July 1

My Dear Generous Tom,

I still can’t believe I’m going on this trip.  What a thoughtful parting gift from you.  Although I know you can easily afford it,  I am well aware that you don’t have to give me this fabulous world tour.

I must say, I was stunned when the judge awarded you everything we owned.  I feel that I was a great help to you as you climbed the ladder of success. But, according to Judge Swanson, you earned, and should keep, every penny.

Her proclamation that women shouldn’t get alimony was a surprise to me as well; but she does have a point.  She is an example of how women can make their own good living.  She doesn’t depend on a man, although she could.  I’m sure you noticed that figure under those robes.  I secretly called her Judge Jugy myself.

Well I must be off.  I’ve got some shopping to do before the cruise ship leaves tomorrow morning.

By the way, thanks for allowing me to get some of my personal belongings out of our winter home here in Tampa.  You are too kind.  Judge Swanson said you didn’t even have to do that.

All my love always,

Allison

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July 7

My Dear Tom,

Cancun is wonderful.  They’ve made a lot of improvements, so things are even nicer than they were when we honeymooned here over twenty years ago.
I feel a small twinge of pain when I see some of the old places we visited together back then.

A kind gentleman from the cruise has offered to escort me around so that I won’t become depressed as I revisit our old haunts.  I know it’s crazy, but I feel  as if I’m cheating on you when I’m with Greg.

Well, you told me when you gave me this gift that you wanted me to meet someone else and stop hounding you.  It’s rather flattering that you think I can find someone on this cruise, considering all of the times you said you could make a second fortune sending me on a sideshow tour as the world’s ugliest woman.

All My Love,

Allison

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July 14

Dear Tom,

Rio is positively awesome.  It’s not as crowded as the time we visited during Mardi Gras, which makes things even better!  The service at the restaurants is quicker and the night life at the clubs is just as fun.

Greg has continued to be attentive and, I must say, I don’t feel guilty anymore since I heard from my attorney that you married Judge Jugy as soon as our divorce was final.

I don’t intend to pursue this in court, but don’t you think that there might be a conflict of interest? Maybe she would have been more even-handed in dividing our assets if she hadn’t anticipated marrying into the estate.

Oh well, I’m happy here with Greg.  He’s a recent divorcee too.  Rather than cry on each other’s shoulders, we spend our evenings in almost continuous laughter.

Love,

Allison

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July 21

Tom,

Easter Island is incredible!  I’m surprised that you and I didn’t find this spot.  We went so many places together in the early years.

Greg and I are learning horseback riding so we can visit some of the more remote places on the island.

I’m sorry to hear that Judge Juicy is angry over the large number of pornographic magazines being delivered  to her chambers.  Yes, it is my fault.  Remember when I told you that Greg and I laughed so much in Rio?

Greg has a lot of clever ideas for harmless pranks.  I never realized how many things you could order over the telephone in someone else’s name.

Judge Jelly should be receiving a lot of expensive sex toys at work as well.  I’m sure you can help her pay for them.

Well, I must go.  We have so much to see and the ship is leaving this evening for the whale watching leg of the trip up the west coast to Alaska.

Allison

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August 1

Tom,

We saw some Blue Whales today!  They are incredible and extremely rare.

The captain says that by this evening we will be in position to watch a glacier calving.  The evenings are chilly here so Greg and I spend a lot of time snuggling to keep warm.  It reminds me of the times we cuddled in front of the fireplace in our little home in Maine during our early years.

I got your email about the lawn care crew coming in early this morning, tearing out your expensive landscaping and replacing it with concrete.  Yes,  that is the result of another phone call we placed from Rio.  Greg is so imaginative.

Allison

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August 3