From Our Penpal Lilibet

While we were in Hawaii, we got another letter from our British penpal Lilibet. The last time she sent us a note was just after her 80th birthday. This one is in response to her more recent travels.


Our letter from our English penpal. (07/13/2007)

The letter says:

The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your letter.

Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh much enjoyed coming to America in May and were touched by the warm welcome they received everywhere they went.

The Queen much appreciates your kind words of support and good wishes and I am to thank you once again for writing as you did.

Your sincerely,

Jennifer Gordon Lennox, Lady-in-Waiting

Look What the Mailman Delivered

Look what came in today's mail. A letter from British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who steps down as Prime Minister in exactly two weeks.


A quick missive from 10 Downing Street. (06/13/07)

The letter says simply:

Thank you for taking the time to write. It has been an enormous honour to serve as Prime Minister for the last decade. I appreciate your kind words. — Tony Blair

A Surprise in the Mail

I was quite surprised to come home and find a letter from Buckingham Palace in the mail.


My letter from Queen Elizabeth II. (08/06)

The letter said:

The Queen thanks you for the kind message of good wishes which you have sent to her on the occasion of her eightieth birthday.

Her Majesty has been very touched by the response to her special birthday and much appreciates your thought for her at this time.

The Queen hopes you will understand that, because of the enormous number ofletters, cards and messages she has received, it has not been posible to write to you until now.

August 2006

A Smile in the Mail

My condolence card must have finaly made it to the Cochran family, since today I received my eagerly-awaited response (the postman must be working overtime this week).

It arrived in a hand-addressed envelope. "Who was it from?" I wondered, looking at the Los Angeles return address. But when I saw the picture of a smiling Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., my spirits were lifted.


"If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." — Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Esq. 1937-2005. (06/07/05)

On the inside is a printed passage that says:

The Cochran Family deeply appreciates and gratfully acknowledges your kind expressions of love, your prayers and your support during this time of sorrow.

You have provided balm for our spirits, strength for our souls, and you have uplifted our hearts. Your gifts are evidence of the bountiful "legacy of love" which was also the essence of Johnnie. It is wonderful to know that not only was he a light in our lives, but in yours as well.

The family of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.

Arrived in the Mail

Like everyone else reading this, I too sent a sympathy card to the Monaguesque Royal Family after I learned of the passing of Prince Rainier, the longest-ruling European monarch. And yesterday, I received a response from the Consulate General of Monaco.


It's always nice to get a letter in the mail. (06/04/05)

The letter says:

May 26, 2005

Dear James,

On April 6, 2005, His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III of Monaco passed away at the age of 81. In His 56 year long reign, He transformed His nation from a quiet seaside resort to a modern independent state. In a fairy-tale wedding, Prince Rainier married Philadelphia-born movie star Grace Kelly in 1956 and found a place in the heart of millions of Americans.

The outpouring of messages of support for the Princely Family has been exceptional. We would like to acknowledge receipt of your letter and extend to you our thanks for your very thoughtful words and condolences. We would also like to inform you that your correspondence has been sent to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II’s personal office in Monaco.

With charisma and vision, Prince Rainier led Monaco through the 20th century. We now look forward to Prince Albert’s leadership to guide the Principality into the 21st century, continuing on the path of development started by His Father and adding His own modern vision.

Sincerely,
Consulate General of Monaco

P.S.: Make sure to visit www.monaco-consulate.com and www.visitmonaco.com for the latest news and events from the Principality of Monaco.

Our Pals Chuck & Cammy

We got a letter from a couple of friends today. You might have heard of them. Charles, The Prince of Wales and Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall! :)


It's always nice to get a letter in the mail from friends. (05/22/05)

Actually it's a basic form letter in response to the wedding card I sent them last month. It says:

16th May, 2005

Dear James,

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have asked me to thank you for your card of 9th April.

Their Royal Highnesses have been overwhelmed by the incredibly kind letters and cards they have received in connection with their marriage, and they were immensely touched that you should take the trouble to write as you did. Your words were greatly appreciated and they have asked me to send you their warmest thanks and best wishes.

Your sincerely,
Mrs. Claudia Holloway

We're Expecting a Response Any Day Now

As I'm sure most of you did, we too wrote some support letters to Martha Stewart during her recent prison term. (Although Tim would probably want me to point out that I was the one who wrote to Martha and signed both our names. He simply saw it as just another one of my hairbrained ideas).


My responses from Martha Stewart.

And this week we received a response! Actually a couple of them. They're basic 4x6 postcards with the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia logo, and they say...

Dear Friend:

Thank you for writing to Martha Stewart.

While at Alderson, Martha has been receiving many thousands of encouraging letters from supporters like you. She is extremely grateful for your kind thoughts and good wishes.

Due to the heavy mail volume, Martha regrets that she does not have the opportunity to read your correspondence while at Alderson. All letters and cards have been kept for Martha's return.

On behalf of Martha Stewart and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, we thank you for your continued support.