara!

I can’t fly…I am not a bird !??

2011-11-13T18:57:00.000+13:00

“I’ve never seen like this in my life….” that was what daddy told mummy. Beh, on Monday, while mummy was out, I tried to fly…I thought I could fly like bird ! I dashed into the back deck from living room, then jumped from Rico Point !!! Daddy was standing at living room and he was watching the whole thing J hehehehehe, I could not fly like bird (beh, I know NOW I CANNOT fly L). I hit my body on the ground, and rolled, rolled, rolled over my kingdom (backyard). I didn’t get hurt and mummy and Zara didn’t see - that was good thing J. Daddy was quite amazed and almost everyday he explained what he saw to mummy. I know, I know….I didn’t stop…I just keep running and jumped off, hehehehe…I am NOT bird or crazy or stupid…I know, daddy J

Early this week, a mother and daughter visited DR TOOT to try one of our clarinets. The daughter liked one of them and they came back to pick it up a couple of days later. She was very happy with the clarinet and made the instrument sing…like a beautiful bird J The mother told mummy that they read our blog and loved it ! Mind you, that was Zara speaking last week…as she always does….talk, talk, talk J

Big News - Mummy whispered in my furry ear about something on the move. It’s us. Yes !!! It’s us on the move. Mummy and daddy have bought a house here in Howick. DR TOOT is on the move ! The new house is bigger and newer, but I am told that it has much fewer trees…smaller kingdom but still mine….I think J It all happens in a month time, so I guess I have time to reflect and prepare. I must take the time to find and say “Good bye” to Fluffy, if she is still around.

This week I brought in a baby bird for mummy. I didn’t kill it and respected its life. Daddy took it and placed it on the back deck, so that it could fly away. I am not a killer…I am a cat ! I wish I could fly like bird JJJ

Tooty Fluty

2011-11-06T19:53:00.000+13:00

Another busy & interesting week at DR TOOT. Rico and I saw a familiar face early this week. One night, the person visited mummy and daddy with a familiar case. The familiar case had a very rare and sexy silver Yanagisawa sax inside. Yes, mummy’s favourite saxophone has come back to DR TOOT. The customer no longer requires the sax because of the personal reasons (all human has some reasons…cats don’t !!!) . Mummy & daddy were very welcome to have the sax back again and it is for sale now….meowwwww J

The other evening, we had another customer from Wellington. He had heard about me, Zara…!?? Uh, no…about DR TOOT, haha…he drove to visit us from the airport. He has fallen in love with a Yamaha alto sax YAS61…This saxophone has history, style and class…just like me. I thought that was a good choice J

A shipment has arrived from Japan this week, and one of trumpets has gone to a school in Blenheim already! Another Yamaha trumpet, a Yamaha alto sax YAS32 and a Yamaha tenor sax YTS62 are for sale…mummy is busy listing them on TradeMe tonight.

On Friday, mummy had a phone call from a gentleman who bought a Yanagisawa tenor sax from us. This time he wanted to buy a soprano sax. Mummy was very happy on a phone and the beautiful Yani soprano sax is ready to go to it’s new home in Gisborne.

Daddy had a very flutey week…lots of flutes arrived for servicing and repairs. I wasn’t allowed to go in his workshop, but I sneaked in to see a very expensive Haynes flute, Pearl flute, and Muramatsu flute…I know what I am talking about…I am Zara, Queen Zara…I know everything…I’m the daughter of DR TOOT JJJ

We have had very very early morning starts these past two days (Sat & Sun). So, I guess that Rico and I will go to bed early tonight…mummy and daddy too. Humans have such strange timetables. Cats are so easy to understand…well I am….Rico…well he has issues and is very complex!

Scary moments

2011-10-30T19:26:00.000+13:00

It seems to be a long time ago…last Sunday All Blacks (my team) won !!! After 24 years, we finally got the cup back – I thought I could sleep in it JJ J My big sis Zara and I watched the game with mummy and daddy, and everyone was so excited as it was sooooo close game ! Anyway it was all goooood in the end J

It’s been beautiful weather in Auckland just like summer already. Mummy and daddy tidied up the back yard (my kingdom), so I can enjoy it more ! Oh, I had a scary moments though…two black birds attacked me while I was resting in my basket on the back deck. That was totally disturbing ! The thing is that Zara was watching that and she was laughing at me…that wasn’t fumy, Zara !!!

Speaking of “scary moments”, daddy had one too J Tuesday night, he came back from a band rehearsal late with much worry on his face and mind. He looked confused and little crazy. One of the band members asked daddy if he had brought in an instrument for him (customer) to take home. Daddy went in to panic mode and looked for the instrument everywhere, because he didn’t know what the person was talking about and for a moment he questioned his memory…daddy had a moment wondering if he indeed had an instrument to return. All night daddy worried and mummy was a bit worried about daddy’s brain…me too and Zara three J Later the next morning, daddy put 2 and 2 together and worked out that instrument in question was at DR TOOT and brought in by a different person with the same last name….glad daddy wasn’t crazy…….maybe a little !?? J

Saturday, DR TOOT’s students had a one hour concert at Uxbridge Creative Centre. I had to stay at home with mummy, but daddy told me that all students played very well and he was very happy J Well done, everyone !

Then daddy, DR TOOT played a tuba on Sunday with Manukau Concert Band at Mangare Art Centre. The concert was for kids, ummmmm….I wanted to go to listen - never mind, maybe next time J

This week, our best seller Yamaha alto saxophone YAS32 has found a new home. She has gone to one of daddy’s student’s home, and he played it at concert on Saturday.

Beh, another busy week is waiting for DR TOOT and me J I will eat, play and sleep well as usual - that’s my life, hehehehehe J

From here I can almost see Eden Park…Yeah Right !

2011-10-23T18:13:00.000+13:00

Talk about an action week! So many things have happened. Daddy (DR.TOOT) has been busy in his work shop repairing saxophones, clarinets, flutes and many other windy instruments. I don’t know how he does it. One moment he is working on a saxophone and the next he is removing a very stuck swab out of a clarinet. He is my hero. I am always daddy’s girl. Where would he be….without me?

This week, two beautiful saxophones went out the door to one customer. He came to look at the sexy silver Yanagisawa Tenor and left with that tenor and a gorgeous Yanagisawa 901 alto sax. He was a very happy man and left with two wonderful instruments. Earlier in the week a Yamaha tenor sax left for Blenheim and yesterday a clarinet found a new home with a lovely customer who has purchased many instruments off us and is a cat lover.

It’s the last week of the school holidays and it all starts again on Tuesday. Tomorrow is Labour Day so no work for daddy. At the end of this week daddy has a concert at the Uxbridge Arts Centre at 1pm to 2pm., featuring his students. This will be fun and everyone is welcome to come along and listen.

Today is a special day here in New Zealand. The All Blacks (my team) is playing against the French (Rico’s team) in the Grand Final in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. I am so excited and we will all be having drinks and snack for the game. Earlier today Rico brought in a half eaten mouse for us to nibble on, but mummy and daddy were not impressed and out it went. Not Fair!!

It’s time to rest now and ready myself for the game tonight. Be good everyone and Go The All Blacks!!!

Missing pieces…

2011-10-16T19:14:00.009+13:00

The School Holidays have started in

New Zealand

, and daddy’s students are having well deserved break…so, no noise here, hehehehehe J My big sis Zara misses saxophone’s sounds and students though.

Daddy is still busy with repairs during the School Holidays. Lots of flutes, clarinets and saxophones are coming to DR TOOT. We saw familiar faces, old faces and new faces…everyday we see different faces at DR TOOT. People like me, and I clean myself very well to show them I am a handsome boy !!!

In Uxbridge Rd, where we live, there are lots of cats. The other day, I met a cat just like Zara…but the cat was male. He knew about Zara. He said to me that Zara is so bossy…oh, beh, that’s true, so I didn’t ague with him J

We had lots of rains in Auckland, but it was finally lovely day today – can’t wait for summer ! Mind you, I still love rainy days, hehehehehe J Daddy has cleaned the fire place, the fire screen is gone and the BBQ is ready for summer. While cleaning, he found three dead lizards and two tails under the couches….yeah, one tail is missing…I wonder where it can be. Daddy even started to clean out the backyard…my jungle. There he found two bodies from a past hunting spree. Sorry about that, daddy, but a boy’s got to do what a boy has to do J I am the hunter !!!

The most important thing is that the weather is looking good for the All Blacks to win tonight. I am puuuuuuuuurrrring for the All Blacks and nearly all black Zara is puuuuuuuring for the Wallabies. Beh, that’s my understanding….will see, mmeeeooowwwwJ

34’s…Out the Door…

2011-10-09T19:53:00.000+13:00

Good evening fellow subjects. It’s been such a very, very busy week. It’s always a busy week when it’s my turn to speak on behalf of DR. TOOT’S Empire. You all know me as Queen Zara. Queen of DR.TOOT….Rico is my servant, and not a good one at that.

What do I mean about 34’s out the door? Well….Yesterday a family with a pretty young girl came over to try one of many of DR.TOOT’S (Daddy) alto saxophones. She tried the very popular Yamaha YAS 32 (our best seller), but fell in love with the Yamaha YAS34II. Her teacher earlier this year bought from us a Yamaha YTS 34. This shows me that they both have good taste in saxophones and where they got them from….but of course I would say that. Staying on the 34 theme….today a very nice gentleman came here to try and buy a Yamaha YTS 34 that had only recently arrived here on Friday. All I can say is that The 34’s Score!!!

Like I said, we received the Yamaha YTS 34 on Friday. We also received a Yamaha YTS 32 Tenor Sax, a Yamaha alto YAS 32 and a Yamaha clarinet YCL 251. All instruments are now serviced and ready for new homes….so what are you waiting for???..come on in!!

The school term has finished and it’s two weeks of relaxation for school students and daddy’s students. Speaking of term break, it’s time for you to bring in your instruments for their check up and free visit with. There is a chance that Rico will be hanging around, and for this I am sorry. Give him some food and he will leave soon. He has issues, but I am a better cat/human then to make an issue of this.

It’s goodnight from me. I am about to curl in front of the TV and watch the All Blacks win yet another game….I hope. Go All Blacks….and DR.TOOT…and Me! JJJ

Mission Possible !??

2011-10-02T19:41:00.002+13:00

A week has gone so quick and I don’t know where it went J Today, was yucky weather here in Auckland, so I stayed all day at home. My big sis Zara went out for pee pee once, but she came back soon and joined me to sleep on mummy and daddy’s bed…Good to be a cat J In Wellington, All Blacks made maple syrups with Canadian team, hehehehe….sorry, daddy J

We had a lazy Sunday, but daddy was busy – playing tuba with Manukau Concert Band. They cerebrated the 40^th Anniversary. He played very well and it was a full house.

One day, we received two instruments from a Canadian family in Whangarei. They wanted to get back them urgently. Daddy fixed the problems and mummy wrapped up and sent them back in time they asked. I hope that we will hear from them soon !

Then, DR TOOT received an email from a customer who purchased a Yanagisawa soprano sax from us. He wrote…the swab was stuck into the saxophone and could not get it out. Daddy asked him to do not do anything and bring in. Later we saw the familiar face J It was a very hard mission to take the swab out from the saxophone for daddy…it sounds easy !?? The swab was stuck like a piece of wood and did not move at all. Daddy drilled the cloth little by little…after about 2.5 hours, the soprano sax was free to breath J

Our pre-loved Jupiter cornet has sold and gone to Christchurch and a Selmer USA wooden clarinet has gone to our old customer who also plays in a band with daddy. She told daddy that she always reads our blog too…what a nice lady JJJ

Some instruments have arrived from Japan at DR TOOT. Three alto saxophones and a clarinet. Daddy will service them and mummy will list them on website and TradeMe soon !

The results have come back from daddy’s students exams. Best year yet. Three distinctions and heaps and heaps of high Merits. We are so proud of them as they have all worked so very hard. Well done!!!

Well like I said…the weather is yucky and it’s time for me to curl up next to my big fat sis, hehehehehe J It’s not cold enough for a fire, so I guess it’s on the couch with mummy and maybe Zara. Remember it’s Zara’s turn next week so please hear what she says with a grain of salt…such a drama queen !

Rugby, Rugby, Rugby…..

2011-09-25T20:36:00.000+13:00

All we get now is Rugby on the T.V. Rico and I watch, but don’t really understand what it’s all about. My Daddy sits with snacks and beer watching the games. Last night it was All Blacks against the French side. Daddy said that the All Blacks made Pate out of the French. Earlier in the week the Japanese were against the Tonga team. Daddy said that the Tongan team made Sushi with the Japan team….It’s too much for me !

DR TOOT has had a variety of repairs come in this week. A Japanese lady came in with her lovely Buffet clarinet. Many pads and corks were replaced and of course I checked to make sure all was fine and up to my daddy’s and my high standards. It was good for mummy too as she was able to talk to her in Japanese.

Another customer was a gentleman who bought a euphonium awhile ago and got his first valve stuck! Daddy had just recently received a new tool from the States that did the job perfectly. He and Daddy were both very happy.!

On Monday, many of DR.TOOTs students had their exams with their musical instruments. Daddy teaches trumpet, sax and trombone. They did their exams here in Howick and daddy was so proud of them. Rico and I wished them luck, but we know they didn’t need it. We will wait now for the results…

It’s time to go now and curl next to our new fire. On Tuesday we got a new fire installed in our home. It’s bigger and warmer and large enough for Rico and I to share. Rico as usual trys to hog most of the fire. Poor Rico…such issues..

Go Go All Backs from King Rico !!!

2011-09-18T19:34:00.000+12:00

Big sis Zara got it wrong (again) last week. Mummy does NOT support Japan and Italy ! Mummy and I always support All Blacks !!! If it comes to rugby, it must be New Zealand…All Blacks J What’s Canucks, anyway !

DR TOOT received a phone call from a customer in Gisborne, who purchased our pre-loved Yamaha tenor YTS24 a couple of weeks ago (I wrote that on the blog J) He talked to daddy that he loves the tenor but he saw our latest stock, Yanagisawa tenor 901II and wanted to upgrade ! Beh, the Yani has left for Gisborne and the YTS24 is coming back to DR TOOT. The customer sounds very happy with the pro model Yani !

Then a phone call from Blenheim – one of schools wants to buy our pre-loved Jupiter tenor sax and is sending up an alto sax for DR TOOT’s TLC J Tenor saxophones seem to very popular nowadays, and mummy and daddy are trying to buy some more from Japan…I know some goodies on the way to DR TOOT – mummy told me so, hehehehehehe J

Mummy and daddy receive lots of emails from everywhere in NZ. Sometimes even from overseas. Some customers send us emails to say how happy they are with their instruments after being serviced by our daddy, DR TOOT. Or, Some customers say how much enjoy playing with the instruments from DR TOOT. Those emails make mummy and daddy proud and happy – thank you, everyone !!!

Tomorrow, some of daddy’s students will be doing their Trinity College London Exam. Daddy will be there for the support. Big sis Zara and I are supporting from home with mummy – Good Luck, everyone !

Beh, I must say…daddy is a happy man now, because he has finally got a Sky Sport. Mummy has been saying no…but now says yes J He will be supporting the Canucks tonight….Oh, Canada….Good Luck, daddy ;-)

Go All Blacks !!! ...from Queen Zara !

2011-09-11T18:30:00.003+12:00

Last Sunday, after Rico posted his blog, we had two visitors around 8pm. A father and son came to see DR TOOT and a tenor saxophone. The boy liked our pre-loved Yamaha tenor sax YTS34, and left with it happily. It was as always, important that I was there offering positive support….I’m a good listener…and I love my daddy…

Mummy received another email from another customer in Dunedin, who saw a YTS34II on our website. The saxophone has found a new home and left for Dunedin. As Rico wrote, both of the tenors arrived here last Friday from Japan…They didn’t stay here very long!

