Dear Alex,

Just a note to let you know that I believe my land-line telephone
may have succumbed to a terminal illness. If and when you want to talk
with me, and 617-489-1043 gives you a busy signal (because they've shorted
out the line) please try my cell phone 617-548-5768. Please don't leave
phone messages, because I'm too stupid (or lazy) to retrieve them.
Alternatively you can always send me an e-mail and let me initiate the 
telephone conversation. As you may infer from the foregoing, I'm leaving 
this world in stages, one social bankruptcy at a time.

I've been writing furiously, soothing and flattering my narcissistic self,
deriving much satisfaction from the contrast of the evil world with my
virtuous ego. My thoughts continue to orbit around Margaret whose saintliness
like a heavenly sun illuminates all the murky crannies of my existence. You, 
of course, are integral to that spiritual landscape.

Gratias agimus tibi and Dona nobis pacem are sung to the same melody.

Jochen