Random reminder
PRESENTS OF MINE
There are several kinds of wedding present, in this column’s experience, and there are several kinds of wedding present recipient, too. There are those who are well brought up, and whose first thought after the honeymoon — or even during the honeymoon - is to send off a hand-written epistle of gratitude. Penned (not ballpointed) with a real nib and real ink on writing paper (not a lined school pad) in a matching envelope, it expresses warm personal thanks for a gift which — whatever its price tag — was appreciated then, is cherished now, and will be remembered in the future. There are those, on the other hand, who are less well-organised. “Oh, yeah,” they say, when coming round to borrow the lawnmower. “We gotcha coffee mugs. Ta very much.” Their charming informality is a little less charming when it WASN’T coffee mugs. “Many happy returns of the day,” you are tempted sweetly to say. “Next time round, we shall buy you a notebook.” There is a third kind of acknowledgement, reprinted below, out of Xerox by
felt-tip pen. The reprinted letter is genuine; the names (to protect the guilty) are not. OFFICIAL THANK-YOU LETTER from Abelard, H., and Abelard, P. Dear (Friend) (Acquaintance) (Guest) (Other) Thank you for the (tea cosy) (toast rack) (object) (other) with the charming (embroidery) (picture of Charles and Diana) (other) (all over it) (inside it) (attached to it). (painted on the lid) (other). It was (just what we expected) (a delightful surprise) (other). We shall (cherish it always) (leave it to Ferrymead) (keep it polished) (other). When it is (finally eaten) (independently valued) (fully house trained) (other), we shall (have it mounted) (breed from them) (eat off it daily) (other). There is (little else than we can) (much more that we could) say, (but) (and) we (know) (hope) that you will understand. (Gratefully yours) (sincerely yours) (yours truly) (other), (Abelard and Heloise) (Abelard) (Heloise) (other). (Date and serial number: )
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19820116.2.116
Bibliographic details
Press, 16 January 1982, Page 21
Word Count
327Random reminder Press, 16 January 1982, Page 21
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Acknowledgements
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