Alice, I too dug back in the archives and this one was dated 11-28-98. It was this E-mail that I made reference to in my earlier post. You can see the words of encouragement that come not from someone trying to sell you something, but from the heart of one who really believes what she says.

Dear Ray, We, my husband and I, have been away from home for several weeks, finding your good letter upon our return. Good news that you have conquered the dulcimer- yes, it's MUCH easier to plan than guitar or banjo... one CAN make it very complicated, but playing the easy way sounds just as good to me. Keep at it- when you get really confident on the dulcimer, the banjo just may be a lot easier!

All the best
Jean Ritchie

How right she was!!!