Peter, Marcy, Jed, and Jay

One-page letter, handwritten on unlined 5½" x 9" paper. Jay was 11 years old when he wrote this.

Each page of this stationery apparently had a different cartoon of animals telling riddles. On this one, there’s a leopard asking “Why is it so hard for leopards to hide?”, and a large bird of some sort responding “Because they’re always spotted!”

Surprisingly to me, Jay’s handwriting in this note looks a fair bit like mine from around the same time; not exactly the same, but similar enough that I wasn’t certain at first that this was from Jay. But the baseball discussion made clear that it was. (Jay was into baseball; I wasn’t.)

Mar. 10, 1981

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

Thanks a lot for this stationary and the birthday money! I have deposited the money in my bank account. I am not yet sure what to spend it on. Mainly I got money for my birthday - $26 in all. One sentence redacted here by Jed.

I am very exited about this year’s baseball season. In predictions, I’ve read that the Giants are supposed to come in last place in the N.L. and the Mariners also are supposedly going to come in last place in the A.L. We’ll just see about that, won’t we? Peter is getting me a complete set of 1981 Topps baseball cards.

Love,

Joaquin

I’m not sure if you’ve gotten these pictures but I don’t think so.

P.S. I hope this letter reaches you in good health and spirts. One sentence redacted here by Jed.