Carlos and the rest of his class went on an overnight field trip on The Californian as 18th century sailors. They have actors playing the part of the crew and have the kids doing things that would normally happen during that time. Dinner will consist of corn chowder and fish sticks. His father, younger brother and I will be heading out for pizza and a salad. They wanted the parents to write a letter as if we were in that time period. Of course, I had a blast with it and thought I would share it with you.........
April 27th 1774
My Dearest Son Carlos,
I hope this letter finds you well and safe in your new sea faring accommodations.
Although, I’ve been crying every night into my hay filled pillow, I know that you are being brave in your new adventure at sea. Your father and I have been keeping busy for the last few weeks as to lessen our heartache of your absence. Your younger brother, on the other hand, just noticed you were missing yesterday. He has been enjoying the extra servings of cornmeal mush, pickles and gruel at the evening supper. However, that will all soon come to an end as we have decided to trade him out for an extra couple of chickens, some coffee and a goat for the summer months. I’m afraid that as much as I love your brother, I could not live without my beloved hot beverage another minute more.
He will be in good hands in the upcoming months, as he is going to be working for Mr. Lord Hingleberry operating that new-fangled printing press that’s all the rage nowadays. Frankly, I don’t see how a printing press is any better than taking pen to paper. If using an ink well and quill was good enough for great-grandma Guadalupe, then it should be good enough for these young whippersnappers.
Anyhoo, I just wanted to let you know your father is getting grumpier by the moment with all the rumblings going on in town about this talk of “revolution.” It has been hard keeping good help at his cabinet shop nowadays with all the young men leaving for a crazy notion of fighting the British Army. I have never heard of anything so ridiculous in my colonial life.
Your father was even saying that he thought it might be possible to defeat them. Well, I told him no one is defeating the British Army until I get my new kitchen cabinets built.
I must end this letter now as Mrs. Snootensnard is coming over for a spot of tea. She wanted me to mention her daughter Bernice sends her regards and is anxiously awaiting your homecoming. Your father and I will continue to pray for your safe return. Also, if you come across any good coffee or tea sellers, please pick up some dark roast for me.
All my Love, Your Mother