Don't overlook that note under Myths -- Elders have powers against the devil and witches! And clearly staying power against geets, I mean gits, I mean unwelcome guests.

I think that Pinkfiddle and Sinsull BOTH deserve medals for getting MAs. I was working on one (in Classics, mostly Latin lit) but finally gave up, decided I really didn't have the energy or the fire in the belly, or whatever it was going to require. (I was 50ish when I started it, 52 now.) I still have one paper to finish up and then I'm out of Academia. These high achievers really impress me and deserve high praises, much credit. Brava, Bravo.

Pinkfiddle, I haven't been here long, myself, but if folk music is really a strong interest and an important piece of your life, don't leave. This place has value for you. It would be like giving up a career around horses because of a particularly obnoxious fly. Here's the thing to remember about people who are talking about you, whether for good or bad: sooner or later they stop. That's really all you need to know about them.