What I would say if this was being written snail mail style

Dear Mamacita and Papa-san,

It's been too long since you heard from me, blah blah blah fishcakes. Feel free we're all still alive and kicking (except I'm not really kicking that much because on Labor Day I fell in a hole in the backyard and twisted my bum ankle but good. It still hurts, btw).

You'll be happy to know I'm cooking more, so Jaws is complaining less about me not cooking. The new Publix has opened up and it's like a dream in there, except I spend a lot of time wandering around trying to find everything since the layout is completely different from the old Publix. Is it wrong that I am SO EXCITED about the new Publix? Because it is, I don't want to be right.

Can you believe Madeline is 12 now?? We had a low-key lunch on Sunday (cheese toasties and chocolate chip cheesecake by her request). Her "real" party is this Friday night, when friends are coming over for dinner and a sleepover. I bribed her into having a smaller party. I offered her the cash we would have spent on a HUGE-ish party along with a smaller party. She thought about it for about five seconds and said she'd take the small party and the $$$. Smart girl. I hope she's this sensible when it comes time for a wedding.

Isabella is doing guitar lesson through the school like Madeline did last year. She's been feeling very overwhelmed with 5th grade, and frankly so have I. But we're only a month into school, so I'm sure we'll be on track soon. I hope.

Preschool is a hoot this year. Smaller class (only 9 five days a week, and 5 three days a week) which is great, but with the exception of two, they all *just* turned four. To say that this is a young class is an understatement. I have a feeling that it will feel like an uphill struggle all year, then in the spring it will fee l like a great accomplishment when we look back and see how far they've come.

No eggs from the chickens yet. Sometimes I walk out to the chicken condo and yell, "LAY, DAMN YOU!!" I'm sure it helps.

Lately I've realized that I am much happy when I have something special to look forward to. Last year it was the U2 concert. Sadly, there is nothing that awesome to look forward to on the horizon. Must rectify the situation.

How are things on the homestead? Have your hemorrhoids cleared up yet? What about Pa's prostate and goiter?? You should make a trip over soon. We miss seeing your faces. (Although I can do without the pics of the hemorrhoids.)

Love to you all.