Anyone who knew me in 2011 or before knows John and I had a cute chihuahua named Willow.

Willow was named for Leslie Raber’s beautiful tune, “Willow Waltz.”

And if you knew me when Les was living, you know he and I shared a beautiful friendship.

Les was a marvelous Michigan musician/fiddler who friended us and became like a father to me. Les and Rosemary and John and I enjoyed lots of wonderful times. Les was recognized by the Smithsonian Institute and his fiddle playing was recorded for their archives. He was also named a “Michigan Treasure” by the state legislature. But to me he was more than that. He was a close friend who confided in me, honored me with his friendship, and shared a lot of his life with me. When we got our puppy, Willow, I asked Les if I could name my new puppy “Willow Waltz.” His response: “I’d be honored.”

Les had also written another lovely waltz, “Sophrinia.” That tune is more popular than almost any tune played by Michigan’s old-time dulcimer players. It seems appropriate to name my new doggy, Sophrinia and for short, call her Sophie.

Last week I called Les’s daughter, Judy. I explained that I was thinking about naming my new puppy Sophrinia. Her answer matched her father’s. She said, “It would be an honor.”

Here you can see Les’s lovely tune, “Sophrinia” and even play the music from this link at the top where the small notes are shown. http://www.dulcimers.com/tunes/sophrina.html On my computer, it downloads and I have to re-click on the midi file title at the bottom of my screen to have it pay the music.

I am sure I’ll enjoy Sophie, and I’m going to start playing John’s harp again. When I do, one of the first tunes I’ll learn to play is “Sophrinia.”

You’ll find me posting lots of Sophie photos. I’m sure she’ll be very important in my life.