My Dearest Brother - April 1, 2020

My Dearest Brother-

Tonight we celebrate, for our wise governor has made relief funds almost instantly available to all within our state who have temporarily lost employment due to restrictions imposed by the Corona Fevers. Some may protest that such socially-minded benefits do not strengthen our democracy, but in fact encourage too heavy of a dependence upon our already weakened infrastructure, but I say "Nay!", these are the funds to which we have all made contributions through our labors and as such we are entitled to recompense as the situation merits. Thankfully our governor and I are of like mind (and party) and so today I welcome the slight increase in our household funds and relief from the Devil Debt. Still, I long to be gainfully employed once again for I do not wish to become accustomed to this life of imposed idleness.

Meanwhile, Mr Singer has sent me another of his marvelous sewing machines! This one is quite a bit more durable than the last and I set about making myself useful by stitching up more protective masks for everyday wear. I am happy to finally have a use for the overflowing bins of colorful cottons I seem to have amassed unawares. If you and the Irish wife would like some for yourselves, you have only to ask and I will ship them off posthaste.

In our childhood we would have celebrated this first of April with playful pranks, but I fear that this year has been been one malevolent jape after another played upon the whole of our nation and I cannot bring myself to add to the waggeries we already must endure. Yesterday I received news that the father of an old friend had crossed over (not from the Corona, but from an equally insidious illness), and so tonight the weight of another death and the passage of time weighs heavily on my heart. Never fear, there will be whimsies in our future, but tonight an ancient solemnity claims the pulpit for a purpose all its own.

Lest I appear too morose, I include a light-hearted picture that is not of my new sewing machine, but is of one of the resident felines, Nigel, sporting his Dome of Indignity.

Be well, my brother,

Your sister, Sarah

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Sister - March 31, 2020

My Dearest Sister,

The evening grows late. Your Sister-in-Law and I stayed beyond our normal retirement hour to watch a space wars movie on the flickerbox. She is quite entertained by them. I will say there were things I enjoyed about this show and many things I did not. I shall not dwell on an overview of the picture show, but to say, I may not need to see it again… ever.

The beans that I planted have sprouted. So, along with the wild beans that are growing from last year’s planting, I’m sure to have some harvest.

Today I was confined to my home, not venturing out. It was not until late that I realized that I had not even donned socks today. Julie said of me that I was being of a “free spirit” and that it is a good thing we reside in California were that kind of thing is less frowned upon.

I did spend much of the day working. Paperwork and bills. I also managed to help a few friends wade through some of the paperwork required for assistance from the Government. I find being of assistance gives the day more meaning. Perhaps it is the “free Spirit” in me. I write to I tell you that I am smiling and chuckle alone in my room as I return to the earlier phrase that was used to describe me. It delights me enough to leave a face drawing of how I look if you could see me. 😊

Your Sister-in-Law and I spent time in the yard with our yoga. It really is very relaxing. I do hope that it catches on.

Our very best regards to you, your BBH, your kind boys and their loving families.

Yours,

Your Brother and Sister-in-Law

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Sister - March 30, 2020

My Dearest Sister,

The seedlings are showing the first signs of breaking through the newly laid soil. It will not be long before my day will be weeding and thinning of the garden… but I must occupy myself until then.

I took to the house plants today; they had been neglected for some time. Pruning, repotting, adding fresh soil, it was a pleasant way to pass some time and the rewards will be lush greenery in the parlor.

Your Sister-in-Law and I visited the office today. It was quite desolate. We needed be out for only a short time and returned straight home.

We received deliveries from the grocer and the mill. I am looking forward to getting to the fence.

Julie and I enjoyed “Taco Tuesday”, again. Since we had no earthly idea what day it is, we were sure no one could fault us if we were in error. I draw a wink as to inform you that we may have known the day all along but we feigned our own ignorance as an excuse for tortillas and margaritas…😉

It was a pleasant day and I believe we are settling into a new normal. It will be interesting to see what our days return to when this plague does pass. I am not in a hurry to find out, right now… ask me in a week, though…

I shall retire to bed, now.

