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Dear Abby 5/16
Pie recipe gives family good eating, good stories
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DEAR ABBY: To this day, the story of my mother's letter from Dear Abby continues to be a family favorite.
    Soon after my parents' wedding, Mom wrote to Dear Abby and asked for your pecan pie recipe.
    A few days later, a letter arrived addressed to my mom from Dear Abby. Mom made the pie, and Dad loved it. (It's still the best pie ever!)
    Several years later, Dad finally got up the nerve to ask Mom what had troubled her so much right after their wedding that she needed to write to Dear Abby. It took him a while to believe that it had been only for a pie recipe. We still laugh about it.
    If you have room to print this letter, I know my folks would get a kick out of seeing their story in print, and thanks for so many years of enjoying your pie. -- LUCKY DAUGHTER IN POWAY, CALIF.
    DEAR LUCKY DAUGHTER: I'm pleased to print your letter. I can only imagine what your poor father was thinking after the reply to your mother's request arrived.
    I'm also pleased that your family has continued to enjoy the pecan pie. The recipe has appeared in my column many times over the years and is also included in my cookbooklet set, which also contains lots of other recipes to use when families get together to celebrate holidays and other special occasions. My mother often used them when she was entertaining.
    The cookbooklet set can be ordered by sending a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $12 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

    DEAR ABBY: I'm 20 and engaged to a wonderful guy I'll call "Tom." There is only one thing that worries me. Tom's family isn't the best with money, and he doesn't have much money right now. I don't want to be deeply in debt when we're married, and I'm also worried that I will have to be the one with a "head for money." (I'm not. I was overdrawn last year.)
    It seems ridiculous to think that money could get in the way of love, but my parents divorced because of financial problems. How can I work this out with Tom before it gets to be a problem? What's the right approach? -- THINKING AHEAD IN SYRACUSE
    DEAR THINKING AHEAD: You may not have a head for money, but you have a keen eye for a serious pitfall ahead. Money problems have wrecked many marriages besides your parents'.
    A non-threatening way to approach the subject would be to tell your fiance that before you go any further, the two of you must have premarital counseling. Be sure to tell the counselor about your concerns, because making sure the two of you have similar goals in this area is crucial. A long engagement will not only give you a chance to know each other better, but also give Tom time to reduce or eliminate his debts — so don't rush into anything.
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