Dear Miss Blue,

Be sure to tell Melba about the 16 Rib umbrella, invented by the Chinese in order to keep the rain and wind from flattening and turning the umbrella inside-out. I can see that Melba's dainty umbrella was about to do just that!  Why, even her skirts were billowing up in the back, (of course, she was no doubt aware of the Marilyn Monroe effect, being so fashion forward). A darling and fetching picture. Miss Blue. I own a 16 rib umbrella, stored away in one of my antique dresser drawers and almost forgotten about until I looked carefully at Melba's umbrella. I suppose I could have been using it all along, but a treasure in the drawer is often forgotten, even in time of need.

You have heard of all the rain we have had here in the Village? I have been using a 12 rib umbrella, and of course, it has had to be held on to by holding on to the handle and to the umbrella itself to keep it from turning inside-out. I plan on sending Melba my antique 16 rib umbrella.  I just know she will be delighted and of course, friends and neighbors will want to praise and envy the umbrella.

Well, today I will be demonstrating my Kiwi Pie in the Produce Section of our local grocery store. With the Television cameras in mind, I hurried over to the Cooks of Crocus Hill, where I have in the past bought oilcloth aprons and tablecloths hoping to find a Kiwi Fruit/Kiwi Bird patterned apron. The girls there were very helpful and, as if they knew all along I would be needing that very apron, there it was! We all agreed, we couldn't be happier! And now, I will hurry along to my very first Cooking Show on Television.

Love from Pearl
Cooking and Taping