August 1985

Dear Mom,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I hope you will enjoy this box from Sorrento. I could not think of how you might use it, but I thought it was so pretty, anyway.

The comb is from Scotland. "Frae Bonnie" means "from beautiful." I cannot remember seeing Freda spelled this way on anything before.

The slate with an owl on it is from England. We bought it in Scotland. It is supposed to be a coaster. I have one similar to it beside my computer.

I hope this reaches you before your birthday. I hope you have a pleasant birthday.

I have finally reached an age where I can understand why one wishes he could forget about birthdays. However, someone always reminds you that you are getting older.

You still seem young to me. Have a happy day.

Lots of Love,

Michael