Could someone with blue-clicky fingers move this saga to a fresher page? Thanks!

Sent Allan and Bill off a couple of hours ago, sigh... it was hard to let them go after so brief a stay! But so sweet. When they walked in the door of my little shop, I finally believed!

We had a peaceful, small gathering, they got a brief tour of our little town, played and sang a few, we exchanged some gifts, and they're off. I too, am the proud owner of a Mudcat pin with my name on it! Thank you.

Wish it could have been longer, but it sure was nice to see 'em. I pass them off to the next stop, wishing I could have towed along!

Some random thoughts:

Bill's leather carving is absolutely gorgeous - I can't believe my banjo has gone strapless for so long! I'm going to start saving my money...

Translation wasn't technically necessary, though between my poor hearing and Bill's accent (or is it WE who have the accent?) we missed a few beats: it was a TOMATO sandwich the poor man was after! He finally got it, though.

Allan sang a wonderful funeral song, and I joined in, promising to keep his grave clean ;)

We all exchanged some tea rituals: Allan his mate, Bill extolling virtues of Yorkshire tea, and then politely drinking a glass of 'tay' North Carolina style (iced and sweet).

Allan and I took pictures of each other taking pictures of each other, looking like complete tourists.

More later: looking forward to reports from farther along the road!

Here's a glass to the 'cat, and to Max, and the new friends they have made for us.

Dani