Our endearing love to you, BBH, The Boys, their families.

Yours,

Your Brother and Sister-in-Law.

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Brother - March 30, 2020

My Dearest Brother-

We are experiencing one of those grey, and very wet Eastern springs you so successfully escaped there in North Holly Wood. I envy you your balmy clime, though I imagine if we were to relocate to the west, we should find ourselves discombobulated by the similitude of the seasons. I suppose the hay is always sweeter on the other side of the pasture, isn't it?

Our dreary endless weekend was punctuated with both a wonderful gift and a nasty surprise. The gift came from a lovely woman I know from the Contra Dancing and consisted of approximately thirty beautiful little strawberry plants for my new gardens! To make the exchange, we met like thieves in the night under the sign of the Buck and the Star, carefully transporting the pail of garden treasure with washed and gloved hands so as not to pass the fever along with it. I hurried my new charges home and, ignoring the rain and chill, popped them straightaways into their new beds. There they now rest looking for all the world like tiny promises of summer. If I can manage to keep Nubbins 1, 2, and 3 from devouring them, we might even have fresh berries this year, though past gardening disappointments have taught me not to count my bounty until it's on the table and topped with cream.


The nasty surprise happened to our poor Nigel cat, who suddenly developed an unpleasant open wound in a rather delicate portion of his anatomy. Fortunately our local veterinarians at the Township Line Animal Hospital are bravely staying open during the Quarantines. What heroes! Again I ventured forth to another parking lot to make a masked exchange, this time handing over my yowling feline to a gowned and gloved technician who whisked him away for treatment. Twenty minutes later she fetched him back with a freshly shaved backside (the cat's, not the technician's, you silly oaf), a fortnight's worth of those miracle antibiotics delivered in one simple injection, a vial of medicinal honey to spread upon the site twice daily and, to his utter mortification, a Device of Discomfiture which he must wear for at least a week. We are now safely home, though I can still hear him racing about the house and bashing into the furniture with his dreadful shame cone. I declare, if the abscess isn't the end of him, the resulting concussion might be, if he does not settle soon. I have enclosed a picture that you might see his pitiful state for yourself.

Otherwise we are all still hale and healthy and looking forward to sunnier times.

All my love to you and the Irish wife,

Sarah, Bill and the Lads

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Sister - March 29, 2020

My Dearest Sister,

Your Sister-in-Law and I had a delightful day. It seems as though we have found our stride on this or 16th day of Coronacation.

Today we took our yoga to the front yard. The neighbors must think it scandalous. There is no doubt that our ritualistic poses must seem quite queer to our stanches neighbors. Mrs. Mycroft, if she is so obliged, is welcome over to yard to voice her displeasure but she better be prepared for my wife to unsocially distance her in the truest of Irish tradition. Here I will place a face in rage as Julie has little patience for Mrs. Karen Mycroft and her busybody ways…🤬

I spent some of the day watching the hummingbirds enjoy the feeders and Squirt chattered away for his afternoon nuts. He would get them, but on my terms, not his.

The lettuces are coming in nicely. I believe we shall have enough to dine on next week.

It appears the Government has said this will continue through the month of April. I have begun conversations with the Government to procure relief for our company. It is complicated but I believe we will prevail.

Our family “Confinement Cocktail Party” with Julie’s family was a huge success. We were able to have six different households on the party line. It lifted everyone’s spirits so. I look forward to when we can gather our family for the same.

Julie and I watched the rest of “The 2 Popes” on the netlicker box. It is very good. I had seen it before, but it was nice to enjoy it again and introduce it to your Sister-in-Law.

Tomorrow will be a delivery from the mill of lumber for my picket fence which is in dire need of repair.

I do not think it will be a challenge to fill the time this curse has created.

If you have a chance listen to the "Fireside Quarantine". I believe you will enjoy it.

