Hello, Friends! I sure hope this letter finds all of y'all doing great and hopefully enjoying some warmer weather! Spring has to be one of the best times of year, and I love it. I can never wait to get outside and plant my flowers. Of course my garden is my favorite thing to work in. There ain't nothin' better than fresh vegetables straight out of the garden. The problem is I always make my garden too big every year. I've already had a lot of fun planting things over at the big house. I just got me a delivery of some new babies here at the ranch! Yep, I gut went out and got me a bunch of Guinea Hens and Peacocks! I even threw in a few chickens for good measure. My kids just shake their heads at me, but, they know how much their mama loves having these around! I sure wanted to take the time to thank all of you for the wonderful birthday cards, letters, flowers, and gifts! You all are amazing to remember me this time of year, as you always do! I had a great birthday again this year. I love turning "21" again every year. Ha. I had so many birthday cakes, too. Friends, it sure was tough to stay out of all that great cake, since I have such a big "sweet tooth"!

It sure was so much fun taping the "Crook and Chase" show with Crystal and Peggy Sue. I hope all of you got to see us on the show. As always, it was great to see Lorianne and Charlie again. Those two have been friends of mine for years, and it's always fun to catch up with each other. We girls always cut up too much when we get together. We had so much fun, my sisters came down to the ranch and stayed with me a couple of days. We were like a bunch of teenagers, and even the kids stayed clear of us! All my kids have been so busy getting all ready for the year, too. Betty and Cissie are always busy with their stores, and love seeing everyone when they stop in to say hello. Ernest is always running around the ranch, or on a tractor, when not on the road. Those twins, Patsy and Peggy are always in the middle of something. Peggy's farm keeps her on her toes growing all the flowers and vegetables. She's like her mama when it comes to growin' things. I don't know what keeps Patsy goin'! Patsy is so much like me, too, staying so busy all the time with juggling her own family, while helping her mama take care of things, too! The ranch here has been busy with everyone coming to visit. I love having all come see one of my favorite places in the world. Alan sure has everything looking good around here, making me so proud. My museum is now open and many people have already been by to see it. Gloria, Rosie, Ron and Reta are all back there, so be sure to come by and tell 'em hello! Ronnie and Joann have also been over there helping all of us get things ready, too. You might even run into them. I sure want to thank them, along with all the great people working hard here at my ranch. I love 'em all, and they know it! This year we're doing something new with a special tribute to my friends, Johnny and June Carter Cash. I sure miss them so much and so thrilled to have a special display to honor them both. I hope y'all will come by to see it! I couldn't have been able to do it if it weren't for John Carter and his beautiful wife Laura. Those kids are the sweetest in the world! If you have seen us out on the road, then you've seen my granddaughter, Tayla, and her husband Jim. It's so much fun having Tayla out with us singing, but, her Meemaw has to keep her in line from gettin' too wild on stage. Ha. Tayla has more energy than any of us in the bunch! Jim is our road manager, keeping us organized out there, and handling our merchandise. He's got us three new t-shirts, magnets, and key chains this year. You'll have to go by and say hello to him and check it all out. I'm gonna have to sneak out there and grab me some of the new shirts myself when he ain't lookin'. Jim might not give me a discount if he sells 'em to me! Ha. Don't forget to also say hello to my boys on the road, too! All of my boys on the road with me work so hard, and they know how much I love them all! Well, friends, it's time to close this letter so we can get it out to you. I just wanted to write and let you all know I was thinkin' of you, and also let you know how special you all are to me! Also special are all our boys and girls far away from home protecting freedom for us all. Don't forget them in your thoughts and prayers, too! Love you, Loretta Lynn