Excuse me if the smile is missing from my face.

Sorry if I grumble as I walk around the place.

Things just won't be the same around old Village Green.

After today, our old friend Brooke's face will not be seen.

She's off to Carolina. North to be exact.

And I'm so bummed about it, I don't know how to act!

But before she goes, I have some information for that kid.

Have you ever BEEN to Carolina? Well I lived there. Yes I did.

They do things a little differently. Allow me to explain.

It's a great place to live, don't get me wrong. But some things are a pain!

They eat food just like we do. They cut the crust off of their bread.

But they throw away the middle and eat the outside part instead!

When they're eating corn on the cob, it really is a sight.

It's held vertically, and eaten up and down, instead of left to right!

They wear their shoes on the wrong feet.

They drive cars up on the sidewalk and walk right in the street!

They say "Goodbye!" when they see you and "Hello!" when they leave.

They never use a tissue (be sure to wear long sleeves!).

Brooke, I'm being silly. Of course these things aren't true.

I just have a weird, weird way of saying "Bye!" to you.

Before you go I have a little present I want to give.

I know you going to need this wherever you go to live.

It's not air or food or water, although you need these, too.

I've one last day of Grammar Giggles and Morning Math for you!

One last thing, before you go. Promise to stay in touch.

Because dear Brooke, all of us will miss you very much.