Written Down and Passed Along

I was reading this earlier and trying to remember the last time I hand-wrote a letter. It was probably a couple of months ago - to someone who puts up with my letters on the understanding that I don't demand they write a reply. It gives me an excuse to use my cartridge pen and fancy stationary every now and then! Our ancestors (those who were literate) would have commonly written letters to family and friends in order to keep in touch. I just wish I had more excuses to get the fancy writing paper out!