Sorry I've been away so long, MOM, but I see you had a couple of strangers wander up on the porch while I was away. I hope the dogs didn't lick them to death as they greeted them.

Moonglow came to town so we went out to spend a lot of money. I had spent about $100 for a push mower for her yard in her college town house (where the neighborhood assn. fines them if they don't keep the grass mowed). Then I found one for $10 at a garage sale, 20 years old and going strong. So I took the new one back. But the glasses, the eye exam, and the upgraded phone all add up. MOM, don't ever get a cell phone. Just sit on the porch and greet all passers-by. It's the best way.

Congratulations on your book truck, Rap. Will it have a motor, or are you simply pushing a book cart up and down the street with a few books on it?