Hi gang. I am nearing the end of my visit to Big Mick. As he said, we've seen each other a couple of times before, but we haven't really had any quality time till now. I am enjoying the company of Marylou (sp?) and Ciara and the cat, and learning lots about Irish history, band politics, and unions. And of course we've found lots of stuff to sing to each other. Mick has quite a repertoire of powerful true-story songs up his sleeve. Now I've got to find some Bill Gallaher to listen to. Thanks for your kind words about my songs, Mick.

Next stop is Seattle - the bus doesn't go to Alaska, so Alaska Mike is coming to me instead. And I will visit again Deckman and Bride Judy, who are some of my favourite people.

Love, Marion (Gun Lake, Michigan)

Why 12th Fret is better than Elderly:

1. I can walk to 12th Fret from my place a lot faster than you can drive to Elderly from your place.

2. The Taylor 314 I purchased at 12th Fret is way better looking than the equivalent model displayed at Elderly.

3. There are fewer instruments at 12th Fret, so there is less sympathetic vibration when you try an instrument, and therefore you get a less misleading impression of the instrument's voice.

4. Laskins.

5. 12th Fret is half a block from a wonderful little Ethiopian restaurant.   Again, you have to drive if you're going to combine a trip to Elderly with a trip to the Tuba Museum restaurant.

6. 12th Fret doesn't carry string instruments, so there's nothing to distract your focus from playing with the guitars.

7. At 12th Fret a lot of the instruments are displayed too high for me to reach and I have to ask for help. This creates a conversation-opening opportunity, allowing me to network with other musicians (the tall ones, anyway).