I've completed all of the construction of "Opossum in a Pear Tree" since my last post, and I'll be finishing up the accessories in the next day or so. After being satisfied with the possum head, I then attached the neck to the rib/top assembly. Next I carved the back and then glued it to the rib/top/neck assembly, thus completing the violin body. After rasping and sanding the back's overhang, I then dug out the purfling groove, installed the purfling, and then completed the channeling and final smoothing of the back. Final sanding was next, and then the staining. So far I am pleased with everything. The fingerboard and nut, tail piece, and chinrest are all done, leaving only tuning pegs, tail pin and bridge to be completed, and I must say the pear wood is a pleasure to carve. I hope you like the sneak peak,