Thank you ClaireBear. Yes, I too think of folkies as one huge extended family. And there are lots of old friends I hope to meet some day.

Today Wakana and I fly to Japan. This evening we will be in Tokyo. Tomorrow we go to the United States Embassy to get a paper signed and sealed and do some visiting and sightseeing. Then, day after tomorrow, we head for her home town to MEET THE PARENTS!

I am quite nervous about this. After her mother's initial reaction I find myself wondering how her father will react to my size and beard. We have been laughing about it between ourselves.

Wish me luck.