Santa Claus Letter

One Christmas Eve Long Ago When Sylvia turned 24

Dear Santa:
These are critical years for those who believe design can improve the human condition. The idea is as old as Utopian Thought. What is "new?" Melding of observable behavior patterns and understanding of client aspirations and needs, and use of emerging technology to affect the built environment might be accomplished by design.

Whether this is the basis for a new aesthetic is not yet clear. But no conscientious planner or designer can ignore a growing body of knowledge waiting application.
Pat

***

Dear Santa Claus,
I've been urging mother to let me open a present.

Well, Smokey's learning to talk real good, You don't have to worry about him biting you, he might bark, but he won't bite.

How do you like our Christmas tree? I think it is the beautifulest tree we've had. I hope you fill my stocking. Do you like my little guy on the mantle? Bev made it. You know the lady I've known so long?

Look at all the presents under the tree. I've got 11 or 12. We've got candles all over the house this year. You know Christmas Eve is Sylvia's birthday. She'll be 24!

Be sure and stop by David's house, They are not going to be able to be with us on Christmas. Jan had to work everyday except Christmas! That's terrible isn't it?

Well, Good Bye!!
Becky

***

Ho Ho Ho

This country air really makes a feller sleepy. From Nottingham to Shannon Valley Drive to the Ranch... you Darnell kids sure change around a lot for Christmas.

Becky, you are the only little one left so my job is getting easier every year at your house. I hear you are beginning to ask silly questions like "Is there really a Santa Claus?" Believe you me if I ain't real this sure is a tired old nothing  and I sure don't feel like nothing.

Anyway, real or not, here it is, and here is a pretty neat bicycle for you, Becky. I hope it works better than the one last year. Oh, well, we all make mistakes.

I see old Pat and Ron and Sylvia over there asleep. They are so big now that they don't need my toys; just some work clothes and vitamin pills to keep 'em going.

There's old Jerre and Robert, too. They are so dam old they don't need nothing but two rocking chairs and some Geritol.

I met Smokey down in the barn in the hay and he can almost talk. In fact he can talk to a Jolly Old Elf like me. He said he likes to chase around here after birds and armadillos. He says he really knows how to hunt quail, track 'em down, and point at 'em and all that stuff, but no one ever taught him so he just plays dumb and goes ahead and chases armadillos because it is easier and less regimented.

Well HO HO HO and I'm going to grab a quick piece of cake and a short nap in the hay and then I'll be on my way.

Tell David , Jan and David I missed them out here but I'll catch them in Houston.

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and Au Revoir.

Jolly Old St. Nick