Goodness, I wasn't expecting a response from so many quarters! (I'm blushing now!) Oaklet, all is forgiven... I was *most* impressed and gratified by your total and flawless recall of all the words ;-), and your comment about Buena Vista Sudios made me laugh out loud! (my husband always has to come find out what I'm reading when that happens.)

Now, down to brass tacks: the offer from Buena Vista *sounds* good, but I'm a bit wary -- have they said who they have in mind to play the whelks? After all, that's really the *most* important part(s)...

Wilfried, how would you feel about playing a whelk? (Remember, there are no "small parts", only small actors.)

Susanne, thanks for your kind words as well, and you're right about Wilfried's poem/lullabye -- a sterling effort! (If I could produce something *half* as good in German, I would be absolutely delighted!)

Cheers,

YY