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Hello, Elle!
I thought Alma was super!
I loved her diction and command of the language!
I don't think she has ever been to school (not certain though).
BB could not have a better role model than Nicola Benedetti.
She loves teaching the young ones and tells them to look upon her not as a teacher, but a big sister!
Anything of interest here?

https://www.classicfm.com/artists/nicola-benedetti/nicola-benedetti-new-video-series/

Update, Elle!
Big sister!
https://www.nicolabenedetti.co.uk/blog/big-sister-at-sistema-scotland/

Hi, Rusty!
Nicola is certainly very good with the young ones.
I know nothing about positioning the violin, as I do not play the instrument.....yet I found myself attempting to hold an imaginary violin, and work out where my fingers and hand should be.
So I should think that a keen youngster would love to follow her instructions.
I shall forward the clips to my elder daughter, so that she can show them to our grandson.
Not BB, though, but the eldest grandchild, who lives in the Midlands.
BB has a piano keyboard and a guitar!
But his heart is in his precious football, and playing tennis!

Good morning, Elle!
A bit dull but dry here.
Sorry for getting muxed ip with your grandchildren!
I'll try and keep up in future!
I remember Nicola saying she has permanent bruising under her chin through holding her violin.
I think she is great, for she plays in concerts all over the world and still finds time to help the young ones.
A "big sister" indeed!
She plays in a trio, too, and I think her boyfriend plays cello in it.
I am not long home.
Had a quick look at my puzzle but nothing jumped out at me!

Good morning, Rusty!
Bright sunshine , blue sky, but chilly, here
Great walking weather.
I am only just home.
I took the dog out early as usual, and then went to the vets for the dog's anal gland check, and expression of "gunge".
All well, so no need, hopefully, to go again with the dog for another two months.
But we shall have to pop over with the cat sometime in March, as his booster vaccinations will be due.
Rounding up the cat and putting him in his carrier will be fun......not!
I need a coffee..........

Hi, Rusty!
I have just returned from my third venture out.
I am certainly getting plenty of fresh air and exercise today!
But I am home to stay now!
I have had a go at the crossword, but am finding it quite difficult today.
There are a number of clues for which I cannot not find an answer.
How did you get with the puzzle?
I know you enjoy a challenge.....but today's was over my head!
And I still haven't completed The Times Monthly.......about a quarter still to do!

Hello, Elle!
I was along the Nature Trail today.
Lots of snowdrops!
I liked the puzzle.
It was a tester!
23d, is a new word to me.
I do not like the clue at 11a, and I doubt if overseas solvers will appreciate it, too.
And I am a bit unsure if 22a is a reasonable clue or not.
That is, if I have the correct answer!
It has been a fine afternoon here, but windy.

Hi, Rusty!
I haven't yet seen a snowdrop this year.....
We have crocuses and daffodils out in the garden, though.
I love yellow flowers! They are so bright and cheerful,
Altogether, there are about eight or nine clues in today's crossword that I have not been able to solve!
Of the ones that you mention, I can do neither 11a nor 23d.
I thought 22a was okay, though?
I have "Isaac" = "designated victim" (def)
( Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac)
"ISA" and "Ac" are the two places to save.
Is this what you have?
We are late having dinner......

Good evening, Elle!
Thousands of snowdrops here!
Yes, but are ISA and Ac places?
That was perturbing me, but I suppose "places to save" just about does it.
11a is a French word, Elle, for love/close relationship.
23, I have not looked up, but you need a word meaning "pamper" with one of its middle letters missing, to give the "group".
I have not heard of this group.
Just discovered that Abe Lincoln was America's tallest president.
He was 6ft 4ins.
Did not know that!
Lyndon Johnson was second tallest at 6ft 3 and a half ins.
I liked LBJ !
Trump is third tallest.

Hi, Rusty!
Uhm...11a must be "amour" then?
I had wondered about that, but rejected it on the grounds that I did not see why "British" should be "our"?
Surely a very "loose" terminology?
23d: "cos(s)et" - it isn't in Collins but IS in Chambers!
I think I have vaguely heard of it.
No, today's puzzle was far too hard for me!
I do not know the heights of any of America's presidents!
I am definitely going to end up the smallest in our immediate family.
My eldest grandson (the violinist) at 11, is already three inches taller than I am!