Arty,

I have to apologize for not sending you that last letter dated from November 2010 until well, now. You've probably wondered what in the world has happened to me since then...and would appreciate an explanation for such a late reply; I mean it's been over a year!

To begin with, I've left the farm for now. "T-shirt Factory" got a little out of hand and needed my up close and personal attention; so I moved to Alabama to manage the design team myself. We've come up with a lot of great ideas for the upcoming youth trends for a few spring collections; now it's just up to Mother Nature to get a move-on with winter. Once the spring line gets rolling, I think I've found a suitable replacement to manage the ship while I'm gone. I won't be back to the farm at that point either though.

Nope, Arthur, my friend, I've decided to take a hiatus much like your trip to Tahiti I think-which I'm so glad went well for you. I'm not sure where I'll be going yet but it'll be for at least 18 months. That's right, a whole year and one half. It's going to do me good, of this I am sure. But now onto you:

How has your year been my good friend? Any new pets? Social climbing investors to cope with? Everyone wants a piece of the pie don't they? What with your good ideas and all. I remember back in grade school when we used to sell sugar cube house sculptures to the geometry club kids. Hahaha. What fun. A pretty penny for a sparkly delight! Oh one second, I think Harold wants in...(He's my German Shepherd/Akita mix. Big dog with a big heart.) Yep he'd just finished his afternoon stroll with the walk-o-meter. Anyhow, I better let you go old buddy, but you better write back soon; I won't be taking my hiatus yet. This time I'll warn you before I'm gone.

Keepin' it real
Alex