Speaking of Dunedin, Rico and I received a letter from two cats (Ben & Eddie) in Dunedin. They have sent us a box with two instruments for their mum. The letter has their photo…Ben looked very handsome and cool in black just like me J and Eddie ….well sounded a bit like Rico… ummmmm…no comment.

Last Monday, daddy spent two days at King’s School, supporting the low brass & woodwind players at King’s School Music Festival, inviting many players from other schools around Auckland. Daddy said that he couldn’t believe the amazing amount of talent there was in musicians so young. A huge concert band of over 100 players produced a huge and fantastic sound. Well done!!!

Friday night launched the long awaited opening of the Rugby World Cup. I support New Zealand and Canada and mummy supports Japan and Italy….Ya Right, like that’s going to go somewhere. Go All Black Canucks!

Yesterday a customer came over to try an R13 Clarinet we had in stock. I looked at the boy and realised that I had seen him before. He was here before getting an alto sax from DR.TOOT. The boy left here with a lovely clarinet and had another chance to see me. What can I say???...they all love me. I’m Zara.

Time to go and curl up by the fire. I smell a roast in the oven that daddy is cooking. Makes me hungry. Have a great week everybody and Go The All Blacks !!!!!!!

Who is special ???

2011-09-04T19:34:00.000+12:00

As you know, it was a Father’s Day in New Zealand today. I recon that the days have gone sooooooo fast ! Last year, I let my big sis Zara to buy a card for daddy. However, she got a card with a dog on it. So, this year, we decided to make one by ourselves, hehehehehe….J We gave him a card with lots of hugs and kisses J Anyway, we must say… “Happy Father’s Day, Daddy !!!” from your furball daughter Zara and handsome son Rico xxxxxooooo

Beh, the spring has started in New Zealand. But it is still cold in the morning and night time. We still have fire on at night and curl up on mummy’s lap J or sometime in a box J A day is definitely getting longer, and I enjoy running around my kingdom while my big sis Zara is sleeping at home.

This week, mummy and daddy seemed that they were much busier - lots of instruments have arrived for repairs and services. DR TOOT received lots of new tools from USA, and three pre-loved tenor saxophones have arrived from

Japan

. Daddy couldn’t wait…again, so he went to airport to pick them up personally. Daddy serviced all of them, and mummy took lots of photos and has listed on our website. Now, mummy has put lots of photos for each instrument. So, everyone now can see more photos !

Our pre-loved instruments are very lucky to find their new homes: Two instruments have found new homes through TradeMe - A gorgeous Yamaha pro trumpet has gone to Christchurch and a sexy silver Jupiter alto sax also has found a new home also in Christchurch ! Our best seller alto sax Yamaha YAS32 has gone to Lower Hutt. The saxophone has found her new home by email - Well done, mummy J Even she received a phone call from a gentleman on Tuesday and a Yamaha tenor sax YTS24 has found a new home in Gisborne. Thank You, everyone !!! I must say….Goody Goody Gumdrops, Gumdrops JJJ

Daddy and mummy used to go for walk almost everyday. BUT, somehow, somewhere, somewhen ;-)… it has stopped. I think (as how slim I am and can run fast ;-) they need good exercise. Daddy and mummy, walk, walk, walk…NOT work, work, work, hehehehehe J

So Roman…So Rico !!!

2011-08-28T20:24:00.000+12:00

I must say loudly…I DO NOT HAVE ISSUE !!!! I am not like Rico, who stops and clean himself the middle of the road. I do not have any issue in my life, but I have say that I am not happy…because daddy has changed his teaching room to the repair shop, and does not let me in !!! I’ve heard that he was telling all students “Zara is not welcome to the room !” I doubted my ear…meeeeoooowww, I must do something, about that mmmmm J

It’s been nice weather here Auckland. You can see now lots of flowers everywhere and you can feel it getting warmer. Yes, the spring is just around the corner ! I see Rico is running around the backyard like A dog…I must admit that I’ve never seen any other cats run like Rico does. He must have the blood of cheetah…he is just like one of them, anyway. Well, of course, his nose is pointy, he is little and skinny, just like his brain.

Daddy has been practicing his tuba a lot this week because he had a concert today with AWO. Long boring notes that sound like a hound dog have been coming out of his work shop….the No Zara Zone Workshop!!! I have a plan…I will share this with you later. I don’t want to say here because Daddy might see. The concert went well and daddy is very very happy.

This week more tools arrived in from the USA. One of the tools is a set of many leak lights. They make the inside of any instrument look as bright as a Christmas Tree and helps daddy (DR.TOOT) check out any leaks from pads. My daddy is so cleaver. There were also tools for straightening sax, flute and clarinet keys. My daddy shares all his trade secrets with me…..I may be the next Toot…you never know J

More sales this week including a Yamaha alto sax YAS32, and many accessories. This keeps mummy busy invoicing and packing all the good to their new homes all around NZ. More instruments should be arriving later this week including 3 tenor saxophone….more work for mummy and daddy.

Time for me to tell Rico where to go and relax. It’s Sunday night. Time to chill out and prepare myself for the new week. Lets see what we can do to get back into the workshop….

Wonder what snow tastes like, mmmmm…

2011-08-21T19:26:00.000+12:00

My daily life at DR TOOT starts early in the morning. It’s still dark outside, and these days I jump on a window ledge and enjoy watching the sun is coming up. The sky is dark like night time but you can see the beautiful red sun is showing up. My confession - before I confused…I thought it was still night time and the sun is going down, but daddy taught me it is morning and getting bright….it is good to know J

One thing my big sis Zara didn’t tell you last week is…Last Saturday she was told off by daddy & mummy. She attacked one of daddy’s students who was here for her flute lesson with her mummy. While she was sitting on the couch, Zara attacked her and made her cry ! Zara attacked the student’s mother too a week before. Now Zara is not welcome for her lesson anymore. Beh, yesterday the student was sick, so she didn’t come for her lesson… Oh dear…Zara has issue…Big issue !!!

This week our pre-loved instruments have found new homes. Yanagisawa soprano sax 902 didn’t stay at DR TOOT long. A gentleman, who came here before, visited daddy and mummy again with his lovely wife. He left with the 902 happily. They said that they have read our blog and liked it – Thank You JJJ

Then later that day, another gentleman came with a flute. He and the flute looked familiar…the gentleman was daddy’s customer who bought the Altus flute 807E from DR TOOT a couple of months ago. Daddy showed him another Altus flute which arrived from Japan last week. He liked the first Altus flute and had asked mummy and daddy to look for another Altus flute which has a silver body. The gentleman was very pleased with the flute 1007E and left the old one behind.

Beh, mummy listed the 807E on daddy’s website and TradeMe the night. Then next day, a gentleman from Puhoi phoned up about the flute. He drove to DR TOOT, tried the flute and loved it ! The Altus flute didn’t stay here either…good good good J

It’s been soooooo cold in Auckland. Daddy has made a fire every morning to warm all of us up. I feel the cold a lot because I am thin. Zara doesn’t have that problem…if you know what I mean. Some places in New Zealand had heavy snow. I’ve never seen snow in my life (nearly three year-old), but we watched snow on TV. Waohhhhh, it looked very very white and cold. Zara told me that snow could eat me…Whattaa !????

It’s time for me to curl up in my basket and do the cutesy cutesy. Life for me is good. I am happy, I am cute, I am Rico, hehehehehe ;-)

Daddy's Girl...Always !

2011-08-14T20:05:00.000+12:00

Evening all….The Queen Zara here. Yes it’s my turn to share with you my thoughts, feelings and wisdom. These three things you will never get from Rico, because he is…Rico. It was my daddy’s birthday as you know last week. I must say that he is looking so much younger and more handsome. The years are good to him and I am daddy’s girl. On daddy’s birthday, I shared my time and love with him in his workshop. I love watching him work, I can watch all day.J

It’s been a cool week. A gentleman came around the other day to help mummy and daddy with some insurance information. He left with some good advise and left taking a tenor sax for himself. Also this week our curved soprano has found a new home in Rotorua to a family that have 2 other instruments bought from DR.TOOT. Our instruments find themselves all around New Zealand and in good homes. Thank you everybody for being good families to our pre-loved instruments.

Late this week we had 3 new arrivals to our saxophone stock from Japan. A Yanagisawa silver tenor sax, a Yamaha tenor saxoYTS24 and a beautiful bronze Yanagisawa soprano sax model 902. All these instruments look great and will find great homes. Apart from instruments arriving, we also had DR TOOT’s first shipment of repair tools from the USA. These are real cool and will help daddy (DR TOOT) do an even better job then before. I think he is pretty good anyways.

The fire is on and I am about to cuddle next to it. My belly is full and life is good. Rico is still here, so life is’t perfect but I am never one to complain. I am Zara and above all that. Be good everybody and stay cool till after school.

Tanti auguri, DR TOOT !

2011-08-07T19:43:00.001+12:00

Well, another birthday is coming to DR TOOT. Daddy will be one year older tomorrow. He thinks he is getting younger and younger…beh, he is a happy man J Anyway, “Happy Birthday to you, tanti tanti auguri a te, daddy !!!” from me, big sis Zara and mummy. We send you big hugs and lots of kisses, meow meow moew J

Yesterday, I heard mummy and daddy were talking about me. Mummy said, “Rico really loves a dark and wet place.” Then daddy said, “Yep, he is just like a mushroom. We should call him “mushroom” !”. Whatttaaaaa !???? I’m not a mushroom. My name is RICO !

This week, a few instruments have found new homes. A flute has gone to Tokoroa, a saxophone has gone to Christchurch, a clarinet has gone to North Shore and a trumpet has found a new home in Wattle Downs. Mummy and daddy are happy to see their instruments find new owners and been played. I am happy to see more biscuits comes to my dish, hehehehehe J

More instruments from Japan are arriving very soon. Yanagisawa soprano sax 902, Yanagisawa tenor sax (silver colour) and Yamaha tenor sax YTS24. And some more saxophone mutes too. At DR TOOT, we have now lots of saxophones….taking my space ! I hope that they will find new homes soooooooooon J

On Thursday, daddy played a tuba in a Manukau Concert Band at All Saint Church in Howick. Sorry, daddy….we had to stay at home, but there were lots of people turned up and I’ve heard that it was a really good concert. Daddy did enjoy playing a tuba the front of lots of audiences - his students were there, his customers were there, his friends were there. Daddy appreciate your support !

I think the days are getting longer in Auckland. It is still cold though…it’s good to have the fire on. Zara and I love fire…but maybe I luuuuvvv water more…beh, I am RICO ;-)

Only the Shadow knows….

2011-07-31T20:36:00.000+12:00

Hello my fellow subjects….It’s been an amazing week at DR.TOOTs.(My daddy). This week a totally fantastic alto sax has arrived here. Mummy and daddy have worked so hard to get this alto saxophone, and yes…they got it! It is a Keilwerth SX90R BN Shadow (Professional sax with rolled tone holes and in a all in black nickel finish. This is the first time anyone in NZ has seen such a sax as this. Even I think it’s more beautiful than me and tons more beautiful than Rico! The pads are black…the body is black but the sound has a heart of gold. This sax is published on DR TOOT’s Facebook and website, so there is no excuse not to see it….I’m so jealous.

A luscious Yanagisawa 901 also arrives here and it too haves a wonderful tone. My trained ears never lie. I have been listening to saxophones since I was only six weeks old and I know a goodie when I hear one. Rico only knows the sound of biscuits being poured into his food dish….need I say more ???

Many repairs came here in our last week of the school holidays. Clarinets, saxophone, flutes and brass instruments all arrived for DR.TOOT’s magic fingers. All done on time and everyone was happy. They all come to see daddy and ….me. I greet everyone and they all know who is boss…me of course!

Students start their lessons here next week and it’s time for me to put on my best face and meet everyone. Deep down I know it’s me they come to see. This term is a busy one for daddy because many of his students are doing exams in September. They are all winners in my eyes. Good luck to all!

Time for me to go now. Daddy has been practicing his tuba a lot because he has a concert coming up with The Manakau Concert Band this Thursday at All Saints Church in Howick at 7pm. Come and listen and enjoy my daddy’s playing…along with the other band members…hehehe J

I’m nobody’s play thing…

2011-07-24T19:39:00.000+12:00

Winter time…it is cold everyday !!! My big sis Zara seems to stay at home all the time. Sometimes she does not go out at all in the afternoon…unbelievable ! She normally stays with daddy at workshop, or curls up and sleeps on a sofa in the living room. I am a boy, so I go out to find some adventure…I know that I try not to stop the middle of the road, hehehehehe.

Daddy actually told me that I was adapted because Zara was lonely and let me entertain Zara ! Entertain her !???....I don’t think so, daddy !!! The fact is that she is very hard to play with - she doesn’t like this, doesn’t like that. I have tried, but she doesn’t want to go out with me. Ummmmm, life is tough but Zara is more tough !

Mummy and daddy have been very busy because school holiday has started. Lots of instruments arrived at DR TOOT for services and repairs from all over New Zealand. From Japan, some instruments have arrived – Saxophones, clarinets and a flute. Mummy was wearing an apron, that means “really busy !” She was helping daddy - cleans and polishes instruments.

Mummy told me that she never dreamed working on instruments ! Since she has met DR TOOT, she cleaned and polished thousands instruments. Then now she thinks she is pretty good at…mummy, I think so too. Ah, Zara thinks so three J J J

Winter time…a time to relax and reflect

2011-07-17T19:45:00.000+12:00

I enjoy winter time. Winter to me means warm fires, relaxing times with my daddy in the shop and cuddles. Daddy always has a chair set for me to watch him in the workshop near where he is working. I have to be careful because there are so many instruments on the bench. School holidays have started and there are many instruments arriving such as saxophones, clarinets and flutes….but he always has time to give me a cuddle :-)

In the office I have noticed mummy wrapping off many accessories and instruments off to new homes. Our most popular selling alto sax (YAS32) has been sold and will leave tomorrow to it’s new home in Thorndon Wellington. A Yamaha (YTS34II) has also spread its wings for Dunedin. Our instruments and accessories go all over the place. I am thinking that one day I will wrap up Rico and send him somewhere….far away, hahahaha.

As I mentioned before, school holidays have started. This means that there will be much fewer students coming around for lessons. It gives daddy more time in the work shop and gives my delicate ears a bit of a rest. It is so important for the students that I am there when they have their lessons. I have two good ears and know a good sound when I hear it…..they need me. It is not easy being so important…this is something Rico knows nothing about.

Time for me to sleep again, curled up on the couch. Be good, safe, and relax and enjoy the clear fresh mornings of winter. Looking forward to our chat in two weeks time. I’m sorry, but you have Rico next week.

Cats got to do, what a cats got to do !

2011-07-10T19:46:00.000+12:00

Ummmmm….I’ not happy…because mummy and daddy have told me off ! They’ve heard from our neighbour that I stop at the middle of the road and clean myself. I know there are cars coming all the time…but, I can’t help it. If I want to clean myself, I do wherever I want J The same thing, biscuits and water have to be fresh for me. If biscuits are not crunchy, I don’t eat. If water is not running, I don’t drink ;-)

Now mycuriosity is “roof” !!! I know now how I can climb up the top of the roof. I sometimes jump off to one of decks or I enter to the house from a window at mummy’s office. At the beginning, she was surprised to see me at the window, but nowadays she is a bit annoyed as I can tell by her face, mummy ! She has to open the window all the time, see…even sometimes I refuse to get in…hehehehehehe J

It’s very good to see a few instruments have found new homes in this week and hopefully more instruments will find new homes soon ! A German tenor sax has gone to one of daddy’s adult students. He is loving the sound and enjoys playing….very goooooood J An expensive Yamaha Custom alto saxophone seems to be going to New Plymouth soon. Goody Goody Gum Drops Gum Drops….♪♪♪

This coming week is the last week of school before the school holidays. That means last week of listening to daddy’s student and having my afternoon nap disturbed. Zara doesn’t mind all the students coming in because Zara has a big ego ! She thinks they are coming in to see her…poor Zara !

