[JenB]

Hey, not everyone has to be a Tolkien scholar. We've got enough of those - we need new voices to tell us things we might overlook, and new friends who share our love of Middle-Earth. You're not really behind the curve - we've barely started on our trip! All the best stuff is still ahead of us. Hope you continue to join us.

[Overtaxed]

Tom will give you good advice, till this day is over (after that your own luck must go with you and guide you): four miles along the Road you'll come upon a village, Bree under Bree-hill, with doors looking westward. There you'll find an old inn that is called The Prancing Pony. Barliman Butterbur is the worthy keeper. There you can stay the night, and afterwards the morning will speed you upon your way. Be bold, but wary! Keep up your merry hearts, and ride to meet your fortune!

'It may be all we could wish,' said Frodo; 'but it is outside the Shire all the same. Don't make yourselves too much at home! Please remember - all of you - that the name of Baggins must NOT be mentioned. I am Mr. Underhill, if any name must be given.'

Are we there yet?

[fire and forget]

Thanks, Jen. I'll participate as I can, although I highly doubt there's much I can add to the discourse as it goes along. That said, I love Tolkien and his works dearly.

Tolkien was the epitomy of ideolist conservatism, although he was initially embraced by blind-sighted leftists who lacked the wit to understand what he was really about. It's a delight to learn that conservatives are the real Tolkien-lovers and peers. It reinforces my delight in Tolkien's works and helps me to realize why exactly I was so attracted to Tolkien earlier in my life when I discovered him.