July 21, 2005
Dear Susan,
How have you been lately, sis? Sorry I haven’t written in such a long time. How is Bill?
I talked to Dad on the phone the other day, and he mentioned that Jenny is starting junior high this year. The last time I saw her, she was just seven years old. It’s hard to believe she’s already a teenager. Time sure flies. Remember when we were teenagers and I used to tease you about your boyfriend?
Anyway, congratulate Jenny for me. I remember that she likes to listen to music, so I’m sending her a few CD coupons from Tower Records. I’d buy her some CDs, but I’m not sure what she listens to now.
I hope I’ll be able to go to California to visit you all someday soon.
Your loving brother,
Steve
亲爱的苏珊：
姐姐，近来好吗?真抱歉，我已经很久没有写信给你了，比尔好吗?
前几天我和爸爸通电话时，他提到珍妮她今年将要进入初中就读。我上一次见到她时，她才七岁，实在很难相信她已经是个十多岁的少女了。时间的确过得很快。还记得我们十几岁时，我曾戏弄你和你男朋友的事吗?
无论如何，替我向珍妮道贺。我记得她喜欢听音乐，所以我送给她一些淘儿音乐城的CD优惠券。我本来想买一些CD给她，但我并不确定现在她喜欢听的是哪些。
我真希望我能在近期内快点到加州去看你们大家。
爱你的弟弟
史蒂夫 敬上
2005年7月21日
字词解说：
1. lately 近来.最近
Lately常与现在完成式或现在完成进行式并用。
例:David and bis wife have been arguing a lot lately.
(近来大卫和他的妻子争吵不断。
2. sls 姊姊.妹妹(亲昵的称呼)
= sister(正式的称呼)
3. talk to sb on the phone和某人通电话
例:I haven't seen Chuck in years, but I talk to him on the phone every once in a while.
(我好几年没见过查克了，但偶尔我们会以电话联络。)
4. the other day前几天
例:We went to see that movie the other day.
(前几天我们去看那部电影。)
5. mention 拍司vt.提及
not to mention，二更不用提/说……
= to say nothing of...
例:Even the countryside around the city is polluted, not to mention the city itself.
(连市郊地区也受到污染，更不用说市区本身了。)
6. It's hard to believe she's. ..
= It’s hard to believe that she's. . .
7. teen 十几岁的少年/女
8. used to V以前曾经/常常……
be used toy-N/V-ing(人)习惯……
例:I used to live in a dorm with nine other people.
(我以前曾经和九个人同住一间宿舍。)
Sam is used to traveling alone.
(山姆习惯于独自旅行。)
