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Happy new year, the best of health and happiness to you!  If you have those, that money thing isn't so important.    Trust me on this; I'm old. 

I enjoyed the book on butler-ing (?) so much that I went back to the library to find another one.  My hostessing skills can always be improved upon.  For example, we always make a great fuss pouring you the first drink after your arrival.  From then on, you're on your own!  "Beer's on the top shelf, back!"

"Heloise, Jr." wrote the rather encompassing "Hints for All Occasions" so I got it. 

It's too late now, but keep this in mind for next Christmas and buy a living tree.  She thoughtfully lists where specific trees will flourish, if you do plant them after the holiday.

Douglas Fir - Northeast, Northwest, Midwest, Rockies
Norway Spruce - Anywhere except the South and deserts
Scotch Pine - Northeast, Northwest, Midwest, Rockies

Ours is in a big pot on the balcony and has nearly doubled in size from last year.

Even though the book was written in 1995, Heloise was well into eco-savings.  To dye Easter eggs, she suggests dying with vegetables.  For yellow-ish or pink-ish, boil eggs in water with either white or red onion peels.  Use spinach or turnip tops for green.  A fresh beet makes them red.

Some time ago, after a visit to South Texas I went on a (subdued) rampage to find the recipe for Pea Salad because it was Cousin Robert's favorite.  Heloise has got it!

1 can baby peas, drained (would use frozen myself)
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup grated sharp cheese
2 T onion, minced
Mayonnaise and pepper to taste.

Sling it all together using enough mayo to make it moist.  It will keep for a couple of days, tightly sealed in the refrigerator.

But as much as I admire Heloise (and I do) I have to take issue with one of the recipes included in the book.  That would be "Mrs. Chester Barrow's Watergate Salad."

1 9-oz. container whipped topping
1 small box pistachio-flavored instant pudding
1 1-lb. can crushed pineapple and the juice
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts

Fold the dry pudding into the whipped cream, add the pineapple and juice, then throw in the marshmallows and nuts.  Refrigerate and serve on a bed of lettuce.

Dear Heloise, that's a dessert not a salad, no matter how many lettuce leaves you use in the presentation!  And it can't possibly be as good as Pea Salad.