Thank you note - Eight Maids-a-Milking

Thurlow,

Apparently you are a little more dense than I thought. Haven't you been wondering why I haven't written to you for the last couple of days? But instead of writing me a sensible letter explaining your good intentions (which I am trying to believe you have) you have sent me a total of thirteen more birds! The six geese-a-laying are such ugly creatures and they are so undiscerning about where they lay their eggs. I really hate them, but Father thinks he can make a profit with them, so I gave them to him. The seven swans-a-swimming sounded like such a poetic gift, but the kiddy-pool really takes away from the poetry of the sight. Father is afraid that it will kill the grass and Mother says that it does not go with her landscaping. All that to say, I hope you are not going to send us any more BIRDS!! Father finally let me write you a letter again today because he is so thrilled to have eight maids-a-milking to help him with the cows. He said that maybe you do have some sense. I tried to refrain from saying "I told you so." But really, what a strange gift for you to send me. I really liked the five gold rings. How about nine sparkling bracelets tomorrow?

Love,

Aida