Daddy has been spending a bit of time looking through books. These books are filled with pictures of repair tools. I love new and shinny bling bling things coming to our house. They are needed to make DR TOOT’s work easier and bring more money in to pay for more food for me…and Zara, of course J

Life as it should be

2011-07-03T19:32:00.001+12:00

With mummy and daddy back, life is back to where it should be. Me in charge and Rico playing second fiddle. I know that Uncle Bruce was here looking after the house and things, but it is my job to keep things in order and that means Rico. He is getting a bit too big for his own good. I am not saying that I am always right….but 99.9% of the time I am. Life is back to normal with daddy in his workshop with me by his side as it was in the old days before Rico and mummy were on the scene. Don’t get me wrong,…it’s good having mummy here, feeding me and looking after things, but with mummy comes Rico. He is so young and silly. I don’t want to say anymore about this now.

Daddy and mummy brought back many things from Japan including a cat (not a real one), that is supposed to bring good fortune to our business. He is kind of cute like me and is quiet and doesn’t eat my food or take up most of my bed like someone here does. Apart from instruments, mummy and daddy brought home a machine that checks your blood pressure. Daddy’s pressure goes up too high sometimes, but because of me it comes down and makes my daddy much better. J

It’s been a crazy week at DR TOOT. A family came up from Hamilton on Monday and the boy tried out a lovely wooden Yamaha clarinet that we had in stock. Such a beautiful sound he made. They were so happy, that they bought it and took it down to Hamilton. Many instruments from DR.TOOT are all around

New Zealand

At the same time, a gentleman from the north shore came in and traded his tenor sax for a lovely Yamaha YAS32 alto sax. A couple of days later, also from the north shore, a gentleman came in and bought an Altus flute from DR.TOOT. The flute sounded like and angel singing the way he played it. Another happy customer with another DR.TOOT instrument.

It’s time for me to go now and cuddle up to the fire. These nights are cold and daddy puts on a real mean fire. I go to the fire to get warm, then up on the couch to sleep. Rico sleeps on the floor in a basket….his rightful place! Good night all..

PS. Check out the photos taken by mummy and daddy on our Facebook. There is a picture of me in Kyoto J

Back to normal

2011-06-26T21:18:00.000+12:00

Without mummy, my life was miserable…especially with this cold and rainy weather. Without daddy, my life at DR TOOT was soooo quiet J Anyway, they are back from Japan safely and my life is back to normal J Lots of mummy’s hugs and kisses…and lots of fresh biscuits, yeahhhhhhhh !!!

Thank you, Uncle Bruce – looking after us. Big sis Zara seems to be very happy now as her life is back to as usual…but I must say that Zara was Zara as usual J

DR TOOT is back in business – mummy and daddy have been very very busy ! They even sold a Yamaha tenor sax YTS34 while they were in Japan. Mummy was busy packing the saxophone once she has got home. The lucky saxophone has gone to a new home in Paraparaumu. The next day, the customer emailed mummy and daddy to say that he had already received the saxophone and how happy he was with the saxophone. Well done, mummy and daddy J

They have brought a few instruments back from Japan. Daddy has been busy servicing them and mummy was busy taking photos. She has listed them on our website and TradeMe. Good news, one of them has already found a new home in Auckland.

Some of our customers have visited DR TOOT since they have come back – we’ve seen some flutes, clarinets and a cornet. On Saturday, a family came over and they left DR TOOT with a very nice Yamaha alto saxophone YAS62II. A little boy has got a new friend !

Mummy and daddy have told me and Zara that they had a great time in Japan. They said that they learnt lots of things – hospitality, excellent customer services, respect and history. They even saw a few cats in Osaka, and a shop in Kyoto which carries products with only cats on. But they said that nothing beats the real thing…that’s me, Rico J

The fire is on, my belly is full…Believer it or not, Zara is with me by the fire like good friends J The family is together again JJJ

It`s been a long seven days...Hurry back DR TOOT !

2011-06-19T19:56:00.000+12:00

Early Wednesday morning, mummy and daddy left for Japan. Daddy has asked me to be incharge of DR TOOT J I am Zara…Queen Zara and I rule !!! Uncle Bruce has been looking after me…and Rico, but I am incharge :-)

We’ve been having quiet days without daddy’s talking and students playing. Poor Rico, he cries a lot…”mummy, mummy…..” He is such a baby ! Daddy and mummy seem to be having a great time in Japan. Visiting the Yamaha factory in Shizuoka, and lots of music shops in Osaka.

The weather there has been very hot comparie to our cold conditions. It is not fair...This will be a very short blog, because I am not very good with the computer and Uncle Bruce told me that mummy and daddy don`t want the computer being used.

Today they are in Kyoto visiting many temples and having lots of long walks which will help make daddy`s tummy a bit smaller I hope :-)

They arrive back early afternoon this Wednesday. Rico will be very happy to be in mummy`s arms and I am looking forward to daddy`s cuddles. Only three more sleeps till they arrive...Miss you, mummy and daddy...Love Zara...and Rico too !

I must survive…

2011-06-12T19:08:00.001+12:00

This week started as Queen’s Birthday. My big sis Zara still thinks that is her birthday…yeahhhh, she believes that she has two birthdays every year…no wonder, she is old J

The afternoon on Queen’s Birthday, we had a few customers visited DR TOOT. A nice lady came to pick her gorgeous Powell flute, and later on a family came to purchase a pre-loved Yamaha trumpet. I saw that a little boy was playing a trumpet – amazing, he can play ! Ummmm, I wish I can play something….maybe one day…maybe better to play with birds J

On Tuesday, I came back from outside before lunch time. Then, I saw that two gentleman were in daddy’s workshop. Mummy was standing outside the room and she was watching them anxiously. They were doing a photo shoot of DR TOOT. Daddy was pretending (oh, I can tell !) to fix a saxophone. They wanted to take some pictures of daddy with Effie (his tuba) near Howick Beach ! I wanted to be in the photos too…heheheheh. Anyway, daddy appeared on a free local paper “Howick and Pakuranga Times” on the Thursday issue.

I was a bit suspicious…mummy and daddy were talking each other and I’ve heard lots of words, like…” Osaka, Japan, one week, cattery…” Beh, Zara has told me that they are going to Japan next week…at first, I did not believe what Zara said. Then mummy told me that mummy and daddy are going to Japan for a week. I have to stay with Zara…I did not want to stay with her in cattery again…this time it will be for a week…NO WAY !!!!!!!!!! Beh, good thing is that we don’t need to go to a cattery….yeeeaaahhhhhh, mmmmeeeeooooowwww J We can stay here with Uncle Bruce ! Yep, Uncle Bruce is coming to take care of the house and me….Oh, and Zara JJJ

Daddy received a couple of phone calls from a lady in Wellington this week. She wanted to purchase one of our saxophones. After she talked to daddy on a phone, she decided to buy our best seller sax, Yamaha YAS32 ! The lucky saxophone has found a new home and is ready to leave for Wellington tomorrow.

Yesterday, DR TOOT had the first students’ concert at Uxbridge Gallery. Over 70 people showed up. Mummy and daddy told me that our students had played very well. Daddy is so proud of them and very pleased with the concert.

Better to go now…I want to stay with mummy longer before she is away. I know I am a mummy’s boy, you know !? I miss her already…I wonder if I can survive without her…ummmmmm, Big Question J

The weather is not the only thing that’s strange around here….RICO!!

2011-06-05T22:16:00.001+12:00

This week at the house of DR TOOT and my estate has been a funny one. The weather here can’t make up it’s mind if it’s winter or fall. We have had the fire on and on some days, the doors wide open to let in the cool fresh air. Due to the changes of temperatures, we have noticed many changes in Rico’s behaviour. Sometimes he thinks he is a kangaroo, bouncing all over the place and sometimes he cuddles up in the fire wood box thinking he is fire wood. He has issues in life. Too many to talk about at this moment.

As you all know, my daddy, DR TOOT and mummy sell a wide range of pre-loved quality instruments. Earlier this week and a lady came in and saw a beautiful Yamaha professional pre-loved flute. It looked so nice and new, that she didn’t even try it, but bought it on the spot. She knew a good flute when she saw it!

On Thursday, more instruments arrived from

Japan

. Three alto saxophones, (two of them are professional, one semi professional) and two student trumpets. One of the trumpets was ordered for a customer and the other instruments will find good homes soon I am sure. Being Zara, I take great pride in viewing each instrument and give my paw approval on each one. For me, each instrument is personal. I watch daddy strip and service each instrument. Daddy also takes great pride in his work. I love my daddy and love to listen to him, but anyone who knows daddy, knows how much he likes to talk and listen to his own voice…..I still love him very much..

This Saturday DR TOOT students are having a concert at the Uxbridge Gallery on Uxbridge Rd, Howick. It’s called “Classical at Twelve” and it goes from 12.00 to 1.30. This concert is a showcase of daddy’s students that have performance exams in august. Entry is by Gold coin donation. It would mean so much to daddy’s students if you came. I hear them every week and I think they are all fantastic!!! I’m so sorry, that I won’t be there as I have to stay home and babysit Rico. Rico is the oversized anchor in my life.

Well my friends, subjects and lovers of fine taste and me,…it’s time for me to say farewell and grab some beauty sleep….not that I need more beauty. It’s so hard to be so puuurrrrrfect you know.

Busy days…more to come !??

2011-05-29T18:48:00.001+12:00

The week at DR TOOT started a little surprise for me. Daddy was very busy receiving lots of phone calls and having lots of customers while mummy was out on Monday. Then he was doing something with his car…front and back…whaaattta !?? I see now that the car has got number plates “ DRTOOT” Waaaoooohhhh, looks cooooool, daddy !

Because the number plates, daddy was telling mummy that he had lots of tooting or smiles from other drivers J Even he was stopped by a lady….meow, meow, meow J She said to daddy, “ You are DR TOOT !?”. She was so pleased to see daddy and she said she would bring her instruments soon….goody goody gumdrops gumdrops J

It’s been lovely weather in Auckland - We had a couple of rainy days in the middle of the week, but it was OK for me J Big sis Zara and I play together, eat together and sleep together as usual. She is not nice to me sometimes (as usual…maybe girl’s thing!?), but I believe that she loves me deeeeep down J One rainy day, she brought a bird home and showed it off to me, but she didn’t want me to touch it….ummmm, tough J Next time it will be my turn !

Beh, daddy’s workshop is now full of instruments – they queue up for check ups by DR TOOT. Daddy has been working on a very old saxophone called “Selmer Balanced Action”, which was born in 1953…waoooohhhh, older than daddy !!!

Saturday, now DR TOOT has more students then ever…OMG, daddy works very hard for us - I am growing up and in need to eat more JJJ (I love fresh biscotti…oh, it has to be fresh !)

In the afternoon, two lovely ladies came to DR TOOT One of ladies was our customer from Hamilton, who purchased an alto sax before. She wanted to try a Yamaha silver professional tenor saxophone. She has fallen love with the sax. Another lady was one of daddy’s students. She wanted to try a Yanagisawa silver professional alto saxophone. She has fallen love with the sax…Beh, the both ladies walked out from DR TOOT with their new gorgeous silver saxophones !

Meoooowww, goody goody gumdrops gumdrops, more biscotti to come for me JJJ

Don’t talk too much…I love to listen !?

2011-05-22T19:44:00.000+12:00

Mummy told me that there is an old saying “Speech is silver, Silence is golden”. Daddy seems to talk too much sometimes, so mummy has to remind him to not talk too much. I’ve seen a TV commercial…a Perfect Italiano perfect man says “I love to listen…” Ummmmm, I wonder daddy will love to listen what mummy says…NOOOOO, I don’t think so J

As I am a daughter of DR TOOT, I know daddy’s concentration is like a magic. Once he concentrates, he can do anything ! A very old wooden Buffet S1 clarinet arrived at DR TOOT and a customer requested to have it completely overhauled in two days. New pads had just arrived in from Italy, so it was a perfect timing. Daddy was stuck in his workshop…the clarinet now has got her life back and looks fresh and young again !

This week, lots of trumpets visited DR TOOT. One of them has lost one of it’s valve buttons, another one has got a missing trigger, another trumpet has broken valves and another trumpet came to see DR TOOT for it’s check ups. Daddy, I can see a looooong queue at workshop J

As Rico mentioned last week, DR TOOT is having a big Winter Sale on TradeMe. Mummy has listed lots of goodies, and Rico and I are watching how much the prices are going up from $1 reserve JJJ We are hoping “going up, up, up !” together everyday J

A few instruments have left for their new homes. Daddy and mummy wish they will have good life at new homes. There was a tenor horn, cornet, alto sax, clarinet and a soprano sax that said goodbye and will be enjoying their new homes.

Yesterday, daddy had a concert with AWO in the city. He played his new tuba “Effie” and had a great time. I guess he was a bit nervous (maybe !?) since it’s been 15 years since he last played with a group.. Daddy, you looked a very handsome in a black suite and bow tie…I reckon J

The fire is on, belly full and it’s time to curl up and say good night…..life is good for me at DR.TOOT.

Instruments…colourful and old…we see it all !

2011-05-15T19:16:00.000+12:00

Fluffy is back…again…which I am not really happy about. We didn’t see her for a while. I though that daddy’s playing a tuba had scared her off. But I saw her a few days ago and today in my kingdom walking around like this was her own home.

As my big sis Zara mentioned last week, our daddy DR TOOT will be playing his new tuba, Effie (Mummy and I laughed about the name J ) with the AWO at the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle Church. It starts from 2.30pm, this Saturday. Unfortunately I cannot go…even Zara cannot go…humans only, not fair, isn't it ?!

Early this week, over a dozen clarinets came in to DR TOOT. There were black ones, green ones, blue ones, red ones and yellow ones ! I have never seen so many colours on a clarinet. Daddy’s tuba is gold colour I would hate to see a red one…don’t do it, daddy J

During this week, more instruments arrived at DR TOOT. Daddy seems to be very busy. Mummy has been busy arranging a big sale on TradeMe. Yes, DR TOOT will have a winter sale for pre-loved instruments and mouthpieces from tomorrow. If you are interested in some great buys, please look for “DR TOOT” on TradeMe J

Yesterday started very funny....Daddy had a surprise ! Early in the morning, a gentleman brought in three very old and broken instruments that used to belong to a school in Auckland. They are not repairable but great for parts or display. The gentleman said that there are a lot more to come ! Zara and I are worried where daddy is going to put them. I hope he doesn’t leave them inside and move Zara and I outside…that’s not going to happen !!! Fluffy is not welcome and Effie is big enough J

Zara & Rico’s World…with Effie !???

2011-05-08T18:27:00.001+12:00

Happy Mummy’s Day !!! Rico and I have been gathering gold coins from our fellow furballs in the area. We collected enough gold coins to give to daddy to buy a nice card and massage oil for mummy….I think daddy will like it too…

I suppose you are wondering what an Effie is. Effie is big, shinny, loud, and very attached to daddy. Effie is a large CC, five valve, brand new tuba. Mummy got this for daddy to stop him complaining and to annoy Rico and I. Daddy has stopped complaining, but Rico and I are not happy L All we hear everyday is long low notes. It sounds like Effie has tummy problems, if you know what I mean J

If you want to see daddy and Effie together, they will be performing with the AWO on 21 May at 2.00pm, more details from Rico next week !

