November 3, 2004 - From Ms. Mary to P:
The bookshelf folk have greatly improved their reading skills (and their eyesight!) by reading messages over my shoulder. In the beginning, I would hear a collective sigh from the readers when I finished a message before they did and went on to the next message. Now they sometimes sigh because I am not moving along as quickly as they would like me to. They understand that I want to respond to some messages, but Patriot Bear SIR did ask one night if it would be possible for me to read ALL the messages before I started answering any. Lots of pairs of eyes lit up as their little heads nodded agreement with his proposition and encouragement for me to reply in the affirmative. I don't know how much damage the family could actually do if they all jumped on me at once; however, I am a reasonable person and able to count high enough to know I was greatly outnumbered. So, now I read all the messages before I start answering any -- unless Patriot Bear SIR says, "HARRUMPH" -- and then I know to sit up straight and await further instructions.