Dear Abby: Please settle a question that's been bothering several members of our club: What is the proper way to eat asparagus?
I believe I remember reading in Emily Post's book of etiquette that it's proper to eat asparagus with your fingers, but never let the juice drip off your elbows.
Some members say that couldn't possibly be right.
I also recall that President John F. Kennedy told Jackie that it was all right to eat asparagus that way, which she did.
Am I right or wrong? There is money riding on your answer.
- Steady Reader, frederick, Md.
Dear Reader: You are right. I checked Emily Post's book of etiquette, and much to my surprise, she said it IS proper to pick up asparagus with one's fingers.
Letitia Baldrige concurs. She says asparagus may be eaten in one of two ways, depending upon how long it's been cooked and how much is buried in the sauce: either with the fingers, or with a knife and fork.
Miss Manners also lists foods that may be eaten with the fingers - and asparagus is on the list.
Dear Abby: I am a longtime reader and enjoy your column, but this is my first letter to you. My question: What hour is appropriate to operate a lawn mower on the weekend?
In my neighborhood, some people go at it at 8 a.m. on a Saturday. But recently, the 9:15 Sunday morning racket from a power mower broke the camel's back! These are good neighbors who have well-kept yards, but they mow them at the craziest hours.
This is not an earthshaking issue, but it's important to me. Like many other hard-working home owners, I need that extra hour or two to sleep on the weekend, so please tell me what hour YOU think it is appropriate to run power equipment on the weekend.
Is 10 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday a reasonable request?
I have never seen this question addressed in your column. Awaiting your response . . .
- Richard Schuh, St. Louis Park, Minn.
Dear Mr. Schuh: Your weekend schedule sounds reasonable to me. Were I in your place, I'd simply have a friendly chat with the neighbors informing them of my need for peace and quiet on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Dear Abby: I am writing in response to the letter from "No Name or Town," the 27-year-old unmarried woman who was attracted to the guy behind the counter in the video store. I could be this guy! I am also 27 years old, single, and work part time in a video store.
There is a woman that I see from time to time in the store whom I find attractive. She could be her. I could be him.
The advice you gave was very good. Talk to me, show me you are interested, and I will respond if I am interested, too. I am old-fashioned and somewhat shy when it comes to meeting women. I hop my customer will speak up. Then we can finally meet.
- The Video Guy
Dear Video guy: What are you waiting for? Introduce yourself to the lady you find attractive. You've nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good luck.
Dear Abby: I recently read your articles regarding the lady who invited her husband's ex-wife to attend his funeral, and also the letter from the ex-wife who insisted the "ex" not attend.
Last March, I buried my beloved husband of 11 years. Later, while reading through the registry book, I noticed that my husband's ex-wives (he had two) had attended his funeral.
What a beautiful tribute to him that they both came. It spoke so highly for him - and them, as well
- Debbie Nimmo, Decatur, Texas
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