In a mixing bowl with electric beaters, beat 3 egg whites and 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add 1 pound (about 4 cups or 455 g) powdered sugar, continuing to beat the mixture at high speed 4 to 7 minutes or until it’s of spreading consistency. (Note: If the mixture is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is of desired consistency.) Keep the bowl covered with a damp cloth as icing will dry quickly.

To assemble the tree:

Place one of the largest stars on a serving platter. Begin stacking the remaining stars from largest to smallest, using a small dab of icing to secure in place; alternate position of points of each star as stacking continues to create the tree. Top the tree with a solid white star. Then, you can decorate it with more frosting and sprinkle with confectioners’ or colored sugar. Whatever captures your fancy.

DISNEY RUSHES WITH HIS monkey at the sound of a knock. I open the door and Rosie hurries in with a flurry of snow and a red-lipsticked smile, long black coat billowing. Her short hair throws iridescence as the light catches melting snow.

“Hi. Hi. Hi.” She rustles her bags and kisses the air, placing her load on the table. “It’s beginning to get nasty out there … icy snow. I’ll be right back.” The door slams as she rushes out again before I can ask if she needs help. She returns with more sacks. “So I didn’t realize how much this would be. I could only get three in each one.” And she’s out the door again. I pick up two of her bags and take them into my office, and she returns with a bowl of Thai noodles in peanut sauce that she places on the table.

“There,” she announces. “So. Now I can get my hugs.” And grabs Charlene. “SOOOOO good to see you.” She softens her voice, making the greeting a condolence as well as an expression of pleasure, and it’s clear she wasn’t sure Charlene was up to a party. Charlene plays it as though it’s pure friendship without the tinge of concern and pity. Then Rosie clutches me as though she’s home at last. “Ah, Marnie.”

She smells of ylang-ylang and lime.

“You’re looking well. How’s Jim? How’re the girls? Any word yet?”