March 9, 2009
Hi, Marie!
Flat Stanley has arrived safely in Baldwin and is adjusting nicely to his temporary home here in New York. He had no idea that Long Island is indeed a long island; in fact it's 120 miles long. It is comprised of four counties: Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk.
Stanley is presently in Nassau, where we live in the hamlet of Baldwin, and he is resting comfortably in my workroom watching me as I type. He is the easiest guest we have ever had. He eats just about nothing and can sleep either standing up or lying flat on a shelf. He doesn't use up all the hot water when he showers and he is content to sit quietly and read travel brochures all day - even though some of them are as big as he is!
Stanley was shocked to see the 12 inches of snow that fell on Long Island last week. Even though he wanted to go outside to help with the shoveling, I convinced him that he would very quickly disappear in the snow since he is barely seven inches tall. I would never have forgiven myself. How would I have ever explained to you that I lost Stanley on my own front walk and would never be able to find him until we had a warm spell? Who would believe that? So instead I propped him by the front window and he watched the snow fall. Actually, since he is so smart, he spent his time counting the snowflakes. By the time he reached a billion he was ready for a nap.
Stanley is so anxious to go with us on our journey along the route of the Maya, through El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize that he has already begun to pack his duffel bag. He has sun screen, insect repellant, a big hat, a water bottle, and a hiking stick. I think he will be well prepared for his trip to Central America.
Thank you for entrusting your friend, Flat Stanley, to us. We will make every effort to keep him safe and happy during his trip. By the way, does he prefer a window or an aisle seat?
Best wishes,
Barbara Carroll
