I have heard that during the two years Thoreau spent at Walden, he sent his laundry back to town for doing. This is funny but I actually think it is all right given the nature of his project.
“To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts,” said Thoreau in Walden, and I lately received this message on a card.
I am shocked at the sudden and unexpected disappearance of my cat, who affected the quality of every day and whom I always said I would emulate.
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 
Best of luck with/for/to the kitty.
Oh no! I hope the kitty returns.
Gracias. This is the fifth night. I can hear the parades and brass bands from here (it’s Lundi Gras) but I am looking for the cat.
There’s a short story in this.
I’ll remember that. I feel like getting and staying drunk, but I have to grade and then teach. And go to the pound first (for the third time).
Re English: one of the great things about living in the South is, I have learned some turns of phrase I would not have. “After that he just stayed drunk for a long time.” “Stayed drunk” is the phrase I find so colorful.