She sends a joke. Usually it is something old and tired. Only rarely
is it something I haven't seen before or think is funny. Either way,
there's never a personal note. I have joke books if I want jokes. I
send a note telling some friendly news I think might be of interest and
saying that I don't care for jokes much. The jokes continue. I ask
questions of a friendly nature, try to start a conversation. No
personal answers. I hint a little more and finally come out and say not
to send me jokes. That's when the inspirational messages, the political
petitions and urban legends begin.

That is the truth if I ever heard it Julia! lol You've got down to a "T" and
in just the right order.
Shelly