Hi Pippi, thank you!
The story telling is a result of the way I was taught when I was little. I wasn't around children till I started school and by then I knew every plant in the mountains thanks to the stories Aunt Bett and Ninna told me when they were teaching me about the benefits of plants. I really don't know any other way to teach a lesson other than telling a story. The students liked it and I loved the students so it all worked well. I guess I still do that when I write. I always thought stories made whatever lesson I was teaching more fun to learn. Anyway, it's just what I do.
I talked with my friend who made the original mailbox last night, but he's more of a wood person and I don't think he ever mixed cement mortar in his life, besides he's way older than I am and I wouldn't ask him to even try using stones or bricks. I thought about putting something like a coiled mattress spring in the post of the mailbox. That way it would just sproing back up everytime it gets knocked down since it is now plastic.
Thanks Pippi!
