Thank you to all for the good wishes. I truly wish each of you could share in the experience, but will try to write a bit of my thoughts.
The mailman dropped off the regular bills and junk, and told my wife that he would have a package I needed to sign for. (Oh, boy, I know what
that is.)
Then he disappeared on his rounds for an hour.:grumpy:
Finally he returned, staggering up the walk - not with the customary triangular box, but a big square one, a foot on each side and almost as tall as he was (
OhBoyOhBoy, scribble name, wrestle the box inside). Big letters: "Please be careful-FRAGILE" (
OhBoyOhBoy). Box is taped and GLUED SHUT (
Aaargh!). Okay, two triangular boxes inside three flat triangular boxes inside the big box (
Puff, pant). BIG newspaper wrapped package with lots of tape (
slice, tear). A foam sword bag fastened with half a dozen strips of fabric tied with bows (I think this may be it...)..................
To Yangdu and all who crafted this beautiful sword, to the postal inspector who saved it, to all the forum friends who chipped in for a chance and helped make life a little easier for the kamis - Thank you. I'll try to take care of it for you all, in honor of Uncle Bill.