Mummy and daddy have started importing something that daddy’s Effie needs, and that’s a mute. DR TOOT proudly presents saxophone mute for both alto and tenor. You can look and listen to this mute on our Facebook and web.

The instruments keep coming in and going out. Our door never seems to be shut. I wonder sometimes if they are coming to see DR TOOT…or me J This is the price you pay for being so famous J

I read about what Rico said last week about the wedding. It should have been me. I am a Queen, beautiful and of excellent breeding. Yes, I watched part of the wedding and for me, I was a little bored. All that fuss about the dress, when I look fantastic in my natural…again you know what I mean.

Well, it’s time for me to help daddy in the kitchen. We are doing a roast for mummy and later Rico and I will massage mummy’s feet. Lucky mummy !!!

Wild Weather….Cool, Calm Cats !

2011-05-01T18:15:00.000+12:00

This week started with Easter Monday, and it was a nice and quite relaxing day at DR TOOT. Mummy and daddy had been very busy, so I guess they needed a kind of lazy day J

They moved the furniture in the living room ! Ummmm, my big sis Zara and I don’t like changes much…but we think it looks much better and spacious. So, I guess everyone is happy in the end.

Tuesday, a gentleman came to see daddy. He left DR TOOT with three instruments – cornet, euphonium and a baritone. They arrived at DR TOOT the previous week and have found a new home….Goody goody gum drops gum drops ♪♪♪

Zara told me that a family came to see daddy yesterday….Sorry, whenever a customer comes in, I am always somewhere else J A pretty girl was looking for a Yamaha alto saxophone…she really liked DR TOOT’s best seller saxophone YAS32. She tried it, played well and has gone home with it. Goody goody gum drops gum drops ♪♪♪

Daddy has been very busy with repairs and didn’t have much time to practice tuba. Poor daddy L But we heard that he was playing yesterday and today. The sound was goooooooood, daddy !

Beh, it was awful weather here Auckland…strong wind outside like a storm. Zara and I stayed inside all day. Yes, we were together on mummy and daddy’s bed aaaaaaaall day !!! We just didn’t want to go out…it’s good to be home JJJ

PS: As far as the wedding news goes…self acclaimed Queen Zara will talk about this next week …she insists J

Happy Easter to all my friends and followers !

2011-04-24T18:07:00.001+12:00

It’s my turn now, and I won’t share with Rico today. Generally I don’t mind…..but Rico seems to be taking more and more of my space. I have the top basket to sleep in, but now he shares it with me, I sleep at the end of mummy’s and Daddy’s bed, but now he joins me. I am too generous for my own good. It’ just as well that I am so kind and humble.

At DR TOOTs, it’s been a very interesting week. Many instruments are coming in for their check-ups which means my daddy is very busy. He works so hard and spends many hours in his workshop. Mummy also works so hard. She does all the accounts and marketing and daddy says that mummy works harder then he does. They are a good team and together they make it work, which is good for Rico and I.

Some instruments arrived this week from Japan which has kept daddy busy cleaning and getting ready for sale. Mummy takes beautiful photos of them. I think I too should feature with the instruments in the photos….but mummy says no! I think that with my beauty, nobody would look at the instruments J

Rico, Mummy, Daddy and I would like to wish everybody a Happy Easter. We have had friends come around to share meals and good times. Daddy talks and talks which is much better then listening to him play his tuba. That is a scary beast and it is one thing that Rico and I agree on. It sounds like a dog’s growl, and that’s on a good day J

Happy Two Years Anniversary…still together !

2011-04-17T19:34:00.000+12:00

Rico: It’s my turn to write a blog this week, but we have just realized that it’s my two year anniversary for my blog……sorry, I have to say “our blog” ! So, like last year, my big sis Zara insists that we do a blog together.

Zara: Yep, that’s right J I must join you, Rico. Once a year, we do a blog together…only for the anniversary. Otherwise, No Way Jose ! Anyway, our week started with daddy’s tuba, didn’t it ?

Rico: Oh mio dio…DR TOOT toots tuba…that Eb note really scared us !!!

Zara: I saw that you jumped up at Rico Point and dashed outside through the cat door, hahahahaha.

Rico: You ran to mummy and daddy’s bed room too !

Zara: I know…that was scary. Well, we have asked daddy to not to start playing from the Eb note. Anyway, I am happy because daddy seems very happy with playing tuba J He is also working very hard with repairing.

Rico: True…he worked the weekend too. Lots of instruments have come in to our house. Mummy has been busy making new DR TOOT’s brochures. She showed me the design and it mentions our blog with our photo too…we are famous J

Zara: Yesterday (Saturday), our house was full of people here. A clarinet and flute arrived first thing in the morning, then a Trumpet Diva brought her very nice trumpet in for daddy to repair. A saxophone needed urgent attention. Another beautiful trumpet came in for TLC. Our very nice custom clarinet has found a new home in Auckland. I heard the sound of the clarinet…that was verrrrryyyyy goooooood J

Rico: Si’, si’….honestly I normally don’t care much about who comes to DR TOOT, but I saw yesterday lots of people came in and out, meow meow meow. Then daddy left for a charity fundraising concert playing tuba for Eastern Stars Band. I stayed home, watched TV and looked after mummy J

Zara: You are always with mummy at night time, just like a puppy ! I am happy to be left alone on mummy & daddy’s bed. Some of us don’t need constant attention like…you ! Well, we have had our differences (and you are very different !), but we agree that it’s been a great two years at DR TOOT sharing our blog J

Rico: Yes, Zara. It’s been a great two years and there is something very special about being different. Get over it JJJ

Practice, Practice, Practice…

2011-04-10T19:34:00.000+12:00

Our daddy, DR TOOT was waiting for this day…a tuba has finally arrived at DR TOOT. Monday, daddy’s old friend came to our place with a tuba. He was soooo happy to see her and the tuba.

Since then, daddy practices everyday – in the morning before starting repairs and after teaching at night time…Sorry about the noise, neighbours J Daddy was once a professional tuba player. He used to play with NZSO, APO and Radio NZ. And many TV and movie tracks. Daddy was also featured with his tuba in a Smarties’ commercials.

We are cats at DR TOOT and we know many different sounds. I guess not many cats have the opportunity to hear a tuba sound so close. Ummmm, I must say that the low sounds are bit scary, daddy J…they scare mummy too !

It’s been pretty busy at DR TOOT with repairs coming and going. Speaking coming and going, we have got to do something about Fluffy. He is still coming around and claiming this place as his ! Rico and I are united in this, that we will fight Fluffy to the end. Watch your back, Fluffy !!!

Did you see the picture of Rico last week ? That’s how he looks most of the time. As I have said many times, he eats and sleeps. It is good that you finally get to see him sleep. By the way…I took that picture J

The mornings now are lighter and evenings are darker. This week we felt like winter had come. On Tuesday, it was so cold in the evening that I let Rico shared my bed. This proves that I am unselfish and incredibly kind.

Last night we had a little person in my house. She was Philippa, daddy’s youngest daughter. I wasn’t sure at first how to take it. I am used to more mature people and this little one came as a bit of a surprised. She wanted to pick up me and Rico all the time. Once or twice is fine….but give me a break !!! It must be that I am so cute.

School holidays start at the end of next week. Already instruments are coming in and bookings are made, so be quick to get your instrument in for its TLC. Looking forward to greeting you as you come to DR TOOT !

An hour cheated

2011-04-03T18:46:00.000+12:00

This morning DR TOOT got up early and did his usual ‘daddy things’ - Checked his emails and got breakfast for my big sis Zara and I. The breakfast was as good as always and I had my moment at Rico Point as I do every morning J.

But something was different. Mummy got up and told daddy that he was a silly boy, because Day Light Saving finished and instead of it being 6am, it was 5am !!! More time for me to hunt and adventure, and less time for daddy to sleep….. J Oh, Zara wasn’t happy as she missed her beauty sleep !

I guess that our fans have noticed that our blog design has been changed !!! Finally, after a few year later, we have got a new look J We had asked mummy to change it as it was always the same look and boring. Now it is fresh and arty look…daddy said to mummy that it looks a bit crazy…like Rico. Oh, oh, oh, oh….daddy, I heard that…I am not crazy…Zara is J

Saturday morning, a lady came to DR TOOT from Hamilton. She bought our best seller Yamaha alto saxophone YAS32 and dropped off her tenor sax for servicing at the same time. She tried the alto sax and really like it…went home with her new baby happily, meow meow meow J

DR TOOT has been very busy with repairs, but that’s nothing compared with my fighting with Fluffy !!! Enough is enough and Fluffy must find a new place and other cats to bother. Fluffy came here and wanted a fight with me, but she didn’t know that daddy had some weapons upstairs. These were very small and hard fejioas from our tree. Oh, boy, can daddy throw !!! I think it will be a while till Fluffy comes back. Nice one, daddy, right on Fluffy’s bum…..JJJ

Beh, I guess we will be in bed earlier tonight…everyone, sleep well and have a sweet dream J

An interesting and funny week

2011-03-27T19:52:00.000+13:00

Interesting, because we had many interesting people come in to my place, and funny, because of a funny thing that happened to Rico.

This week has been busy with instruments coming from all around and as south as Gore to DR TOOT. Trumpets, saxophones, flutes, clarinets, you name it, it’s come here. This has kept my daddy and mummy very busy. Last week daddy was cleaning his tools and cleaning up his workshop. Now the workshop and tools are in full action. I love work…I love watching daddy works J

Funny…because I have seen feijoas landing on Rico’s head and he was yelling that the sky was falling. Oh dear, it’s good that he has an older sister like me…but I’m not really old ;-) It’s that time again that Rico and I snuggle up at the end of mummy and daddy’s bed. The sun pouring in on a cool afternoon on the bed is heaven for Rico and I. The two of us really get alone, but we don’t want mummy and daddy think so sometimes….it’s our secret.

Daddy makes such a fuss sometimes. This week a shipment arrived from Japan. In that shipment was an A clarinet made by Yamaha. This wasn’t any old clarinet, but a Custom CSV A clarinet in a beautiful double case. Daddy went crazy over it but to me it just looks like any ordinary clarinet. I guess daddy knows what he is talking about…but he does go on about it.

Mummy and daddy left me in charge as usual to look after Rico last night, because they were going out to a Jazz concert in a pub in Devonport. Mummy and daddy’s friend and customer, Drew with his band, ROUNDhouse, were performing there on his Selmer MKVl alto sax that he recently bought from DR TOOT. They said wowwwwwwww, what a sound !!! Daddy spent many hours doing the corks and pads. The old girl (not me J ) had an amazing sound, so they said. Mummy and daddy were so happy that the saxophone had a good home.

Daddy had a lovely review from a customer that mentioned how happy he was with the work that he did on the customer’s tenor sax. The customer mentioned this on TradeMe. This gave daddy and mummy warm fuzzies.

When mummy and daddy have late nights, it means late nights for Rico and I. So, good night, my fellow subjects and talk to you in two weeks time. You have…..Rico next week…I’m sorry J

Where was I ???

2011-03-20T19:59:00.001+13:00

I was not at Rico Point…I was on the roof !!! Heheheh….It was a beautiful autumn weather Thursday - In the morning I ended up to be on the roof…I cannot remember how I got there J I cried, cried, cried and cried, and I let mummy and daddy know where I was. They did notice I was crying loudly, but they did not find me at the beginning. Then, daddy found me on the roof. I saw mummy was anxious. My big sis Zara was outside on the ground and she was laughing at me. Beh, daddy finally helped me…that was a bit of a scary experience !

Friday, we woke up early in the morning as usual and I went out before breakfast. I came back after my pee pee and poo poo J Then I had my breakfast and I was relaxing at Rico Point….then I saw a little cage. I knew that we had to go to the vet for our annual check up because my mummy and daddy told us the previous day. I got into the cage by myself, so mummy was happy. But Zara was not happy…she had to share the cage with me and she refused to enter the cage. Get over it, Zara ! Anyway, both of us are healthy and didn’t have any problems – that’s good to know J I weighted 4 kg and Zara was 3.5kg….yeahhhhhhhhhhh, now officially I am heavier than Zara J I eat well, sleep well and grow up well ;-)

In the beginning of the week, one of our pre-loved saxophones found a new home. It was a Yamaha, famous professional alto sax YAS62. The boy just loved it and played beautiful sounds from it. We have plenty of saxophones in stock and more to arrive later this week. The saxophones are taking over my place, but they will never take over Rico Point !!!

Mummy has been very busy cleaning up our back yard. One of the things in our back yard is a feijoa tree with a lots of fruit. Everyday it drops one of its fruit and the other day it dropped a fruit right on my head !!! The sky is falling I thought…Zara assured me that the sky wasn’t falling and that I was OK J Zara thinks that I am special…she always says, ummmmmm !???

Big cat fight at DR TOOT

2011-03-13T19:34:00.000+13:00

Last night did not belong to Rico. Mummy and daddy made sure that they were both home by 5.30pm. I saw Rico looking up at the clock and thinking about his new escape. Mummy and daddy arrived home while Rico was still a sleep in his bed on the back deck. Hahahaha, Rico maybe next time J

My house is my palace. The other day, Fluffy came over and acted as if this place was to be his. I had to defend my honour, my home, and DR TOOT’s reputation. Fluffy is a horrible furball on the landscape. He and I got into a wild fight that ended with him running away to his mummy and I winning again…and where was Rico ? He was watching from his Rico Point. Rico Point is a corner on our back deck that over looks my estate. He watched as I fought. Thanks, Rico………

I mustn’t complain too much about Rico. This week, he has been very kind and has been cleaning me and keeping me warm on these cool evenings. He has his place, as long as he knows his place.

More fun boxes with instruments arrived from Japan this week. Mummy and daddy are only interested in instruments while Rico and I loooooooooove the boxes. We can hide in them, sleep in them and scratch inside them J Many saxophones arrived. Three little ones (altos) and one big one (tenor). The big one has already found a home – so fast ! You can see these and others on our website !

A full week of repairs have come in to DR TOOT. So many clarinets have visited and gone back to their owners. You will even see the smallest trumpet ever to visit us on our Facebook page soon. It’s even smaller than Rico ! , but Rico is much noisier J

Mummy wants to say thank you to all who contacted us to make sure her family are safe and well in

Japan

. Her family are in the Southern part of

Japan

, so not effected at all. Our thoughts and love go out to all the people in Japan.

Goodnight my fellow furballs. Remember, to give thanks to those that feed you and keep you safe !

PS: Sometimes...mummy's girl JJJ

The nights belong to Rico

2011-03-06T18:42:00.000+13:00

Hehehehehe….I’ve done it again ! Like last Saturday, last night I came back home before 3.00am J It was raining heavily here and I was dancing in the rain….ummmmm, it was quite fun, but I decided to come home because I thought that mummy and daddy were worried about me. I cried loudly outside our house and mummy was waiting for me by the cat door with a bath towel. Daddy was not happy with me as it was two weeks in a row.

My big sis Zara wasn’t happy either. Last week she told me off and preached to me about always being late and selfish. I’m not selfish, I know what I like. What I like is the freedom to express myself and come and go as I please. I am not like Zara who is always miss goody goody two shoes J

One of the reasons I didn’t come in when I was supposed to was because it was the second Saturday night in a row, that they were out having a good time and leaving as alone. I was teaching them a lesson about who really is the boss. It’s me that gets the blame all the time. Zara last night brought me a bird to play with. It’s not my fault that the bird was given to me at the same time that mummy and daddy arrived. Thanks, Zara for getting me in trouble again.

