“Can you go over to the feed and seed? I'm worried about my bonsai. They're probably thirsty, maybe scared, maybe loney, especially The Old Man. I moved him up there a few weeks ago. . . . I take him up there when he needs some warm, moist air and sometimes, well, to be with his old friends."

"Yes, he's talking about midget trees. He gives me a list with each bonsai's name. I told you how nuts-and-bolts he is about them. He tells me how to touch the soil and feel if they're thirsty. And talk to them! I must be sure to talk to them.”