Andy Smallman

Dear Celeste,

As you know, my oldest brother’s name is Scott. What you might not now is that his partner, Sally, has Dickinson as her last name. Last summer, back before you and your mom arrived in Seattle, Melinda and I spent time in the surplus store at the University of Washington. There, they have all sorts of things the university is discarding. They put these things up for sale, first to nonprofit organizations (like PSCS) and then to the general public. You might recall that we got Théo a UW jersey at this time, and one for you, too, if I remember correctly.

Anyway, Melinda spent a lot of time, more than I wanted to dedicate, to sorting through the names pulled from the backs of various of UW sports jerseys. Among the tape dispensers and discarded pieces of college furniture were dozens and dozens of names. And she painstakingly sorted through them and found several that matched people we know, among them being people named Scott (like my brother). Another was Dickinson, which just so happens to be Sally’s last name.

So yesterday, packed in their lovely Christmas gift that I selected, Melinda enclosed these fabric name plates, something she paid all of 10 cents each to buy. Scott and Sally were so pleased that I think they preferred these to the designer olive oil and vinegar bottles I selected to help ordain their soon-to-be-remodeled kitchen.

It just goes to show you, the cost of the gift is not what matters.

Happy holidays, Celeste. We miss you here.

—Andy

PS – Chloe keeps eating your buttercups… What should I do?

Dear Celeste,

As you know, Ella was scheduled to return home from Portland today. She did so successfully this morning, arriving in Seattle a little before noon. I heard from her first at about 7am when she left her apartment to catch the city bus. Then I received regular text messages from her as she waited for the Bolt Bus in Portland, and updates as the Bolt made its way north along I-5.

I got the bright idea to see if I could time the viewing of an I-5 traffic camera with the passing of the Bolt. After clicking camera after camera link, I was finally successful as the bus approached south Seattle. That orange blob in the left lane is the bus with Ella sitting somewhat comfortably inside. I say “somewhat” comfortably as she mentioned the passenger next to her spent most of the ride sleeping… and snoring.

Which makes me think, Celeste. Did that seat next to you on the Seattle to Paris flight yesterday remain empty?

Tonight, Chloe, Ella, Melinda & I went out to dinner at U Village. We also did some last minute holiday shopping. We’ve long had a family tradition to open presents with just the four of us on the winter solstice. But with Ella not yet home, we waited to do so until tonight. Among the gifts opened include the sweatshirt Ella is wearing in this photo. It’s a reference to The Flash.

And speaking of The Flash makes me think of The Tick, of course. Guess what was waiting for us when we got home yesterday from taking you to the airport? That’s right. For now, this picture will have to suffice until I can bring you the item itself.

I imagine you’re a bit tired so I’ll stop writing, thus allowing you the opportunity to get some sleep. Just try to get your sleep at night, okay?

Cheerio,

—Andy

Business was concluded with our French guest at approximately 11 this morning, a transaction that culminated with this handshake at SeaTac International Airport. I believe all parties have been satisfied with the business that took place over the past 5 months. And I am pleased to report that Celeste knows how to give a firm, American handshake.

Meanwhile, we have been tracking Celeste’s flight to Paris and see she is rapidly approaching France. Only an hour to go for her to put her American English behind her and return to her native language. No more having to watch The Tick, deal with Americans like me, and tolerate a high school in which you’re provided a locker but not the time to utilize it. Home sweet home, in other words! But I have the buttercups, ha!