Communication can be so difficult, especially across many miles. What to say? When to remain silent? Trying to be uplifting can be interpreted as Pollyanna-ish, yet remaining mute seems uncaring. And regardless of its plusses, electronic communication is colder than the handwritten word with its lack of expediency.

Figuring out how to remain close to friends and relatives who live so far away is one of the greatest challenges of living here, and Facebook just doesn't seem to do it for me. . . Our furry friends manage well enough, but I'm feeling soaked, through and through.