For lack of a clean plunger
“Dad, do we have an unused plunger anywhere?” I can honestly say that I never expected to hear those words from my 15 year old daughter. Let alone first thing in the morning. But since it was out there I bit. “Why?” And the rest of the conversation made perfect sense. My daughter plays the trumpet. For some of you, that’s enough explanation. For others, let me explain. The rubber part of a simple plunger can be use when you play a trumpet like a wa wa pedal for a guitar. Since early jazz trumpeters started the practice, it’s become a traditional part of a trumpet players equipment.
So that evening it was off to Wal-Mart to find a plunger. We found the aisle, found the needed product, & I was immediately struck by 2 things. 1 - $2.19 for such an incredibly useful instrument is one of the great bargins in the world. 2 - the plunger & the wooden rod for it were not connected. They’re sold as a set, but with some assembly required.
So after plunking down the change for our purchase, we both walked happily back to my truck. Her with her newly acquired useful piece of musical history & me with a good strong stick to whack her with just for fun. Now that’s a win/win situation.