My great-grandmother, Mabel Martin, whom I called “Granny,” was a big part of my early life, for which I am very thankful.  She was a piano teacher and to her I owe much of the limited ability I do have to appreciate music. When I was about 5 or 6 she came to live with us for awhile, but soon went to live in the nursing home near Live Oak and Congress.  There, I think she flourished, at least as best as could be expected, as I remember her being very active.  She was even named “queen” of the nursing home and went on to compete against other “nursing home queens,” showcasing her piano playing skills.  Above is a not-so-great Polaroid picture of her being congratulated by none other than Cactus Pryor, a living legend in Austin as a radio and TV personality.