The shipment from

Japan

finally arrived at DR TOOT, and with it many big boxes. I love boxes. I can hide away from mummy, daddy, and most important from Zara J

I’m not a baby anymore and I don’t have to tell everybody where I am and how long I will be gone for. This shipment had many trumpets and a couple of saxophones. I don’t think we have ever had so many trumpets arrive in one shipment.

Trumpets seem to be the word of the week. I don’t think I have ever seen so many trumpets arrive for daddy to repair in one week. Five trumpets came from one customer. I’m sure he doesn’t play them all at the same time.

I am finishing my blog now as I am very very sleepy…I wonder why !??? J

Runaway Rico

2011-02-27T19:02:00.002+13:00

Been a very sad week this week. As many of you know, on Tuesday we had a major earthquake in Christchurch. Many people and pets have lost their lives. Mummy and daddy, Rico and I pass on our love, prayers and best wishes to you all.

This week has been a disturbing week at DR TOOT as well. Last weekend our DR TOOT website crashed, leaving mummy left with so much work in rebuilding a new and better site. The new site is up and running with new and funny pictures of my daddy. He is so handsome ! Please take a look at and join our DR TOOT’s Facebook too J

Not only did the website crash, but our printer decided that enough was enough and died…mummy and daddy early in the morning went off to buy a new one. It’s black like me but makes more noise than I do, and is more functional than Rico J

Speaking of Rico, I am not very happy…again !!! Mummy and daddy went out for dinner leaving me in charge of the house while Rico was outside chasing butterflies. When mummy and daddy came back (late), Rico still wasn’t here. Rico didn’t come back till 3.00am !!! And woke me up from my beauty sleep and took over my bed…not the first time, eh !? So, today he sleeps and eats and sleeps and sleeps…and didn’t go out all day. I think a full poo poo box tonight ;-) Rico has major issues and later on tonight I will have to sit down with him and sort him out.

It’s been busy for DR TOOT in the workshop. Many instruments from private and schools have come in for their TLC and have gone out to their loving owners. Later this week, we are expecting another shipment from Japan. This includes many trumpets and two alto saxophones. Some of these have homes to go to and some will be available soon for new homes.

Again all our love and thoughts go out to our friends and customers in Christchurch.

Rico’s Point and it’s not my nose

2011-02-20T19:23:00.000+13:00

My big sis Zara said last week that I don’t learn…it’s not true. I learn something everyday. Everyday something different I learn J She even said that I don’t know how to run…Of course, I know how to run !!! She does not know how fast I can run !!! The fact is that I can run very very fast – our neighbours say “Rico Run” …yeah, it is famous in Howick J

I find that it is very important to have your space. Zara seems to take over the whole house. But there is one place in this house that is mine. On the back deck in the corner, is my spot. It is know to friends and family as “Rico’s Point”. This is the place that I gather my thoughts and moments. Earlier today I watched fantails and other lovely birds dance in the trees before me. Teasing me and wanting me to play with them as only I know how. Zara is not welcome in this spot. I share it with daddy and mummy and…my thoughts.

Another one of DR TOOT’s clarinets went to flying South to Dunedin. One instrument has one out and many many more have come in for minor and major surgery. Poor daddy, worked most of Saturday and some of Sunday. While daddy was working on flutes, mummy was working outside in the garden making Zara and my little hiding place more open. We might have to find another place to hide from mummy and daddy J

I am really enjoying looooong days of summer. It’s a cat’s life…eat, sleep, eat, relax, eat and annoy Zara J In the mornings, I hang around with mummy and daddy just to make sure everything is OK and that they miss me. It’s a good life at DR TOOT !

PS: Daddy’s boy JJJ

Busy days and hot nights

2011-02-13T20:04:00.002+13:00

My name is Zara…I am Queen Zara at DR TOOT J Daddy sometimes introduces me to customers that I am a Financial Controller of DR TOOT, hahahahaha. Daddy, that’s embarrassing J

My poor little little brother Rico, he doesn’t learn…never learns. Do you know how many times he has tried to cross the road in front of our house? One day, he was almost hit by car ! He stopped in the middle of the road as he was cleaning himself, and then a car had to stop for him. Doesn’t he know how to run ???

Daddy still seems to be very busy…his teaching has started and the house of DR TOOT is the full of music again from the mid afternoons to the early evenings. It’s my pleasure to see all the students including new faces J Even Rico stays for listening to some of the students play !

Some instruments have arrived for servicing, and some instruments have left DR TOOT to their new homes. A trombone has gone to Christchurch, a clarinet has gone to Lower Hutt, a professional alto sax has gone to Pukekohe…and our prized Selmer Mark Vl alto sax has finally found a new home in Auckland ! I guess daddy and mummy are quite happy that the Mark Vl has gone to a very good home and stays near DR TOOT J I know I always say that this has been a very busy week, but from me you know you can trust my words. Rico goes on and on about how busy it seems here. But for Rico, busy means, how many times he has come in to eat…

What is it with Rico ? In the evenings, we have one kitty dirt box that we both share. I must admit that I am not happy with this arrangement as I enjoy my privacy. I use the dirt box, yes and you do what you have to do. But Rico won’t share the dirt box and uses the floor to make his statement. Is he so precious, not to use our communal box, or is he just too precious ? …you know what I mean.

The nights are hot and humid and very hard to sleep well. The fur ball (Rico) insists in sleeping with me in my special bed. Come on cold weather and let Rico sleep alone !!! Good night J

Hot Hot Hot !!!

2011-02-06T19:28:00.000+13:00

My name is Rico…I am a son (cat) at DR TOOT. Living at DR TOOT, you must be patient ;-) I am very very patient with daddy and big sis Zara J Have you seen her last week’s photo ? Beh, she has got definitely issues !!!

She has been calling me “Little Rico”. However, mummy and daddy have confirmed that I am bigger and heavier than Zara. Hehehehehe, I am a big boy now – really !!! Still younger than Zara…that’s OK ;-)

Last night, mummy and daddy left me and big sis Zara alone (again !) and went to a BBQ party at next door….not fair !!! Ummmmmm, I wanted to join them. They came back around 1.00am and put us into our beds. I was disturbed but missed mummy and daddy, so it was good to see them at home.

What happened at DR TOOT this week…daddy seems to enjoy the last week before going back teaching. But he is still busy with repairing lots of instruments – a flute from Wellington, a saxophone from Bay of Plenty, a very old trumpet from local and a bunch of instruments from school again.

Daddy has told us that he won’t be teaching at school anymore and will stay at home. So, I am very happy to see him at home all day and everyday J

Some instruments have arrived from Japan this week. A few of them have already found their new home. One of them was a famous Japanese vintage professional tenor saxophone YTS61 by Yamaha. DR TOOT has sold the same tenor sax last year and this tenor has gone to the same home - one for father and one for his son ! They just love YTS61 J DR TOOT’s best seller, Yamaha Alto Sax YAS32 didn’t stay here long either. She has gone to a new school with trumpets and clarinets. Some students are really lucky !

Beh, it’s been sooooo hot and muggy here in Auckland. Mummy told me that the summer in Japan is much muggy than here. I feel like jumping into the water…I’m not sure if I can swim, though… J

PS: Dreaming of swimming in the sea...

My own little space

2011-01-30T19:35:00.000+13:00

Yeah, Rico doesn’t miss a chance. I the responsible one went out later and came home earlier. Rico, must learn my ways…refer to Rico’s dribbling of last week’s blog.

My home is more open now. Reiko, our Japanese assistant, left our home for Australia and soon Japan. I really liked her and she showed me the respect and kindness I deserve :-)

On Tuesday, my friend Doug popped by to pick his school’s instruments repaired by my daddy, DR TOOT. So many instruments went, which gave me so much more room to play in. Later that day, another gentleman came in and picked up his instruments for his school…more room ! Finally on Wednesday, Mr Murphy, another famous Murphy, came by to pick up his school’s instruments. I almost have my house back. All this extra space doesn’t effect Rico much because Rico stays outside under a tree or rock somewhere.

Also on Wednesday, an old friend of daddy’s popped by for a coffee and chat. Daddy first met her when he had long black hair and no tummy…..a very long time ago. Many years ago, she took one of daddy’s cats. The cat had many issues and needed to live in the countryside. I wonder if she would be so kind to help daddy find a place for Rico. The countryside or animal hospital would be just fine :-)))

A friend of daddy’s from years ago came in on Friday and bought some instruments for his school. This is good because even more instruments arriving later this week, so we really need the room. You see my friends, my space here gets less and more depending on the musical instruments.

Today has been the first day for a while that Rico and I can enjoy the outdoors. There has been so much rain and I have started to build a little ark for Rico. If the water gets too high…our little Rico will have his own private ark to…….drift away !!!

PS: I don’t have any space or issues in life :-)

I don’t miss a chance…nor should you !

2011-01-23T20:05:00.000+13:00

This morning I just did not want to get out of bed. Why would I ??? It was raining, wet and I’m so tired. My big sis Zara kept me up last night with her talking about customers and many things I seem to miss out at home. There is more to life then what happens at home. Daddy thinks I’m lazy…mummy thinks I’m adorable…and Zara thinks I have issues.

This week, we started the funny way….I mean, Zara and I managed to escape from the window in mummy & daddy’s bed room (they forgot to close it !) J It was around 8.00pm - Zara came back around 12.30am and I came back around 4.30am !!! We are cats at DR TOOT…we don’t miss a chance, hehehehehehe.

I had a very very good time….visited Fluffy J Uummmm, too much information ;-) Beh, Monday morning, I slept and slept and slept…so did Zara ! Anyway this week, the weather has been horrible here in Auckland. There were storms, lots of rain and big winds. So, Zara and I spent most of time inside our house.

This week at DR TOOT many instruments came in and a few went out. More instruments from the deep south and from all over New Zealand. There were clarinets, flutes, saxophones and funny shaped snail like instrument called a French Horn. Zara tells me that a flute was sold to a very tall and lovely girl from up North. Her name is Sophie and Zara tells me that she sounded so beautiful on her new Yamaha flute from DR TOOT. I miss out on all good and exciting things it seems….I’m not nosy like Zara, you know !? But I’m sure I will meet Sophie next time J

Our Japanese assistant Reiko leaves us this Tuesday. I will miss her and her fold up bed. At night time when they are all watching TV, I sneak into her room and curl up on her bed and have a looooooooong cat nap JJJ She has been very nice to me and understands my ways. It’s just daddy and Zara that think I have major issues…..I really think that they do and the Japanese ladies (including mummy, of course !) in my life don’t, enough said.

Time for more sleep, more rest and relaxing J Night, night, buona notte…everyone.

PS: It’s tough work being a guard cat !!!

The Friendly South

2011-01-16T19:02:00.000+13:00

This week at DR TOOT, we received many instruments from the South…I mean South Island. On Friday, we received four A clarinets from the Dunedin Youth Orchestra. So many As at one time. On Saturday, a saxophone arrived from Christchurch. This instrument is a beautiful Keilwerth SX90R alto sax. It will be quite challenge for daddy to work on, but I know he can do it J

Did any of you watch a programme last Sunday about cats ??? Rico and I made special time to watch it with mummy and daddy. I’m not sure if I agree with the clothing cats made to wear. We are cats, not frogs, not clowns, not idiots…I’m not anyway…Rico, ummmmmmmm…maybe. He quite liked the frog one. As frogs like water, so does Rico ! The scary thing is, is that the costumes were made by a Japanese lady in Japan. Don’t get any ideas, mummy !!!

It’s been a hot again in Auckland and we all take our place to cool down. Mine is in the hall way, on top of trombone cases, mummy and daddy on the couch with windows wide open, and Rico…you know, in the bathroom sink ! Heck, that cat has major issues !

A little drama happened this week. Fluffy, Rico’s friend has been hanging around my estate at the back - Growling and groaning loudly. I think he is looking for a place to live, because I’m sure his owners don’t want him….BTW, mummy and Rico think Fluffy is a SHE, but daddy and I know that Fluffy is a HE…enough said J Get a life and a new home, Fluffy !

Sorry for lack of news, but mummy and daddy have been very busy with school repairs leaving Rico and I to just be lazy and relax ;-) Enjoy the summer, my friends and hope you relax too !!! BTW, part 2 of the cat program is on tonight…I hope there are no embarrassing moments J

Fluffy, are you out there !??

2011-01-09T20:31:00.000+13:00

Happy New Year to all my fans from me !!! 2011 has started and it was a funny week for DR TOOT and me :-)

Daddy has been called many different names…this week, he was called “DR FOOT”, hehehehehehe. Or, even someone phoned to ask him to write a sick report – the gentleman thought daddy was a real doctor ! Or, we received a trumpet for service from Animal Health Centre in Morrisville. I wonder if they know about us writing our own blog !!???

The funny thing is…everyone thinks sleeping in the sink is strange and funny. I still go to the bathroom and sleep in the sink sometimes. For me, the sink is nice, cool and most comfortable place to sleep…just love it :-) Zara, I don’t have any issue, OK !?

It’s been very hot and nice weather here in Auckland. We enjoy the summer days very much. Daddy, mummy and the assistant Reiko (her name makes me confused…) have been working so hard. I know that I am a big boy now…even mummy doesn’t have time for me…I am OK, as I have Fluffy now :-)))

Oh yes, I must say that mummy was quite excited to see I was doing poo outside. For her, it was the first time to see I was doing it. As she always wondered where and when I do, she was pleased to see the reality, ummmm….

DR TOOT has received the first shipment this year from Japan. I saw that daddy was so happy unwrapping them. There was a Yamaha Custom A Clarinet, which was pre-ordered by a customer in Dunedin, and it is on the way to them. Lucky A clarinet…has found a new home already. Also, there were two professional Yamaha saxophones – YAS62ll and YAS62Sll (silver plated – daddy says Sexy in Silver :-), and Yamaha entry level trumpets and clarinet.

Big sis Zara and I noticed that the Christmas tree has gone…beh, another year to wait to see it again, little bit sad…but more space to run in the living room ;-)

PS: Chilling out on my favourite back deck !

Here we go again - same place, different year !

2011-01-02T20:02:00.001+13:00

Well, my friends, another year gone, another year wiser, and yes another year with Rico. 2010…quite a year for me. I lost weight (more than I can say then daddy), met new friends and customers, and over all looked after mummy, daddy, Rico and DR TOOT. All a lot of responsibility.

This week has been very busy in the workshop, but quiet with students and sales. We did have however a young boy with his parents picking up another Yamaha YAS32 (DR TOOT’s best seller alto sax!). He was so happy and a lucky boy :-) DR TOOT’s first oboe has gone to a customer in Christchurch. Mummy and daddy have heard that he is very happy with it, jolly gooooooood :-)

I really don’t like fire crackers. On New Year’s Eve, mummy and daddy went to a neighbour’s house…yes, they left me alone with Rico again ! We heard lots of fire works…humans were celebrating a new year 2011. Rico and I celebrated with a lovely salmon meal and a cuddle all night…lucky Rico !!!

Yesterday was the first day of the new year. You would think that mummy and daddy would want to spend some time with us…but no. Off they went again for the whole day eating, drinking and having fun. It’s not fair…they should bring me. They arrived at dinner time, just in time to feed us and they relaxed again. I, of course, was here to greet them and where was Rico ??? Who knows…even Rico didn’t know. I am so patient with him. Later that night though, Rico and I curled up together like the old days and promised each other that we would be more friendly towards each other and not let Fluffy break us apart……you know what I mean ;-)

Happy New Year and Happy Tooting to all my friends and subject ! A Queen for another year and guardian of the estate.

