it seems my fingers did the walking on my keyboard and it disappeared. If it shows up I'll be surprised, but in any case, thank you so much for the welcome. Not only do I feel welcome, I feel at home.

I work at Norwich University which is a private military university that also has a traditional student population (civillian). 3/4 of the students wear uniforms and the all of the faculty. I'm an IT guy (how I fell into that I don't know) and have been here about 12 years. Recently a dress code for the non-uniform wearing staff was adopted and it's business casual unless a university function requires more formality. I dress in the kilt, white shirt, tie or not, vest or not, kilt hose and flashes and appropriate footwear(Hushpuppies - I think it's great how no one hears you walk down the hallways). So I'm actually more formally dressed than 95% of the staff on any given day. I hope my request for an exception to the code is granted. I don't like to make waves, but if it's not granted, I will contemplate appealing to the President. I'm not sure how that would go, but I'll cross that bridge or not if and when I come to it.

So far my biggest concern is trying to find the best way to sit down too prevent too much wrinkling. My kilts are poly viscos right now and I touch them up every morning or the evening before, but I can't see myself from behind (I don't know anyone who would want to) and don't know what's what till I get home at night.

I type more than I talk. Sorry 'bout that. Hello to all of you and a question for Shelia - What part of SC? We used to go down twice a year to Columbia (Richlands actually) to visit the in-laws. I visited the Columbia Fire Dept while there and took a tour of their musuem. I like the people I have met down in SC. New England is not specifically known for being friendly untill they get to know you, for which most people don't have the time these days.

Thanks again all!