He e-mailed you? I can't believe the message! I think I would have laughed, too. I also would have driven myself crazy analyzing (and then over-analyzing) every word of it.

How do you read the "50% entitled to by law" part? And certainly he doesn't already feel like he's owed a birthday gift? It's not even March yet!

I like your thoughts about using the money to do things around the house. That's what I have planned. Our refund has not gone into the account yet, and I have to think about how I'm going to approach H about using the money for the upcoming renovations.

I also agree that you should wait for him to follow up. I don't know him, but after weeks of your hearing nothing, I am afraid his friendliness is insincere. Do you feel like it is, or is this just typical of his style of communication?

Have a great rest of the week! Keep me updated on this!