PS: Ooooppppssss...caught on camera :-)))

Boxing Day Special...That's Me !

2010-12-26T18:43:00.000+13:00

It was Boxing Day here in New Zealand. Mummy and daddy told me that many people were crazy about lots of bargains in the shops…I wonder if there was any cats food on special, hehehehehe :-) Anyway, this evening, we had a very special meal of turkey (big bird !) from mummy and daddy – it was yummy !!!

On Christmas day, it was very relaxing in the morning. Zara and I went about our own private business, sleeping and eating. At lunch time, mummy and daddy and an assistant, Reiko (it sounds like my name ;-) went out for lunch leaving big sis Zara and I alone. When they finally came back, they were so full, they just relaxed…such a quiet ending to a special day.

Today, yet again, mummy and daddy left Zara and I alone while they went off to daddy’s brother and family’s home. There they saw again my birth mother. Mummy tells me that I am more handsome and graceful than my birth mother. Daddy says that she is ugly and that I got my issues in life from her…of course, I don’t believe that.

On Christmas Eve, one lucky boy got a beautiful Yamaha tenor sax for Christmas from DR TOOT. He looked at the sax and fell in love with it a couple of months ago and now it is his baby - Jolly Goooooood !

Santa’s workshop, I mean daddy’s, has been very very busy with flutes, clarinets, saxophones and trumpets repairs. So many instruments, that we hardly see daddy…which really isn’t so bad. I, of course, assist mummy with all her invoicing and management…I am a good boy and special :-)))

This year like last year, it is my privilege to write the last blog of the year. It’s been a good year for me and DR TOOT…I believe for my big sis Zara too ! I think I am catching up to her age now. Grazie tanto, for all your support and best wishes for me ;-) Happy New Year…meowwwwwwwwwww !!!

Twas five nights before Christmas…

2010-12-19T22:33:00.000+13:00

I sometimes really don’t know what Rico really is thinking…we had lots of rain here in Auckland this week, so I stayed at home most of the time. I think it is very sensible and I just simply did not want to get wet ! But, Rico was out most of the time as usual. If he is hungry, he comes back to eat and then goes out again. Mummy was wondering where Rico was when it was raining heavily. Well, all I can say…Rico is Rico and just very young !!!

Only five more sleeps till to Christmas. Rico and I are hanging out our stockings on Friday night. I am wanting simple things like a toy mouse and maybe a ball. Rico’s wish is for heaps of foooooooood and a visit from Fluffy…like that’s going to happen ! As long as I am in control of my estate, this will be a no Fluffy zone. That cat has issues !!!

This week was the last week that my daddy was to teach at Kohi school. I know that daddy will really miss his students there, but for me it means that I will see more of my daddy in the mornings.

It is impossible to get into Santa’s, I mean daddy’s workshop. With over 100 instruments there to have a new kiss of life, it is very crowded :-) There is now no room for me or Rico. Most of these instruments are for schools, so there is still time and space to bring in your own personal instruments to be Tooted ;-)

Today, another lady from mummy’s country is here to work with mummy and daddy. She will be cleaning the instruments and taking care of me ! I am special…..in a very different way that Rico is special…know what I mean !?:-)

Here you go…another embarrassing, humiliating photo of Rico and I. The funny thing is, Rico looks better with it…ummmmmm :-)))

PS: Mummy and daddy had guests for dinner…late night. I will got to bed now...need a beauty sleep !!!

Santa is on the way…

2010-12-12T19:44:00.000+13:00

Mummy told me that only two weeks to go to Christmas ! Wow, so quick…we have seen the Christmas tree in our living room. I guess we have to wear the silly hats again this year, ummmm….

As my big sis Zara wrote last week, we had a great end of the year party with our students. I had a wonderful time with them and I was soooooo popular :-))) Everyone was calling my name “Rico, Ricoooooo !!! ” I didn’t hear Zara’s name though ;-) Yep, I escaped in the middle of night…around 10.30pm and came back maybe around midnight :-) Mummy forgot to lock the cat door and I didn’t miss it, hehehehehe.

Last week, DR TOOT had lots of phone calls regarding our pre-loved instruments and repairs, from everywhere in New Zealand. Daddy was so popular ;-) Oh, yes…he talks !!! I mean he can talk, talk, talk…and talk :-)

On Tuesday, DR TOOT received a phone call from a gentleman. It was about a Selmer Paris Mark Vl tenor sax, which I mentioned about a few weeks ago. He saw the photos and was interested in it. After he talked with daddy, he decided to purchase the saxophone. Well, the Mark Vl has found a new home in Wellington. I guess she is enjoying her new life with her cousin Mark Vl alto….which he also owns.

The other day, there was another phone call from Dunedin. This time it was from a lady who is looking for an A clarinet for her son. She asked daddy to find one for him. The funny thing is, is that the family is now reading our blog…wow, so cooooooooool !!!

A very cute Yanagisawa saxophone arrived at DR TOOT on Thursday. Daddy has told me it’s called a curved soprano sax…about the same size as me, but much older than me :-) She has been in DR TOOT’s theatre. Hope she feels better, I mean looks better ;-)

As I write this, I am very hot ! It’s very warm here and the house feels like a sauna. I don’t need to lose weight…but another cat who is here does…and daddy, of course ;-)

Invasion of the human kind at DR TOOT

2010-12-05T19:35:00.001+13:00

You must excuse me if I sound a little tired, but all because of the invasion we had here at my estate yesterday. It was that time of year again at DR TOOTs. A time when all our students and parents and brothers and sisters invade our space. Rico and I had a good sense to leave and come back near the end. From what I hear it was a rolling success and much food and laughter was enjoyed by all.

Towards the end of the party, Rico and I were locked in mummy and daddy’s bed room. Why, I ask, lock me in the same room with Rico. What have I done wrong ? It was hard for me to listen to the laughter and not be a part of the party. I am always invited to the best of parties. It’s all about me, you know.

Later in the evening, when all guests had left, Rico made a mad dash for the cat door and escaped for about two hours. It was lucky for him and for me, because I at least got some sleep and peace. To show him that I really did miss him, I left the top basket empty for him. Please don’t tell him that I missed him a little. But with Rico being Rico, he came back when his tummy was empty (like his head), woke me up, talked all night about his adventures and midnight meeting with Fluffy.

To all our DR TOOT’s Facebook followers, we have a new Facebook page. For reasons I don’t understand, we had to make a new page “DR TOOT|Sean Murphy”. I encourage you to view it and join the page :-) You can see some of DR TOOT’s amazing makeover before & after shots, and highlights of our End of the Year Party !

http://www.facebook.com/pages/DR-TOOT-Musical-Instrument-Repairs-/287428182228?v=wall&ref=ts#!/pages/DR-TOOT-Sean-Murphy/152815478098219

A touch of French at DR TOOT !

2010-11-28T19:37:00.000+13:00

Wow…so hot ! Summer came early this year in New Zealand. Big sis Zara and I enjoy the beautiful weather everyday – running around in my kingdom and lying down under the trees. If I’m hungry, I come home and eat…and go out again :-) I’ve been a good boy, so I don’t stay outside too late. I normally come home around 5.00pm for the day. As we are cats at DR TOOT, we stay inside at night time - discipline, discipline :-)

At DR TOOT, you see lots of things and people coming in and going out. Another Yamaha alto sax YAS32 has found a new home in Tauranga. Mummy told me that the saxophone is the best seller at DR TOOT. There were two of these saxes that arrived from Japan just a couple of weeks ago and have left DR TOOT already.

One day, another famous saxophone arrived in our house. He is a tenor sax and his name is Selmer Mark Vl from Paris, France. He is much bigger than me…scary ! I saw mummy and daddy looking at the saxophone, and it was sooooooooooo dirty. He is the same age as daddy…yep, he is oldy :-) I also saw mummy polishing all the keys and daddy was working on the body. After a few days later, Zara and I were suuuppprrriiiiiiised to see it again ! The silver saxophone turned into the handsome young looking !!! Mamma mia…lost my word…so shinny ! Mummy will list it on Pre-Loved Instruments at DR TOOT and TradeMe – check this out ;-)

Speaking of TradeMe, a lady from the West came to see daddy with a saxophone which she has purchased through TradeMe…si’, she didn’t buy it from DR TOOT…never mind, at least she knew where to come :-) She asked daddy to service it. It’s for her son as a Christmas present…ummmm, someone’s very lucky ! What will I get for this Christmas…!?????

We had a couple from the North to pick up his French Horn. He was so happy to see the shinny French Horn. If the customers are happy, Zara and I are happy too :-) They pay…and I eat :-)))

Your turn, Rico - Happy Birthday !!!

2010-11-21T19:31:00.000+13:00

A week of many people. This is my house that I share with daddy, mummy and um, Rico. Yesterday, we had an invasion. Daddy’s step mum, step dad, two nephews, brother in law and step sister…it’s complicated, arrived on our door steps. There were big people and little people and lots of noise ! Rico and I had to in the end lock ourselves in mummy & daddy’s bed room. It was tough being with Rico but somebody had to be there.

As you gather, it’s Rico’s birthday, in cat’s years he is 14…going on 2 ! I do love him but he gets up my whiskers too much. Always the cute one, always the pretty one and always mummy’s boy. In mummy’s eyes, he can do no wrong, but I know things about him that would make your tail curl. He has been hanging around that fur ball of a cat called Fluffy ! I see them playing outside, running around and getting up to no good. I guess it’s just an age thing – he is so young.

On Monday, one of DR TOOT’s beautiful Yamaha tenor saxes found a new home. I heard him play it and it sounded amazing…almost as nice as my purrrrrrrrr :-))) He was a customer of daddy’s when daddy had a shop in Takapuna. It’s nice seeing daddy with old friends again.

On Thursday, I brought a special treat for mummy and daddy. It was a very large black bird ;-) And yes, he was still alive ! Daddy was teaching at time and mummy was as always at computer…always. My friend, the bird, flapped around the office made such a noise. Daddy came to mummy’s rescue, caught and freed the bird. So much for the gift !!!

You might have recently seen on TV a commercial with people playing musical fruits and veggies. Some of the tools made to make the vegetables sound lovely were made at DR TOOT ! I personally feel proud that I, I mean we contributed to this work of art. Good girl, Good girl :-)

Well, it’s time to go and endure the rest of the day with Rico. I know we all wish him well and hopes that one day he will grow up….yeah, right !

Happy Birthday, Mummy & Zara !!!

2010-11-14T19:43:00.000+13:00

We cerebrated our mummy’s birthday this week ! My big sis, Zara, daddy and I gave her lots of kisses and hugs :-) Even I brought two little birds for her…Good Boy :-))) Zara will be three this week, then next week I will be two !!! You can see how I am grown up…I am a big boy now ;-)

Another shipment has arrived from Japan at DR TOOT. There were three saxophones, two clarinets and a flute. We have now only two saxophones left from this shipment…yep, believe or not, other instruments have already found new homes, ummmm…lucky them !

Daddy has been working on a big snail…yep, French Horn, which arrived at DR TOOT early this month from Northland. The gentleman has asked daddy to make it better. Now I can see it is shinny and smoother ! I wonder if daddy can work on Zara make her better and smoother, hehehehehehe :-)

On Friday night, some of daddy’s pupils and others at Kohi had a recital. Daddy said that he was very proud on how well they all performed. Daddy won’t be teaching there next year, and his students said that they will miss him but daddy says that he will miss them more. Zara and I will work hard to keep daddy company ;-)

Also on Friday night, Zara’s and my town, Howick had Midnight Madness where all the shop stayed up till midnight ! Personally I think you would have to be mad to stay up and work till midnight. For me, I am not mad, so I wake up late and went to bed early :-)

Before I go, I must say some good news…Fluffy my girlfriend (Daddy thinks Fluffy is my boyfriend) came over to my house and played with me. Zara was not happy and went inside to sulk….and she calls me a baby !

Ahhhh, one more thing, daddy and mummy put a Christmas tree today...yet another thing for Zara and me not to touch :-)

Things are always changing…

2010-11-07T19:24:00.000+13:00

So much happened this week. I know you always hear that from me, but this week it’s so true ! Same Rico…for the time being. Yes, yet another shipment of musical goodies have arrived.

This week an amazing sax has arrived at DR TOOT. It’s our first Yamaha Custom alto sax. It’s all shinny and sounds sooooooo nice ! A friend of mummy and daddy Johnny, who is a top professional saxophonist, came over on Friday and played this instrument. It was unbelievable. As all you listeners know, I have a wonderful musical ear :-), and to my ear it was like a bowl full of rich cream….ummmmm. Other instruments too, arrived in and you can view these on Pre-Loved Instruments at DR TOOT and TradeMe !

Speaking of change, we are seeing less of daddy nowadays. I mean to say that he is much here but his tummy (which was always a little too big…sensitive subject ;-) is getting smaller !!! Yes, the unbelievable is happening. Daddy, on most mornings is going for his energy walks. Rico and I do this everyday and all the time. Daddy makes such a big deal that does it in the morning. Humans are so lazy !

We have a new Toot mobile ! It’s white…as mummy clearly said, bigger engine, very quiet and has a window on the roof. Daddy got this car from his friend Tony, who owns Urban Wholesale in Howick. He looked after mummy and daddy in the past and has sold them a wonderful car. Thanks, Tony from Rico and Queen Zara !

Bang, Bang, Bang...!!!!!!!! So much noise last night. Why do humans have to make such noise when we cats are trying to relax and sleep ? Last night was Guy Fawkes night…something about blowing up parliament buildings….crazy humans ;-) Rico like last year was scared and so worried. I, of course, had to comfort him and calm him down. What a baby !

Let’s hope tonight and the next few nights are quieter and calmer. Sleep well, zzzzzzz!

Is summer here…yet !???

2010-10-31T19:57:00.000+13:00

It’s been beautiful weather in Auckland, just like summer here already ! My big sis Zara and I are enjoying the nice weather very much.

Monday was a quiet public holiday at DR TOOT. Mummy and daddy started major gardening at my estate :-) Zara and I were watching them together, mummy and daddy were tiding up. Lucky daddy found a few dead birds, hehehehehe....:-) Now my estate looks like a national park again…very happy !!! I run and run and chase some big birds...but never catch... :-)

The busiest time of year seems to be already here at DR TOOT. One day, daddy came back home with lots of instruments. Ummmm, I remember now last summer, there was like a jungle of instruments at DR TOOT...Is summer here already !??? Looks like it ;-)

Also, some pre-loved instruments arrived from Japan on Friday. A beautiful Yamaha euphonium (Zara and I call it “Ufo”) and three Yamaha clarinets. Daddy has been busy servicing, then one of clarinets was sold yesterday before mummy took photos of it ! Well done, DR TOOT :-) Mummy has told me that some more instruments will arrive this week, wowowowow !!!

It’s already the end of October…eight weeks to go to Christmas, meowww ;-) Mind you, we have our birthdays coming up before that :-))) Looking forward to a birthday present and a Christmas present from mummy and daddy !!! Maybe Zara being away on both times, would be a nice present…hehehehehe ;-)

My bed, My house, My rules !

2010-10-24T18:50:00.000+13:00

Last week, I noticed that Rico has yet again not told the whole truth. As you see in the photo last week, Rico is sleeping on a bed with a red blanket underneath. That’s MY BED !!! Red for royalty, his is beige for…Please Rico, remember who I am and my status. Stay in your own bed !

This week, because daddy and mummy have been working so hard, I have given them tomorrow off. It’s Labour Day in New Zealand, and mummy and daddy treat Rico and I with a labour of love. I in return give them the day off. It’s in my nature.

