Well, here I am back home sitting at my own computer slightly jet lagged. The trip home was uneventfull except for the sometimes heated discussions with Air France officials on both sides of the Atlantic. In DC they decided that my banjo was too large to go as cabin lugggage and suggested I check it in. I, of course refused giving examples of other airlines who allowed me to cary it in their overhead bins. Eventually they relented. The transatlantic flight was, as usual, pleasant and long and boring but it only took six and a half hours before touchdown in Paris France. Now as most of you who have met me will know, my love of all things French leaves a lot to be desired, even more so now. I was expecting a four hour stop over in Paris before my connecting flight back to England, well this was extended to eight hours due to delays because of a little light rain. But after a series of debates with Air France and Airport personell, which was mostly one sided as I could not understand most of what they were saying, (probably just as well;) I finally managed to give them a wealth of usefull information as to how to run; 1, their airline, 2, their telephone system and 3, their country. After one or two reminders of the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo, and Lord Nelson at Trafalgar I think they probably understood that I was not happy with their service. In the end I was forced to give them information as to where to stick; 1, their airline, 2, their telephone system and 3, their country, and left feeling cheerful and glorious as Wellington must have felt and flew off to Old England landing in sunshine for a change, where my son Andrew was waiting to meet me. I want to thank all you catters in the US for making my stay such a pleasant one especally Allan who was a great host and looked after me so well. I hope to repeat his hospitality next year when he comes across for the UK version of the Great Mudcat Adventure or as we like to call it the Sables and Clark Expedition. I will try to send you all personal messages after the jet lag gets better. Cheers Bill