Author: L.A. Plume

Dear Ms. Plume,    My husband and I are informal entertainers, usually inviting close friends and family for impromptu or seasonal events.

Dear Margaret, In your last Lowcountry column you addressed the “breakdown of our social structure” and questioned how your young daughter will “discover the sweet, sacred mysteries of human sexuality – mindfully, with wonder, and in her own time – when the world is so intent on commercializing, trivializing, demystifying, and demoralizing it?”

When I told him they were coming for a week, Mr. X wrote to me and said, “There should be some expectant pleasure in house guests, some joy to carry us through the drudge of toilet cleaning.

Dear Ms. Plume, I had a dinner party and one couple never did show up or even call to say they weren't coming. We waited for them, tried to call and didn't get an answer, and finally ate without them, but there was a glaring empty spot at the table.

There is a certain intimacy involved in having house guests.

Dear Ms. Plume,      I went to visit a friend of mine. I was sitting on her porch when another visitor came. Her two dogs were on the porch with me. My friend (who is now an ex-friend) introduced the dogs first and then as an afterthought she said, "Oh, that's Mary."

Dear Ms. Plume,    I need some enlightenment on the virtues of email and etiquette. I recently met a man who loves to communicate by email. His emails are funny and thoughtful, so I do enjoy receiving them. However, the other day he emailed me an invitation to go out to dinner. What do you think of that?    Sincerely,    Dotty

My friends Bonnie and Frank are having a party tonight. Jane called me and said she and John will be sitting home alone.

My friends Bonnie and Frank are having a party tonight. Jane called me and said she and John will be sitting home alone.

Holiday, birthday, hostess, or thank you – what four letter word is synonymous with gift?  HOPE.