Issue 20 marks not only the end of an era for Archipelago (see VC 20 John 31), but also THE major turning point in my life. Finally, after decades of searching, after adventures both comic and tragic, I have found the woman I will marry! For the story of how I fell in love, see VC 20 John 3. Other cards in this issue include a complete transcript of our first date, two cards written by Betsy, an account of Betsy's visit to Montana last week, and the tale of our pursuit and capture of three golden rings.

It all happened rather suddenly. When I launched issue 19 a few short months ago, I never would have guessed the wonders which would unfold in issue 20. I turned a corner and there she was! Before I knew what hit me I was buying engagement rings and hunting for a job in a city 1300 miles from Canyon Creek!

Life is strange. The wheel of fortune rises and falls to a rhythm beyond the ken of mortal man. Sometimes we seem to be stuck, often for years at a time, as if we had been mislaid and forgotten by the higher powers. And then, in the blink of an eye, everything changes.

My greatest comfort in this time of upheaval is that deep in my heart I am absolutely sure I am doing the right thing. Betsy is everything I've been hoping for all these years, and more. Miraculously, she seems to feel the same way about me. We are both ready to start a new life together.

I am grateful that Archipelago was in place to record what I was like in the last few years of my bachelorhood. And now I hope to document our life together from its very inception. And best of all, my dearest friends are here to witness and to share!

An now, onward! A new world unfolds! Goodbye Canyon Creek! California Here I Come!