Randal Bays

It’s usually (no, make that always) Tucker who brings something for “Show and Tell” on Friday nights.  Yesterday was no exception and I will be telling about it with enthusiasm – but maybe not until tomorrow.  Last night, in addition to Tucker’s contribution to the evening, Randal treated us to a different spin on the usual sharing.  It was, appropriately, “Hear and Tell.”

Mom Waltzing With Roger at her 95th Birthday Celebration

The Bays Family – Randal, Susan, Willie, and Owen – arrived yesterday afternoon, well ahead of tomorrow’s Vesper gig and in plenty of time to enjoy the beach and all the quirks of Oysterville that they have come to know after an accumulated 88 years of visiting here!  They especially wanted to be here last night to renew old acquaintances and meet whoever else might show up.

General Nyel and The Cannon

About halfway through the evening, Randal disappeared for a few minutes and came back with his fiddle and an old notebook.  He said that he had awakened about 4:30 that morning and, as he sometimes does, was thumbing through some old tunes he had written.  He came across one called “Mrs. Little’s Waltz,” written for my mother back in the ’80s or ’90s.  “I played it for her then,” Randal said, “but I don’t think she much liked it.  She didn’t say anything about it … just got up and poured herself another drink, I think.” The tune was charming – sprightly like Mom, herself.  I can’t imagine that she didn’t like it and I hope she was listening from on high last night!

“Lady Sydney” and Nyel, Oysterville Sesquicentennial

But… as if that wasn’t enough, Randal went on to play two new tunes – “Nyel, the Cannoneer” (a jig) and “The Lady Sydney” (a reel).  Both Nyel and I were blown away.  But, I don’t know if we conveyed our appreciation and admiration vociferously enough.  I hope so.  And, I hope he doesn’t tell another audience, later, that we didn’t like them. One thing in our favor… neither of us got up to pour ourselves a drink!

I’m hoping he might play those three tunes at Vespers tomorrow – just for fun!  I think I’ll suggest it…