November 3, 1947 The Crowd, The Fancy Gold Thing, The Very Wonderful Book, Morning Glory Muffins and Tomato Aspic

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Dear Mother & Daddy,

"Yesterday was a beautiful day and we spent it in N.Y.  It was cold enough for my winter coat which fits nicely.  We have had quite cold weather for several days now and I guess we've had the last of the warm ones.

We left home real early yesterday and were in N.Y. when the stores opened.  People must have wanted to take advantage of the nice day for I've never seen such a crowd in N.Y.  That made it hard to get anything done but we managed to do some shopping.  I didn't buy you a purse for there was only one and it had a fancy gold thing on the top which I didn't think you'd like and it would have been $13.00 with tax.  I hope you aren't too disappointed.  We wanted to do a lot of Xmas shopping but got just a few things.  B did find a topcoat for which we were thankful.  It is sort of a tan heather and is a lovely coat.  We got a baby bath but when we got home they had given us the wrong one so I wrote the store a letter today and am wondering what they will do about it. 

B's committee didn't come out last week because there was a college dance on the night we had planned so they may come this week.

The luncheon at Mrs. Wampler's was nice and she had such good things to eat.  There was chicken salad, tomato aspic, limas and carrots mixed, hot muffins, ice cream and cake, coffee.  We just talked after we ate and then left quite early.

I read "Miracle of the Bells" the other day and it is a very wonderful book.  Maybe sometime you'll get it if you don't already have it.  Then I just finished "Kingsblood Royal" which was fair.  B is reading John Gunther's new book, "Inside U.S.A.".  It must be really interesting for he's always reading parts of it to me but it's too long for me to tackle now.  There are 950 pages.

It's getting close to my bedtime so bye for now."

                  Lots of love,

                        B & Bonnie

NOTES from Ann:  A brief review of "Miracle of the Bells" follows:

"In a world of skeptics and pessimists, we often find there is little if any light at the end of the tunnel. But once in a while an author gives us a glimpse of hope and the impossible made possible. Russell Janney has written a book which would soften any heart of stone. I guarantee that by the end of the book, you'll either be smiling or crying, or even perhaps both. A great book for those who have fallen off the path and no longer believe that good still exists."  (Source http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Bells-Russell-Janney/dp/9997502205

And for several reviews of "Kingsblood Royal":   http://www.amazon.com/Kingsblood-Royal-Modern-Library-Classics/dp/0375756868

 John Gunther's observations of America made his book one of the most popular reads of the late 1940s.   A 50th anniversary edition was published in 1997.  Note Schlesinger's comment if you use this link to read a brief description of the book:
http://thenewpress.com/index.php?option=com_title&task=view_title&metaproductid=1414

Morning Glory Muffins

Sift into a large bowl 2-1/2 c. sugar, 4 c. flour, 4 tsp. cinnamon, 4 tsp. soda and 1 tsp. salt.  Add 1 c. shredded coconut, 4 c. shredded carrots, 2 shredded apples, 1 c. pecan pieces and 1 c. currants or raisins, plumped in brandy and drained.  Mix together real well.  Then mix together & add 2 c. vegetable oil, 6 eggs and 1 tsp. vanilla.  Stir until combined.  Fill cupcake pans (use liners) 3/4 full.  Bake 20 min. @ 375.  Let ripen 24 hrs. before serving.  Makes about 3 dozen.

Tomato Aspic

Mix together 32 oz. Bloody Mary Mix, 6 oz. lemon jello, 2 T sugar and 4 T fresh squeezed lemon juice.  Heat to dissolve jello.  Add any combination of chopped vegetables such as celery, green pepper, tomatoes, olives, peppers, etc. if desired or leave plain.   Pour into mold and refrigerate until firm.