Dear Jenn,
As usual you spoiled us with such terrific generosity. Your Christmas gifts went down a treat. Thank you so much. We were glad to hear of Richard's promotion. It seems like only yesterday you and I were scruffy schoolgirls at Parkside, and look at you now. Then look at me. Stuck in this grotty old town, waiting for something exciting to happen in my life. You always were the lucky one. Hope you and Richard enjoyed a plum-duff Christmas and New Year. Take care.

Much love,
Julie.

Dear Jules,
Slowly but surely we're settling into our new house. Frankly I suspect it's too big for us, but Richard feels it will impress important clients. I see it more as a lively family home, with lots of room for children to run wild. Maybe someday who knows?

Incidentally what am I to do with any apples from this huge orchard? Your Christmas mugs look so cheery in the kitchen. Thanks again for packing them so carefully. Bestest wishes to all.

Your scruffy old pal from Parkside,
Jennifer.

Dear Jenn,
You can't mean you want children scampering all over your expensive furniture and garden. How I'd wallow in that heavenly peace and quiet. I'm drooling at the thought of hours and hours to myself, Michael has chicken-pox, or pops as he calls it, so there's no doubt Deirdre and Ethan will catch up. Needless to say, with Tony away so much on the `rigs, he misses all the `fun' of playing nursemaid. Who'd be a Mum? Are you still driving that luxurious car?

Regards to Richard.
Julie, the drudge.

Dear Jules,
Sorry to hear the kids have been poorly, hope this little package of goodies will help to cheer them up. I know there's too many sweets, but you can control that. Sad to say old bean I won't be able to make my visit home next month, as Richard's been asked to take care of some business in Washington D.C. And he'd like me to go with him. I've never been there, and you know how much I love to travel. I'll send you a postcard.

Best to Tony if he's home.
Love, Jennifer.

Dear Jenn,
Thanks for the parcel. The kids loved the comics and say to send you a big kiss. Jetting off to Washington eh? Lucky for some. Staying at a five star hotel I bet. While you're there, think of me, galloping up and down with cold drinks, clean sheets and aspirins. Of course, the washing machine's packed it in. And to ice the cake, Tony thinks there's something wrong with the car. What next?

Help! Julie

Dear Jules,
Hope you received my PC. from Washington. We had a wonderful time. Boy was it warm. What an interesting city. We tried to see so much but ran out of time, and energy. Anyway I hear you left a message on our answering machine. You didn't say what the problem was, but you sounded so depressed in your last letter. Tried to phone back but your number doesn't answer. Are you O.K. Julie? Jet me know soon.

Love Jennifer.

Dear Jenn,
Gave up trying to get you on the phone to tell you our good news. We've won the lottery! Can you believe it? At last we're rich, we've won millions! Every single number came up. Tony and

I have moved to an eight-bedroomed villa, on the outskirts of town, with the kids of course. There's no swimming-pool yet, but plenty of space to build one, which we intend to do very soon. Tony's bought a brand new sports-car. I'm having a classy four by four delivered, straight from the packaging, next week. Maybe we'll get a Roller too. The children are changing to private schools, possibly St. Stephen's or Cahill Mews. Should we think about leaving this rotten town and try Dublin?

Tony's always liked Dublin. The children will need riding lessons, and they'll meet such nice people at a posh school. Oh Jenn I'm so excited and so happy, my head can't take it all in. We're also planning a Caribbean Cruise. Isn't it wonderful! Write soon and tell me what you think.

Lots of love,
Julie.

Dear Jules,
Congratulations on your wonderful win. I can't believe I know somebody who's won that amount. Have you and Tony come down from the clouds yet?

Julie, I know you've left your financial worries behind, but don't you think it would be a better idea to take things just a teeny bit slower. Having that kind of money is a huge responsibility, and there are lots of unscrupulous people out there, waiting to take advantage of a situation like yours. Are you sure the children should change schools so quickly? They'd be leaving all their friends and familiar teachers behind. And does a posh school really guarantee nicer people in it? Don't you think that sounds just a wee bit snobbish? After all, we attended an ordinary school and didn't turn out too bad. I don't mean to sound like a wet blanket Julie, but have you and Tony thought it through carefully enough? Let me have your new telephone number, and please take care.

Thinking of you,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
It's odd, but I thought you especially would have been happy for us. Instead you appear to sound just like my mother. Maybe you think our kids are not good enough to attend a private school. But then what would you know about children? For years you did have it all didn't you? While Tony and I were struggling to make ends meet, everything came so easily to you. Big houses, big cars, expensive holidays, fashionable clothes. Well now it's our turn, and if you think that's being snobbish, maybe your jealousy is showing a bit. We want the best for our kids, and now we have. the money, we'll make sure they get it.

Julie.

Dear Julie,
I'm so saddened you feel I'm jealous of your lottery fortune. I thought you knew me better. But in a way you're right. I have always been envious of your good luck, which in my opinion, you often took for granted. You say everything came so easily to me. Well not quite everything. Do you think I never wanted to hold a baby in my arms ? Or watch him or her learn to walk and talk? Have you any idea how painful it is for me to look at your beautiful children, and not feel pangs of longing for children of my own? To me they are rarer gifts than all the lottery prizes can buy.

Regards,
Jennifer.

Dear Jennifer,

Thanks for the lecture old chum. So you don't think I can appreciate my own children? And what idea do you have of the hard work and worry involved in raising children?

Thankfully our money problems are over now. Maybe if that toffee nosed husband of yours had spent more time with you, and less making money, your little problem wouldn't exist.

Julie

Dear Julie,

It would be telling a lie to say Richard was thrilled with your opinion of him. I had hoped to tell you our good news in friendlier circumstances, and as a Christmas surprise. Our adopted daughter arrived last week. She is a jewel, and our dearest dream come true. We intend to call her Natalie. It looks like your time and mine will be more limited from now on, so maybe we should take a rest from writing. Good luck with your plans, please God they all work out for you.

I wish you Tony and the children a very Merry Christmas, with health and happiness in the coming year.

Yours,
Jennifer