It is my fondest hope the you, your ever BBH, and you brilliant boys and their fantastic loved ones are all in good health and good spirits.

Yours,

Your brother and Sister-in-Law

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Sister - March 28, 2020

My Dearest Sister,

I am sorry to hear of your disappointment with your Singer machine and the consternation that it brought your Best Beloved Husband. I truly believe that if he was not able to fix it, then reparable it was not. I had heard that the Singer brand was of the utmost reliability but now, with your experience, that must be put into question. Perhaps it is just an abnormality in an otherwise sterling reputation.

I look forward to hearing the resolve to this saga. One might say that I am on pins and needles… Here I share a surprised face in case you did not recognize this turn of phrase as intentional punnery.😯
I ventured out today to the Apothecary and picked up various sundries for your Sister-in Law and I. I found people to be quite pleasant but still aloof. I would say hello from my prescribed distance, and I would get a nod or embarrassed smile in return. Everywhere eyes darted down, and bodies scurried to find an empty aisle to stand in until traffic cleared making it safe once more to find comfort food or organic soap.
I also managed to procure two hummingbird feeders for our nesting foundlings from the feed and grain. I have placed one in the front of the house and one in the back. As long as Squirt the squirrel stays clear of it, we should be fine. Julie will have some of your BBH’s choice words with that rodent if he chooses to ignore her edict.
I began the Government’s paperwork to secure some relief that this pox has placed on our business. It does not seem too difficult to get through. We shall see if our small company is eligible.
Tomorrow we have a “Confinement Cocktail Party” on Julie’s screen. I am not sure of the attire, but I am sure that Julie will require that I wear pants, which has not been the case as of late. I write here that an actual small chuckle emanated from me as I wondered what you might think my pantless day must be like.
It is late and I must retire.
The very best to you, your BBH, those ever so wonderful boys of yours and, of course, their adoring families.

With great fondness,
Your Brother and Sister-in-Law.

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Brother - March 28, 2020

My Dearest Brother,

I declare a woman does not truly know her man until she's witnessed his temperance (or lack there-of) when confronted by a recalcitrant modern sewing machine. Oh my stars and garters, my ears are still burning some hours later from the, shall we say, COLORFUL language accompanying my Beloved Husband's valiant efforts to repair the detestable thing. His fulmination echoed my own frustration, though I of course would never resort to such strong language. Here I insert a Winky Face to show that you and I know I am secretly fond of the swears that are not considered appropriate for a woman of my standing. 😉

So Mr. Singer shall be receiving another order for a new machine even before the small bits of plastic and screws of the recent disaster are swept from the dining table. The online mercantile assures me a replacement will be arriving by Wednesday April 1. I do hope this does not turn out to be an April Fool's Day prank.

Here is a depiction of myself making the desperately needed masks. I am grateful my sewing skills are up to the task, for their construction is far more satisfying to me than rolling bandages or knitting sweaters.

I hope you and your lovely Irish wife are enjoying a restful Saturday. I long for your growing season, but celebrate the appearance of the tiny green leaves of kale, arugula, and of course lettuces, in my modest urban farm.

Love to you and yours,

Your sister Sarah

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Sister - March 27, 2020

My Dearest Sister,

I hope this letter finds you well. Today marks a fortnight since your Sister-in-Law and I began our isolation. It is a milestone to be sure, but one that I nor Julie care to celebrate. We retired early this evening and yet I could not sleep. Upon rising from my bed at this ghastly hour I thought it best to use this time to update you on what has transpired in our lives since we last corresponded…

.
.
...............

Our Love to you, your ever so charming husband, your most caring boys and their adoring loved ones.

Yours,

Your Brother and Sister-in-Law

P.S. I have enclosed a photograph of myself so that you might set eyes upon but a glimpse of the displeasure I carry on my face for this dreadful virus.

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Sister - March 26, 2020

My Dearest Sister,

We received your correspondence and were most delighted to hear you are in good spirits and doing your part to pitch into the effort.

