My dear friend, it has been quite some time that I had the joy of exchanging correspondence with you, and I hope that this new year has found you well as it has found me. However, I shall declare that I find joyous merriment in the japes and jokes that I subject you to for the amusement of our compatriots. I hope that you may forgive me for such antics, and understand that they are but harmless exuberances.