Salutations

It doesn't matter that your end made me cry in the book. Nor that I cried during the cartoon. Hell, it also doesn't matter that I had tears streaming down my face when I saw the film version on Christmas morning.

I will still squash you. It does not matter what word you figure out how to put in your web. I will squash you.

Etiquette Question

One of my relatives left "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" messages on my machine. Am I to return them? There was no request that I do so, just them identifying themselves and the greeting. It would be one thing if there was a "call me to catch up," but there isn't, which is why I am wondering if I need to return the calls.

Please note that my parents did talk to this relative, and mentioned that we were out for Christmas (other side of my family than the one that called), and that I was out of town for New Years. Also note that I really do not have anything to say to them other than . . . OK, I have nothing at all to say except the usual conversation starters. After that? Nada.