I am most curious about the offer that Mr. Singer has proposed for his machine. I believe it to be an exceptional offer, one I may not be able to refuse myself, despite the glaring fact that I do not nor would not ever use a machine for sewing. But the offer is so enticing that I pray I would be a fool to pass it up!

Today I made an attempt to care for the Camellias in our back acreage. I say “I made an attempt” as it was interrupted by the discovery of a hummingbird nesting on a branch. My hope is that I did not disturb it so much as to cause it harm or disrupt the nesting.

It seemed at that point that the only logical course of action was to stow away the tools, pour a glass of the fine Mr. Jameson’s medicinal, order hummingbird feeders and nectar from the mercantile, and then settle into an afternoon nap on the chaise lounge. I say it was the "logical course of action" but let it be known, in truth, that Mr. Jameson may have had more input into the decision than I care to admit. I draw a picture of a somewhat tipsy scoundrel so that you may think I’m joking and not that I’m admitting that my life has become day-drinking and garden shears. 🥴
It now has the appearance of recently acquired.
Julie insisted I tell you that Squirt has managed to stake claim to ALL the bird feeders in the yard and that, unbeknownst to him, “there will be discussions about the virtues of sharing or there shall be no more nuts!”. She further insists I let you know that she laughs at the thought of having an argument with a squirrel and makes sure I persuade you that she not be mad or stir crazy… but also, that if she did argue with a squirrel, by God, she would win. Here Julie draws a winking face on my letter to include you in her frivolity. 😉

I was able to procure a delivery of supplies to come to the house tomorrow. Fresh vegetables and coffee shall arrive at our doorstep at a prescribed time. What a joy it is to live in this modern era.

Today, I received an order from the Sears and Roebuck’s. It was a box of replacement parts for our appliances. I spent the late afternoon, after a hardy nap, rejuvenating the radiation oven.

Once again, I made time to engage with others by wire and correspondence. Julie and I conferenced with her family as we did with our family a few days past. It was nice to be together, if only virtually.

We will hold you, your most beloved husband, your fine boys and their cherished loved ones in our hearts and prayers.

Yours,

Your Brother and Sister-in-law

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation 

My Dearest Brother - March 26, 2020

My Dearest Brother-
Today I received a commission for 20 of the hand-fashioned cloth masks like the one I made for my Best Beloved Husband to wear whilst pursuing his daily chores at his employment. I cannot vouch for the efficacy of the face-garments, but they seem to bring comfort and some small protection from the fever-plague raging through our fair city. As you can see from the enclosed portraits, his is made from fabric depicting musical notation while my own is not an exact replication of my feline companions, but charming never-the-less. Tomorrow my BBH will deliver the bounty of safety masks to a local food distribution company for the use of their poor employees who must continue to deliver nourishments and comestibles to the shut-ins and afflicted.

However, thanks to Mr. Singer's marvelous invention, what would have been weeks of hand-labor I have tidily finished in less than two days! We were able to purchase this wonderful machine on an "Installment Plan" - another innovation from Mr Singer that allows a family to start using their new sewing machine (for a small additional fee) even before they own it outright. I dare say, what possible mishap could befall such a system as that? Thank goodness there is no such payment plan available for the acquisition of musical instruments or we should be neck deep in hurdily-gurdilies and squawk-boxes! Here I sketch a comical face of alarm so that you know I am only half in jest. 😳

All our love to you and your darling wife,
Sarah, Bill and the Lads

_____________________________________

Lon Gowan is an actor/stuntman/writer and the most excellent brother a sister could ever want. His "My Dearest Sister" letters may be the best thing to happen to me during the COVID-19 Quarantines. 

Julie Dolan is an actress, musician and favorite Irish wife/Las Vegas Showgirl. We were thrilled the day she married my brother.

Bill Quern is my Beloved Husband and we're known collectively as Box and String.

#COVID19  #LonGowan  #MyDearestSister #Julie Dolan #Coronacation