that has got to be the greatest hello I have ever had on ANY forum, you guys are terrific. I am still working on my basic chords, trying to toughen up my fingertips and train my fingers to find the chords without me looking all the time. I don't use a pick yet, but I do have a set of really nice finger picks that I have been trying out.
As far as Bluegrass bands, the first ones that come to mind are Alison Krauss and Union Station (seen them 3 times), and Nickel Creek (Alison Krauss is their producer). I admire the work of any good guitarist though, regardless of style. Pete Townshend, Steve Vai, Ry Cooder, Joe Satriani, Earl Klugh, all of them. I just felt that it was time to learn, and it seemed like a perfect way to de-stress.

Anyway folks, thanks for the great welcome, and I will be talking with you soon.