Letters from the Inside, Ann Miller Kontz, #4

Well, Hi there sweet friend!

Welcome home from Alaska! I'm sorry to hear that you broght a flu bug with you--not the kind of souvenir you had planned for I'm sure! Are you feeling better now?

My friend & I were just sitting here talking about our 6 word story. Here's what we came up with:

MINE: broken vessel, molded, blessed, wife, mother
HERS: Worthless to pricless via love, redemption

I still like yours the best. I can't wait to see what Paul comes up with. He's so good with words. It will be something fun to do at our next visit!

I'm sitting in the dayroom right now watching television. I know your letter had some questions, but since I left it in my room, I'll go from memory.

I don't ever really get bored in here. I might for a moement but I'm good (creative) at coming up with something to do. If I have to--I'll make up a project to do, or I'll clean my room, reorganize my locker, read a book (I read a lot) -- have you ever read Ted Dekker's stuff. He's my favorite author. Do you have any books to recommend? Anyway-as I was saying, it's the people who quickly get bored that struggle in here. They get themselves into trouble.

It's really not dangerous in here like you'd think of at a male facility. Women tend to be more caddy, gossipy, back-stabbing...you know, the emotional mind games. I've learned (the hard way) to keep to myself. There are occassional fights but it's usually between "girlfriends."

The food is terrible--especially with money like it is. They have cut back on the portions, but that's fine by me--I need to lose some weight & exercise is hard to come by. I was much more active at home & have gained weight. It's easy to do wearing baggy clothes all the time. You can put on the pounds without ever realizing it. you might be wondering how that happens if the food is so bad? We have a store (canteen) --Our families/friends send $ and we are given $40 a week to buy shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, stamps, paper, pens, food, coffee...everything---surprise, surprise--nothing is free. Anyway-the food--chips, cookies, Little Debbies cakes, sandwiches, sodas--we eat. We've come up with some great recipes. Here--I'll share one with you.

Take tortilla shells, cover one lightly with mayo & microwave 45 sec. Section it like a pizza. Lay the chips around the plate, in the center, layer
-cheesy rice mixed with a ramen noodle
-shredded chicken breast
-Hormel chili packet (without the beans)
-top with French Onion dip

It's prison nachos and they are really wonderful. We've learned to be creative.

I came up with one recipe for a cake--layering various chocolate and vanilla Little Debby cakes. I made a mousse filling & icing. It was good. I sent the recipe home to my daughter. She loved it--a great (& sweet) no bake cake--perfect for kids!!!

Speaking of my daughter-she just got back from vacation & I talked to her today. She had a really good time. Since I have not talked to her since she left---it was so awesome to hear her sweet voice-so angelic and so excited about all she'd done. It did both of our hearts good to listen to her tell me all about her trip. Gosh, I love that beautiful little princess. She's my lifeline.

Your Alaska trip sounded so wonderful & I love your stories. I really enjoy your writing style & look forward to any other stories you have to share!

Take care sweet friend--I send my love.

Ann

P.S. Working on a picture for you--we don't get them taken often.