Yeah, Fluffy is back but I don’t think it’s for Rico. Fluffy has always been around and gets around if you know what I mean. Rico is nothing special, just another cat.

Mummy and daddy are again shopping for many pre-loved instruments for Christmas. Later this week, we should receive a few clarinets and our first Euphonium. This instrument is a baby tuba….daddy of course, played a big big tuba. Soon to arrive are an assortment of clarinets, saxophones and our first French Horn and Tenor Horn. Both of these instruments are Yamaha and made in Japan……I don’t know where the French bit comes from.

Our mornings are not quite the same anymore. You see…daddy needs to loose weight and mummy joins him for moral support, for long walks. We want to see less of daddy if you get my drift:-)

Fluffy is back !!!

2010-10-17T19:58:00.000+13:00

Yep, she is back :-) I have no idea where she had gone…I asked her, but she said “ I am like wind, sometimes here…sometimes there”. Ummmmm, girls are complicated ;-) Anyway, I enjoy running and playing with her, which made Zara upset a little bit. I know that Zara does not like Fluffy at all because Fluffy is beautiful….hehehehehe.

It’s been busy busy busy at DR TOOT. School is back (Zara’s happy), instruments in, instruments out (mummy & daddy are happy) and Fluffy is back which makes me very happy !!!

I’ve had my furry ear to the ground and have heard that many pre-loved instruments from Japan are on the way soon to DR TOOTs. Some big ones, some small ones and some in between. There are about ten weeks away till Christmas and I think that many of these instruments will end up as presents. How exciting ! It’s not too late to ask Santa Toot to put in an order for you for Christmas ;-) I wonder what I will get for Christmas…maybe a big kiss from Fluffy, hehehehehe.

Last night, mummy and daddy left Zara and I to look after the house, while they went to see one of daddy’s private students and others perform at cabaret night in Howick. I was told that it was a great evening and daddy was very proud of his student Jack. Well Done, Jack !!! Even Zara is happy about this :-)

Wish summer would come soon – these windy and wet days are starting to get boring. We need a bit of sunshine and calm nowadays. Fluffy hates the wind…if I can’t be with her, I would rather just stay in my bed ;-)

A wild wild wild week at DR TOOTs !

2010-10-10T20:15:00.000+13:00

The house has been humming with sounds of saxophones, flutes, clarinets and other windy instruments. I have not been very happy because daddy has been locking me out of his workshop. Daddy has been re-padding saxophones and clarinets, and has a “Do not disturb” sign on his door. I’m sure he meant it for Rico and not for me.

Daddy’s work requires lots of concentration and always hard work. For some reasons, mummy is allowed to come in and sometimes I follow……but sees me and picks me up and takes me out of the room – It’s not fair, but I know that daddy needs his peace.

On Monday, a nice gentleman and his wife and a boy came in to pick up their flute repair, but after talking to mummy and daddy, they walked away with a shinny beautiful pre-loved Yamaha flute ! This was a much better flute then the one daddy repaired for them. The little boy was very happy and made nice tooting sounds:-) I know this because I am the one that is always there to listen and support….where is Rico !??? …who cares !!!

On Friday, a similar thing happened ! A mummy and daddy came in to drop off a saxophone for repair and ended up walking away with a beauuuuuuuuuutiful Yamaha professional alto sax :-) Isn’t it funny that some people walk in with one instrument and leave with two. I wish I was the only cat (instrument) and we got rid of the other cat (instrument). Do I sound a bit harsh ?

Yesterday, one of daddy’s friends, Drew came in and tried an old Selmer Paris Mark Vl alto sax that daddy has just re-padded and is selling. I have never heard an instrument like this before. It is very rare and we are very lucky to have one in stock…so daddy says.

Later that day, a familiar face came in. Rene’ bought a pre-loved alto sax from mummy and daddy, and this time brought in his tenor sax to get re-tooted ! He is a nice man and I think was starting to fall in love with the silver Yamaha tenor we have in stock ;-)

Today marks the end of the school term break where daddy’s and my students start their lessons again. They so miss me and it pleases me to bring happiness back in their lives. I am special, but not the sort of special Rico is. You know what I mean… :-)

I’m not a poser, daddy !

2010-10-03T19:32:00.000+13:00

As my big sis Zara mentioned last week, yes…the daylight saving has started in New Zealand ! We are enjoying a longer day - wake up early and go out early :-)

Today, while mummy and daddy were out, Zara brought a biiiiiiiiiig bird to the house. She left it in mummy’s office. When mummy and daddy came back, I wasn’t at home…But, Zara was there. She told me that they were surprised to see how big it was ! Ummmmm, she showed off…ummmm, someday it will be my turn ;-)

During school holidays, daddy is very busy with repairs. Lots of instruments have arrived at DR TOOT. Clarinets, flutes, saxophones, euphoniums, trumpets…etc. Daddy seems to be a very happy man in his workshop - listening to the radio and repairing instruments. Next time, I will bring in a bigger bird for you, daddy !!!

This week, a few instruments have found new homes. Kawai tenor sax has gone to Gisborne, mummy’s favourite Yanagisawa Elimona alto sax has gone to Christchurch, and Yamaha Custom clarinet has gone to a mysterious buyer….Zara is a bit mysterious…

Now daddy is growing his beard and looks like his brother (I came from his home originally), but I don’t remember anything as I was so little. Daddy said that my real mum was ugly and dad is unknown…I guess that’s life. If I am happy now, I think that’s all that matters :-) My curiosity is now birds…BIG BIRD !!!...one day…hehehehe :-)))

PS. Daddy says I am a “poser”…I don’t think so ;-)

Longer days…Happy hunting !

2010-09-26T20:06:00.003+13:00

Wow, such a rude early morning awakening ! My daddy got up when it was still dark and early. Somebody stole an hour from my morning. All you princesses out there, know the importance of our beauty sleep. It doesn’t matter for Rico, because he looks same anytime of day, that’s not pretty. Daddy tells me this is called “daylight savings”, but I call it daylight takings from me. There are not many hours in a day you know…

Last week was the last week of term and the last week for two weeks that I won’t see daddy’s students, (my fans) coming over for lessons. For me I know that they come to see me as well as get lessons. Term break also means that it will be very busy at DR TOOT. Many many many repairs have come in and more are due soon. If you haven’t booked, do it soon ! ;-)

One day this week, daddy arrived home from the airport with two boxes. One biiiig box and one Rico size box (small and not interesting looking). In the big box, there was a flute, a trumpet and a never been seen in New Zealand, a silver Yamaha tenor sax YTS62Sll. This looks amaaaaaaaaazing and when daddy played it, it made a biiiiiiiiiiiig dark mellow sound. I must admit that I was a little scared, but don’t tell Rico ;-)

In the smaller box, there were small clarinet pads all the way from Italy ! This is the country of pizza, music, arts and the land that mummy loves the most. As you know, mummy always talks to Rico and me in Italian. Rico pretends to understand Italian but I find this hard to believe because he has trouble understanding English. He knows the words “sleep and eat” in both languages. Enough said :-)

Daddy’s voice is back ! For a few days, daddy lost his voice and it was sooooo lovely and quiet in the house ;-) Mummy was very happy, because she could boss him around and he couldn’t say anything about it. I wonder if Rico could ever lose his voice…….Now daddy is getting over a sore shoulder. Mummy says that daddy is getting old – I think so two and Rico thinks so three, hahahahaha.

Well, my friends, it’s an hour more tonight to catch lizards and butterflies and walk the estate. Sleep well, enjoy your break and visit me and DR TOOT of course, if you have time ;-)

Spring is here !

2010-09-19T19:20:00.001+12:00

Finally we have spring here in Auckland. I can see lots of beautiful flowers outside. I enjoy my days running around…sometimes by myself, sometimes with my big sis Zara and sometimes with my new friend, who has moved into a house across the road.

Everyday I eat well, play well and sleep well :-) I am a happy cat and I know I am handsome because people say so !

Early this week, mummy and daddy came back with two mysterious cases…looked very old and contained very old instruments…so I am told…

This week more instruments have arrived from Japan. Two lovely clarinets, one amazing flute with holes in it and one biiiiiig saxophone with funny shape case. They all look so beautiful, but mummy and daddy say that they are not for us. Other people are so lucky to have such wonderful instruments. I guess my play thing is Zara…dahhhh…I wanna refund ;-) All she does is complain about me and sleep. What a life !!!

A few things have been moving away from DR TOOT. One of daddy’s friends must really like saxophones, because she got two of them at the same time. I think she did this so that she can play a duet all by herself….amaziiiiiiiing :-) One was picked up today by a man and his son. The son told daddy that he would practice everyday and really look after his new baby, just like mummy really looks after me. I’m very special ;-) Zara and daddy also say that I’m very special but they say it in funny way….hmmmmmmm.

With spring comes many things. One of those things is baby lizards. I have such joy bringing them in and playing with my new friends. The trouble is their tales fall off and their life finishes way too early. This is sad for me, but sadder for them….hehehehe.

Beh, time to go to my basket and dream of lizards attacking Zara….hehehehe.

I don’t like change…

2010-09-12T21:47:00.000+12:00

As cats, we get used to our area and castle. I like things to be just so. Chairs in the right place, and everything as it should be. Rico was a change. Life was simple with just daddy and I. We had the cottage, we had each other. Mummy came, and for me it was good because daddy seemed more settled and less demanding of my time.

We moved to a bigger place and there was change. New estate, new furniture, better life. Then Rico came, and again changed. We lowered our standards and behaviour. I was always so relaxed and even. Now I get I bit bad tempered and I don’t like sharing my sleeping quarters with…..Rico !

And today, yet more change. Mummy and daddy have sold a large couch that daddy sometime slept on when he was a bit naughty. The couch is gone, so that must mean that daddy is a good boy now :-) This morning mummy and daddy have re-arranged the office and my living room which makes me very very confused. I like things simple, just like Rico.

On Friday morning, a lady that looked just like mummy, with her husband came to see DR TOOT with her Yamaha Custom alto sax that she played in Japan when she was a young girl. She and mummy talked in moshi language which I could not understand. She seemed very nice and it was nice for mummy to see someone from her own home country. Again, I am confused, because Rico says that mummy is really Italian…..I am confused :-)

A few days ago, we received yet another shipment from Japan. A big and little saxophone. The big one was very shinny and was also confused. It had the brand Kawai on it which is from Japan, but it says made by B&S which is made in Germany. Life is confusing. The other saxophones is a rare Yanagisawa Elimona which was made in 1979. Daddy says this is an amazing saxophone and some very lucky persona will have this soon…we hope !

Yesterday a mummy and her daughter came to DR TOOT to pick up a Yamaha YAS32. The young girl looked so happy to have a saxophone for herself. It was a beautiful saxophone and I know she will have many happy moments with it. She is a lucky girl !

I have talked a lot about changes this week, but you know privately I wouldn’t change anything. I am happy with our home with mummy, daddy and yes, most of the time, Rico. Rico just gets under my fur sometimes and can be very immature, but that’s life ! We can’t be all as perfect as me :-) Time to go and wish you all a wonderful week and remember there is only two more weeks of school till the end of term !

Once upon a time…

2010-09-05T19:37:00.001+12:00

My big sis Zara was a very lonely girl…then I came into her life :-) In the beginning, there was daddy and Zara. Zara needed more. Then mummy came. Zara needed more…then I came…Zara didn’t need anymore ! I have made Zara’s life complete :-)

I say this for the following reasons. When I’m not around, she sits on the dining table looking out and waiting to play with me. In the afternoon, we play outside and later cuddle on mummy’s and daddy’s bed. In the evening, we play, we eat and we share a basket by the TV together. Oh, yes, she needs me and I make her life complete.

Last night mummy and daddy went out dinner with one of daddy’s students and parents. Again they left Zara and I alone, but as you know, Zara is never alone. I stayed behind, held her paw and was there for her. She may seem big and strong, but underneath that thick black fur, she really is a baby - A big and hairy baby !

Yesterday morning, when daddy was teaching, I wondered into the room and daddy’s student said how big and handsome I looked. Zara was sitting on the chair near daddy’s student. She was really upset and left the room. She has issues !!! It seems it’s always about her…I am important too, and it’s about time I made stand. No more little nice guy…It’s my turn to purrrrrr. Talk to the paw, Zara !

Monday and Tuesday this week, my daddy played a tuba and tutored the low brass and trombones at The Kings Honour Band Festival. There were many primary school bands represented and by the end of Tuesday they all sounded like one magnificent band. It was so funny to see daddy blowing this tuba thing :-)

Today it’s Father’s Day in New Zealand. Because Zara is old, I mean older than me, I let her shop for daddy’s card. Will she ever get Billy out her mind ??? You guess it, the front of the card had a picture of a dog ! As you know, Zara and I are cats. What’s with this dog business !?? Get over it, Zara…Billy’s gone and Rico is here to stay ! This will be the last time I let Zara buy the card ;-) I’ve said enough....anyway, "Happy Father's Day, daddy !" We love you forever...You are very SPECIAL :-)))

Back to the old times…

2010-08-29T20:34:00.000+12:00

This has been a wonderful week for bonding with daddy and I. In the old days, in the little cottage where was DR TOOT born, there was just daddy and I. In the early days, I used to keep daddy company and watch over him as he worked so hard on his repairs. I would lay on his shoulders and comfort him. He was never alone when I was with him. The workshop was never out of bounds for me. Then mummy came and lay down the rules. She said that the workshop was for working and not baby sitting place for me. I was here first !!!

This week daddy has been as usual very busy in his workshop/cave. When he was in there, I know he is working very hard and missing me a lot. He doesn’t say so but I know it. Every opportunity I see the door open, I come in and hide from mummy’s sharp eyes, but mummy gets me every time. I won’t stop trying :-)

On Wednesday, we received two more saxophones. Rico and I called it the house of sax. There are big ones and little ones, and they all make lovely sounds after mummy and daddy give them the kiss of life. I wonder I could play one…maybe not ;-)

Tomorrow my daddy, DR TOOT has been asked to take low brass and trombones workshop at Kings School. Kings School has a band festival every year and this is daddy’s second time to participate. Last year daddy by accident with called “DR TOOL” instead of DR TOOT !!! Everybody laughed…hahahaha. Daddy felt funny, but he laughed too :-)

What is it with Christchurch !? Yet another clarinet has found a new home in that beautiful city in South Island. There must be many fine musicians in Christchurch that know good instruments when they see them, and at DR TOOT we only sell good instruments :-)

Speaking of good instruments, have you checked out DR TOOT’s new site ? They have listed with pictures (for those of us that can’t read) a complete list of all their pre-loved instruments. They all look ppppuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrfect !

Time to go…the days are getting longer and sleep time shorter, thanks to Rico. The sooner he and I have separate rooms, the better. He snores and hogs my bed – Stay in your own bed, Rico !

A week of snails, monkeys and Zara…

2010-08-22T19:26:00.001+12:00

If you live at DR TOOT, you will never know what will happen in a day…this week, we had some visitors as usual, but always something different :-)

A familiar face came in with her son’s alto saxophone. She didn’t know what was wrong with it, just that he couldn’t make any sounds. Our daddy, DR TOOT had looked at it and fixed it just in a minute. The gooseneck (strange name!) had a problem. Ummmm…., daddy knows everything :-)

A gentleman, who visits DR TOOT regularly, brought an old giant metal snail…it’s called a tuba…hehehehe. It came without a case, so it made my curiosity biiiiiiiiig ;-) I tried to hide inside of the tuba, but I suddenly remember daddy’s famous “monkey story”. When he was young and playing the tuba, he had a pet monkey named Paddy. One night he left the tuba in his bed room and the monkey fell in and got stuck inside of the tuba ! He had to bring a tuba with monkey to a vet to rescue the monkey…oh mio dio, scaaaaarrryyyy.

