After two and a half years of independant thread topic thinking, I find that once a week someone here says something in another discussion that (to me) cries out for it's own little corner of Mudcat. I hope this one does.

Although I'd spoken to them briefly on the phone, meeting Heather's parents in person was quite traumatic for me...for the following reasons:

1. We'd already decided to get married, so if they DID have objections, it would have made for an awkward situation.

2. They live in Glasgow, and speak sort of the way that Little John Cameron WRITES! They may have had some trouble understanding my Canadian accent, 'cause for a while her Mother thought I was a JEWELER! (rather than a folksinger!!)

3. The wedding was set for three days afer we'd arrived in Scotland, so I didn't have much time to charm them into thinking that I actually had PROSPECTS! During the plane ride over, I removed my earring, put on a tie, re-combed my new haircut, and memorized four generations of Fielding family accomplishments, including University degrees, service in Public office, total absence of jail time, and in general, an exemplary family tree. Everything to disguise the fact that THIS leaf had fallen FAR from it's original roots.

4. Oh, perhaps most intimidating was the knowledge that my future sister AND brother-in-law were both COPS! Decided to downplay my leftist politics and picket-line activities.

"The big meeting"

I wasn't dripping with sweat upon leaving the plane, but I WOULD have been more comfortable with a guitar in hand. No need to have worried at all though. Tom and Joan Docherty (with sister Linda) welcomed me with big smiles.......and within about an hour, the wedding was just something that was going to happen in between Fish and Chips, Indian food, and visits to gretna green. My big discussion with her Dad (can I retroactively have your daughter's hand...?) took 25 seconds. Tom said "If yerrr guid enough frae oor Heather, yerr guid enough frae oos!" At first I was a bit hurt that he showed no interest in my plans, my family, my politics or religion (THAT would have been interesting!) but I was later told by Heather's sister "Oh no, he would have thought it was RUDE to ask personal questions!"

Meeting the folks for the first time ended up being a perfectly positive memory, but I know it doesn't ALWAYS work out that way. Anything to share?

Rick (happy New Year Folks)