Somewhere Between Degas and Renoir

I made one of those curious discoveries which at once intrigues and delights.  In this case, it also amuses.

Though I'm certain I purchased the weighty THE IMPRESSIONISTS: THE GREAT WORKS AND THE WORLD THAT INSPIRED HIM coffee table book on clearance at Barnes & Noble (the sticker residue is still on the lower-right corner of the front cover), how do I account for the Christmas greeting card stuck between its center pages?  At first glance, the handwriting seemed familiar.  Perhaps I stowed an errant card from my annual pile during a quick clean-up?  Or, maybe one of the kids tucked it in there without thinking?

A quick study of the contents, skimming down to the signature, created not an answer to my questions, but instead generated more questions: who are Adelaide and Grampa?  From where did this frankly written, quirky little missive come?  And, why have I not actually read this handsome picture book before now?  (Because if I had, surely I would have caught this scribbled interloper more than a decade ago, as the contents reveal a significant century change!)

I think I would have liked this Grampa character.  He does not mince words or dramatize situations.  Per my leaning toward length, I am an instant fan of his brevity.  Is he still alive?  Did his wife have #6 and was it her last?  I hope his business picked up and grandkids once again opened holiday envelopes from gramps to discover dollars mixed in with his updated well wishes.  And lastly, who was this mysterious recipient of many moves and locations, this person who was obviously an object of Grampa's stern affection?

Unless you know him, it all stops here.  But, I rather feel I do know him.  At least on cardstock.

"Grampa here:  This is not a normal xmas.  I'm at zero because of entrepenurial needs.  I'll make up for it in time.  Let's hear how things are going and theres high hopes your luck is good for a change.  Hope the address is a good one.  You change addresses like I change socks.  Grama had #5 and is moving on.  The big one is long overdue and it will be a blessing when it happens.  The next four weeks may have a lot of turmoil with Y2K, terrorism and the start of depression.  Lets just see if I am perhaps right in my guessing.  Bless you all --  Adelaide, Gramps and the rest of the family