Another day, we had visitors from a TV production company. I was out, so I didn’t see them but Zara told me that daddy was very interested in the project (cannot tell you guys – biiiiiiiiiiig secret).

Also three saxophones have arrived from Japan. There are lots of saxophones in stock at DR TOOT now ! One of the three, only stayed with us for a couple of days before finding a new home out in Kumeu.

We had lots of rain in Auckland again. I go out, come back and eat - mummy chases me up with a big bath towel. She dries me up and I go out again, then I get wet and come back and eat…mummy dries me up again :-) Beh, she finally closed a cat door early afternoon, so I had to stay at home with big sis Zara :-(((

Some of daddy’s students had their exams on Friday. I am sure they all did well and I know that daddy was very proud of them all.

Today is a mixture of rain and sunshine and I am very sleepy. Daddy got up at 3.00am to watch the rugby and woke Zara and I up. All Blacks won, so I guess it’s OK ;-)

PS: You know, I luuuuuuuuuv boxes :-)))

“Rain drops keep falling on his head…”

2010-08-15T19:24:00.003+12:00

It’s been raining a lot in Auckland. Stupid Rico goes outside and he is dancing in the rain…I don’t get it ! I am sensible enough to stay at home. I think the water has got into his head. When he shakes his head, I see water coming out of his ears…silly boy !

Some students of daddy’s will be having exam soon, so on Saturday some students came to DR TOOTs and played their pieces with a pianist. It was raining outside, and I stayed inside and enjoyed listening to everyone playing. I got front seats, and even sat on people’s laps to get the best view of all :-) Rico who is afraid of music and people stayed outside…poor Rico !

A new young student came to DR TOOT yesterday asking about saxophone lessons. He is from China and will be starting lessons next week. My daddy has many students from all around the world. Some from China, South Africa, India and of course New Zealand. Daddy has only a few spaces left, so the student was very lucky. They are all welcome to my palace :-)))

It’s been a very Brassy week for daddy. Many cornets, trumpets and other brass instruments came to DR TOOT for their check ups. Some instruments come in many pieces and daddy has to put all those pieces together to make one instruments. I don’t know how he does it !

Mummy has been busy working on flutes. One flute was very very expensive and mummy had to clean and polish the body and all the many keys. This takes a long time, and mummy does not like to be interrupted when she is working. I have to be soooooo quiet….even Rico, that’s not easy.

Well, time to go and rest my intelligent, beautiful head on my pillow. Don’t do a Rico and stay dry and clean…ta ta :-)

PS: I cannot be filed, hahahaha…;-)

Rain, Rain here to stay !

2010-08-08T19:50:00.004+12:00

Today, it was the most important day at DR TOOT…well, it wasn’t my birthday…hehehe, it was daddy’s birthday !!! Yep, daddy’s got old – just one year :-)

“ Happy Birthday, daddy !!!” from me, big sis Zara and mummy. We all know that you are the man and very SPECIAL !!! Poor daddy, he had to work even today because it’s been very busy at DR TOOT. Beh, he seems to be happy repairing flutes, clarinets, saxophones and some brass instruments.

This week, we had lots of rain here Auckland. Rain calls me, hehehehe. Zara is boring…always stays inside and sleeps in the afternoon. I go out and jumping and running in the rain :-))) Then, come back home and eat…and go out again. If I wet, mummy always chase me and dry me up ! Ummmm, I love that :-)

Three saxophones arrived from Japan a few days ago. Daddy went to the airport as usual to pick them up. Mummy and daddy had a little surprise - it was supposed to be two tenor saxes and one alto, but they received one tenor and two altos by mistake ! Oh dear…anyway, all is good, and mummy is listing them on TradeMe tonight.

Mummy also has created a new web page to show what instruments DR TOOT has in stock. Now, you can see the current stock at DR TOOT ! Just click on here, http://drtootusedinstruments.blogspot.com/

DR TOOT received two emails from opposite ends of the country. Both customers bought clarinets from DR TOOT. One clarinet was an A and the other a Bb. I have no idea about the differences, but both made daddy smile when he read the lovely words they had to say about their new babies :-)

Rain has stopped, so inside I stay and wait for another wet day, hehehehe…Hope your week brings you lots of joy and smiles and lots of FOOD !!!

When you’re hot, you are hot !

2010-08-01T19:33:00.001+12:00

I was brought up with the sound of saxophones, but Rico was brought up with FOOD. If a student or customer comes to DR TOOT and start playing saxophones, he runs away like a lost rabbit….Me ? I stay in the room and enjoy listening to it :-)

Rico and I argue all the time like mummy and daddy…I think it is a good thing because if we stop arguing, it means end of story ! It’s all about listening to the other side…even if you don’t agree ;-)

The heat of the evening fire has melted Rico’s brains a bit. Often in the evenings, you can see him lying on the stack of logs in the basket. One day, daddy might put Rico in the fire instead of a log. There is one thing the log and Rico have in common. Very dense and no brains. Sorry, Rico, but you know it’s true !!!

Rico and I do love the fire, and often can be found resting our little head on the bricks. Rico’s head and the brick have something in common…..think about it. All jokes aside, we both love the heat and the company we share together by the fire.

Mummy and daddy went to the Food Show this week. The first thing they bought was food for Rico and I. They really look after us ;-) I think they got things for themselves as well, so it wasn’t all about just Rico and I.

It’s been a very saxy week this week at DR TOOT. Saxophones coming, saxophones going. Saxophones coming in for mummy and daddy’s famous touch and saxophones going out to new happy owners. As well as saxes, two clarinets also found happy homes and owners. I wish Rico could find a happy new home…..;-)

Last night one of daddy’s students (Uncle Bruce) came over for one of daddy’s famous roast chicken meals, and some late night rugby watching. This was fine but it meant that Rico and I could not get to bed at our usual time. You see our beds are in the main entrance to my castle. Uncle Bruce would have to wake us up when he left and that simply wouldn’t be good enough. So, Rico and I stayed up and watched the All Blacks BEAT the Wallabies and later after Uncle Bruce left we were able to rest in our own beds. I needed my beauty sleep and Rico…who knows what he needed…more food !???

Time for me to go and rest my sleepy head. Late nights take a lot of energy from a young girl like me. Sleep well, be good and stay cool till after school, meowwwww.

Who am I !???

2010-07-25T19:34:00.004+12:00

I’m a bit confused…ah, not myself :-) I know I am a cat, even other people call me “Little Tiger”- coz of my look or “Little Lamb” – coz I run like one of them :-) I am CONFUSED! Because my daddy’s hair is now darker and looks like he has more hair….ummm, how come !?? Then mummy cut his hair this morning…so, now he has short hair, back to mafioso look ;-)

This week, our pre-loved instruments have found new homes. YTS61 has gone to an old customer of daddy’s in Auckland and an A clarinet has gone to someone in Christchurch and lastly one of YAS32s has gone to a student of DR TOOT’s. Well done, mummy & daddy !!! Goody Goody Gumdrops Gumdrops, more food is coming for me, hehehehehe :-)))

Another shipment arrived from Japan this week. Daddy couldn’t wait for it to be delivered (again…of course !) and rushed to airport to pick them up :-) There are two alto saxophones and one tenor sax. They look so shinny and beautiful that I can see my reflection on the bells. Zara is not always the most beautiful one here. Tonight mummy will list an alto and a tenor sax on TradeMe.

Today daddy received a flute for servicing from a girl that bought it off from daddy over 15 years ago. The flute has got his old shop’s sticker on the case ! When daddy saw it, he was excited and so pleased. She said that she remembers daddy…of course, daddy without tummy and with more hair…hehehehehe ;-) Only thing she recognized about daddy was his eyes…everything else has changed big time…I mean BIG time like Zara ;-)

PS I've been a good boy...helping mummy for photo copying :-)))

Don’t do a Rico !

2010-07-18T19:15:00.005+12:00

“Don’t do a Rico!” that is said at DR TOOT when something very silly happened. When daddy looks out the window with a blank look…that’s Rico, when mummy tells daddy to do something, that she already told him a million times but forgot…that’s a Rico. You see things that are not normal or odd…is Rico ! Enough about him !

I am looking more and more beautiful. Daddy tells me everyday how pretty and gorgeous I am and of course I believe everything daddy says. I know I have put on a little extra weight, but so has daddy :-) We are so like :-)))

This week has been the last week of the school holidays. Many of our fine subjects have brought in their loved instruments for my daddy, DR TOOT to service and give new life to. Mummy and daddy are always so busy, but not too busy to look after me……oh, yes and Rico.

On Friday, there was such excitement at DR TOOT. Three saxophones arrived from Japan. Daddy couldn’t wait (again!) for them to be delivered on Monday and rushed madly to the airport. When he came home he unwrapped them and there was paper and bubble wrap all over the office. Mummy was not very happy, as she had just cleaned the office….poor daddy.

Anyways, back to the saxophones, one of them was bigger than the other two. This was called a tenor sax. Mummy told me that this wasn’t just any tenor sax, but a vintage YTS61, that is over forty years old but looks so new. I hope I look as good as that when I am over forty ;-)

Within 24 hours of it arriving, mummy and daddy serviced and cleaned all the saxophones. One of saxophones didn’t stay at DR TOOT too long. It was already in the hands of another man. He had requested this saxophone and was very very pleased with it. He made a beautiful mellow sweet sound. Well done, René ;-)

Well, it’s back to normal, if it’s ever normal, from tomorrow. Daddy teaching, mummy being bossy, Rico…being Rico and I looking as beautiful and majestic as always. So, be cool at school, at work and at home !!! The days are getting longer and warmer here. Catch you in two weeks…meow ;-)

Rico – Strike Two !

2010-07-11T19:00:00.003+12:00

I’ve done it again !!! Yep, I didn’t come back home Thursday night…came home early next morning, hehehehe :-) When I got home, daddy was in the toilet and mummy was still in the bed. My big sis Zara saw me coming in from our cat door and she screamed, “Rico’s back !!! He is here !!!”. Daddy came out from the toilet and mummy jumped from the bed. They gave me lots of kisses and big hugs :-)

Beh, I don’t tell you guys where I stayed the whole night. Mummy & daddy guessed the same thing happened to me like last time. My big sis Zara thought I was so stupid…who cares ;-) Anyway I am sooooooooo happy to be at home :-))) I know that I made mummy & daddy worried again, as they told me that they searched for me everywhere or they couldn’t sleep at all.

So, I stayed at home all day on Friday. I slept on mummy & daddy’s bed in the sunshine…that was soooooooo nice ! Mummy & daddy seemed to have had lots of visitors. I could hear lots of saxophones going on. At night time, I stayed by the fire – ooohhhh, that was sooooooo warm ! The night before was so cold for me…well, I have to be more careful next time, I guess.

I wrote about my curiosity before. Now I have another curiosity…people call it CAR ! :-) If I see daddy opening a car door, I jump into the car and sniff around it, hehehehe. The other day, daddy didn’t know that I was in the car and locked the door. He forgot something in the car and came back, so I was very lucky he did and I could get out quickly….hehehehehe.

It’s been a very busy week for DR TOOT. Many repairs are done and ready to be picked up when the customers come back from their holiday. I hope it’s soon because my office is full and little room for me to play. It’s actually mummy’s and my room ;-) Zara and daddy are not always welcome here…that means you, Zara !

DR TOOT is expecting three Yamaha saxophones within a few days from Japan – one tenor and two altos. They will need mummy & daddy’s intensive care, and soon will be ready for their new homes…For me, I am happy to stay at DR TOOT forever ;-)

Who’s in charge at DR TOOT !???

2010-07-04T19:16:00.003+12:00

Is that a question ? Silly question when we all know the answer…it’s me, of course !!! I’m smarter, better looking and was here before Rico…and mummy ;-)

The start of the week began with a beautiful old solid silver Japanese Pearl flute that came in to DR TOOT, for its first service in over 30 years ! Mummy and daddy worked very hard to get this flute ready, as the gentleman needed it the next day. Waohhhhh, it was all systems go. Mummy had her head down polishing all the many little keys, while daddy got on with polishing the body and replacing some pads. The flute came in looking like Rico’s food dish and left looking as beautiful as me :-) They were so happy that as well as paying for the repair, they gave mummy and daddy a voucher to have a meal together………leaving Rico and I in charge ;-)

Later this week, an unusual clarinet arrived in a big clarinet case from Japan. Daddy was soooooo impatient and couldn’t wait for the courier to deliver at DR TOOT. He instead hopped into the TOOT mobile and off to the Airport Customs he went. I can see why daddy was so excited. Two clarinets and two clarinet mouthpieces arrived ! One of the clarinets arrived in a large clarinet case. This is because it was an A Yamaha SE Custom/Professional model - First time for DR TOOT ! A close friend and professional clarinettist came in and tried the A clarinet and was very very impressed. As well as the A clarinet, came a Yamaha YCL451 in an amazing new clarinet shoulder bag case….so cooooooool :-)))

Feathers, feathers everywhere, and not a bird to be seen. Just moments before an important visitor arrived, Rico brought in a lump of feathers from a bird that I killed in our lower estate. Typical numb nuts, trying to take all the credit for such a kill. Nice try, Rico, you cannot even kill a butterfly. Let him have his dream !

My subjects out there know that it is the start of the school holidays. Many calls of bookings for repairs/service have been made. It is not too late to book in your instruments, to be TOOTed ready for the next term :-) Don’t be late !

Tonight mummy will be listing two more clarinets on TradeMe. DR TOOT has more Yamaha alto and tenor saxophones on their way. There is such a huuuuuge demand that it is hard to try to keep up. If you are looking for a pre-loved saxophones…Be as quick as Rico eating biscuits !!! ….that’s quick ;-)

I am NOT for SALE !!!

2010-06-27T19:07:00.003+12:00

Mummy & daddy have been busy and working very hard. At DR TOOT, you can see lots of people come and go…sometimes it just like Grand Central Station. Zara normally greets you at the front of house as she is nosey and checking who is coming to our house. If you are lucky, you can see me ;-) As I am special, I don’t normally greet customers or students. Even though some people ask “Where is Rico ???” You have to be very lucky to see me, hehehehehe…. :-)))

Everyone, what my big sis Zara wrote last week was not true…I must say that Zara is the one who comes to my basket and take up all the room – Not me! She places her fatty body next to me and curls up in my basket…unbelievable ! I cannot move at all - So pushy !!!

Anyway Zara has been in a good mood this week. Because…Early this week, customers, a couple, came to see one of saxophones at DR TOOT. The gentleman saw Zara and said to daddy “Wohhh, what a beautiful cat you have !” “She has got a gorgeous face !” or “She has got lovely white socks !”…etc. Zara heard this, and I saw her walking like a Queen. I also saw the couple walk away with a pre-loved alto sax…Zara thought that the customer bought it because of her….ummmmm, scary :-)

The other day, another gentleman came to DR TOOT. He has never ever played a saxophone before, but he wanted to play. He had fallen in love with one of the saxophones. After 15 minutes, he came back with plenty of cash and left with the love of his life. Mummy and daddy are happy to see that our saxophones find good new homes. For me, of course, more food for my chubby belly…goody goody gumdrops, gumdrops :-)))

In the middle of the week, Mr Cooper (Ex-mayor of Howick), came in to pick up his mellophone. He blew it and waohhhh, what a noise !!! He seemed very happy and laughed a lot. I think at daddy :-)

Tonight my mummy will be listing three clarinets on TradeMe. Zara asked daddy to list me on TradeMe. I wasn’t very happy about that....Zara said that daddy would have to pay someone to take me. I’m insulted - Talk to the paw, Zara !