Dear niece:

You know I'm always as busy as a beaver, but I'm getting some time to answer your lovely e-mail. I got as happy as a clam when I received it! I'm sure you'll become a copy cat when you realize I'm trying to use all the idiomatic expressions you sent to me. Living in USA you are really well informed about the newest expressions! 

Thank you so much to have asked about my health. I'm OK now. I was as sick as a dog! I've already begun a natural treatment. It is really working out, and I'm enjoying it, in spite of the doctor's strict recommendations. He is very competent, and although he's not that kind of person you " love" at the first sight, after 22 years ( the time he's been my doctor), I've conclude that his bark is worse than his bite.

Anyway, I insist on saying that he's as stubborn as a mule (or... Am I???), because he refused to "negociate" my diet. I really tried!!! You know, I'm not that quiet of person as quiet as a fly. But, it's Ok. It's for my good. I must confess, I used to eat like a horse. When I went  to the wonderful delicatessens, I pigged out! I'm the cat's pajamas about cakes and pies!

I feel so well now, that last Saturday I danced jazz during almost 2 hours in a row! A friend of mine tried to follow me but she was as drunk as a skunk (just kidding!!! it was only a way to use this last expressions... LOL). I'm doing my best to use them all. And  do you know what? I was wondering how to use the last one, when all of a sudden, my son warned me about my glasses on the floor of the living room. Someboody could step on them! Thank God nothing happened! Because without my lenses I would feel as blind as a bat! ( You see? I finally made it!). 

Well, my dear, I must stop now. I'm in bed, and it'll tough to leave it, because it has been raining cats and dogs.

I love you! Take care!

Your aunt.

Rosa Maria F. Sampaio/ Number One Villas