The Jailhouse

[Poet]

Well, it's good to know you survived the shopping trip. I agree, Christmas shopping with the spouse is no fun. I get very cranky from the crowds and my husband, who's a big strong boatbuilder, acts as though he's dying of consumption after the first hour, collapsing into every chair he sees and muttering about getting a beer.

I'll bet you didn't know I'm an accomplished cook. Got my Cordon Bleu certification in Italian cuisine last fall in Firenze, my favorite city in Europe. Though the things they do with tripe there make my skin crawl. I actually saw a street vendor selling tripe sandwiches late one afternoon.

I see you're willing to let up on me and I'm glad for it. To be honest, I cracked up at being described as a pig in Army boots. Think leonine, think heels. -g