Hello Everyone 
I started taking mandolin lessons on August 21, 2007 and I am doing well with them. I start taking pennywhistle lessons on April 4th as my secondary instrument.
So far I have a Waltons D nickle, OAK D nickle, and I just sent for a Susato instrument set (one head 3 bodies) D, C, and Bb.
Hi. Welcome to the board. I’ve only played for about a year, but have found this site to be immensely helpful. If you’ve been learning mandolin, then you’re way ahead of the game since you probably already have a strong feel for Irish trad music. There’s lots of great advice here, though. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Hi Bill
Thanks.
My teacher is in an Irish band.
A few of the songs that I’m learning on the mandolin now are Harvest Home and The Boys of Bluehill.
The two songs I,ve been trying on my whistles are Carnival of Venice and Blow The Man Down.
Welcome pickinduck!
I see you’re already starting your whistle collection. It’ll never end you know, there will always be one more whistle you’ll need. Part of the fun.
The C&F is definitely the best place on the web for your whistle needs.
Welcome! Take good care of your Oak. It’s a well-liked whistle by many trad players, and you may have it for a long time. The Susato set is good to have, too.
Welcome! I learned a lot on C and F. It’s almost as good as having a personal teacher.
The whistle is the best stress buster I have ever seen. Stick around!
Welcome to the madness of whistledom!
Welcome. I agree with riverman - I forget everything when I’m whistling! It is excellent for relaxing! And great fun. Enjoy it.
Be welcome here!
Sounds like you’re off to a good start.
I agree with MTGuru on the Oak, by the way–Oaks are very nice.
–James
Welcome!!
A Susato set, eh? That’s great, you’ll be very happy with it.
quack!
Hi and welcome (from one newbie duck to another).
How are the family, friends, neighbors, and pets taking to your whistle?
Keep a whistle in your car, purse, backpack, any place handy where you may have to wait.
Thanks everyone
I take care of my Mother who had a stroke and can’t do anything for her self. We reside in a basement handicap apartment. I don’t get very much me time at all. After I put my Mother to bed but before it gets to late I get to practice my mandolin for about a half hour or so. I have been and will try to practice my whistle during the day when I can.
I too welcome you to the forum. I think you’ll find it very useful - and sometimes entertaining
I agree with Riverman that the whistle is a great stress reliever - It’s just a little bit of pure enjoyment.
All the best with your Mum
I hope your Mom enjoys the mandolin and the whistle. My mom went deaf before I learned how to play the whistle. When she came to visit and I played it, she said it was the first thing she heard in years.
My mom likes being deaf, she doesn’t have to listen to anyone any more. I hope your Mom and you are able to make the best of your situation.
Thanks
There is a lot of conflicked every time I plan and try to do something.
Like today.
Today isn’t going very well 
pickinduck…
I, too, have been taking care of somebody with a severe physical situation, for about a half year now. I’m well aware of the strain and stress and incredible amount of time and energy this takes!!! 24/7!
The folks here know what a stress-buster whistling (playing music) can be…and I can vouch for this. Over the months, I’ve taken breaks as much a possible, and just whistled like there’s no tomarrow. Believe me, it has an “uplifting” effect. Charges your battery. Brightens your day!
Power to you, my friend. One day at a time, eh? MUSIC!