Please help me with semi-formal personal letter

What is semi-formal alternative for "glad to hear from you again"?
How to ask a person about how to adress him?
When asking about someone`s profession, do we ask "what is your kind of activity" or smth or simply "what is your profession?"
When we ask about a project which person is doing at present, what tense should we use?
Does phrase "things did not get in my way" suits in style?
And the last, what conclusion is the most suitable for such personal letter?

Thanks in advance.