On The Outside of the Envelope

‘When you hug someone, you learn something else about them.’--E.I. Konigsburg, in the 1967 book, FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E FRANKWEILER 

Cousin Linda Tafoya-Korenke sent a CLASS OF 1998 High School announcement for her son, Adam Shane Korenke. He’s graduating on June 2nd at SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Who knew there was another SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL—just like the one in Oakland where my college pal, Patricia Shikuzawa, graduated from in 1977 (and actor Tom Hanks in 1974). It made me realize that Alan’s daughter, Lauren, and Adam are the same age. Lauren graduates this month from Santa Monica High School. 

Adam Korenke was quick to the switch with a THANK YOU card for me:  

Dear Michael, 

Thank you very much for the fifty dollars and the great books. I have read the small one already. It feels great to know that I have family that really cares about me. I will use the money towards my first semester of college tuition. 

Thanks Again, 

Adam Korenke  PS: I'll keep in touch! 

Birda sent a sweet card this week. I really loved it. She made me laugh. I wonder if she will be able to wear the bike shorts in one year's time. It will take diligence and priority to GET ON THAT BIKE to make it happen. She wrote from her Park Avenue address in Alameda: 

June 5, 1998 

Michael, 

Thank you for the gifts you sent with your mom. It was a surprise to see her. I know it has been a while since you have seen me, and it is not that I don’t appreciate the shorts, but I will have to ride my bike for a year before I can wear that size. Yes, I have gained weight. I blame Bill. He doesn't ride, so I have turned into a couch potato. I know it is my fault but who wants to admit that? I have planned on making it a New Year’s resolution and I hope this year it works. 

The note cards are perfect. This is my first attempt at using a computer with this type of card. You get the first experiment. 

I finally have an e-mail. I tried to send you a message, but it came back with the wrong address. I’m not real good at sending yet. My address is birdabing@ juno.com. If you send a message, I will be able to return it with the right address. I tried both your work and home but neither went through. 

Well, I hope you had a Merry Christmas and Your New Year is fantastic—even if it’s already June. Ours was and is great. Take Care. Write and send an e-mail soon. Just because I have e-mail doesn’t mean you can’t send postcards. 

Always, 

Birda 

My niece, Holly, also wrote from her Magnolia Drive address in Alameda. It was a belated Birthday treat. She used a card I sent her and a cool DKNY HOLLYWOOD postcard, too. 

June 6, 1998 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

Hey! How’s things going? Well, not that well? One of my best friends is moving. And something great: School’s out in 6 more days.  

This Saturday I’m playing against the Reds. My last game my team lost 4 to 13. Swimming is soon. Thanks for all the stuff you sent me. They’re great. When school gets out, I think we’re going to Tahoe. See you in a few weeks. Bye. Love You. 

From, 

Holly Armijo 

I love it when someone writes a brief note on the outside of the envelope. Holly wrote on outside the envelope in pencil: ‘And Happy Birthday UNCLE MIKE A.’ 

“All right, kid, should we call it a day?” --a phrase, Apple Co-Founder, Steve Jobs used often to his eldest daughter as noted in the book SMALL FRY by Lisa Brennan-Jobs