I’m with you, Melanie. The people who adopted me had no business becoming parents. Back then (early to mid-60s), you graduated high school, got married, and had kids. You just did, because…..that’s what everyone DID! The people who adopted me are a perfect example of “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

Dear Jan “Smith”…..yes, your feelings make perfect sense. You were, and are, a great sister. I’m so sorry you went through what you did, and I hope you had the chance to confront your “father”. I also hope you are at peace. Be well.

I was adopted into an extremely dysfunctional family. My “parents” split up when I was around 6. My “dad” was pretty much absent from then on. The woman who calls herself my mother became bitter and extremely abusive to me after her husband left. She had given birth to 2 children before they adopted me, and she treated her own children the way children should be treated. I was her physical and emotional punching bag. My nickname as a child was “CindaGinger” - her children made a joke of the way I was abused. I finally - at 40 years old - had the courage to write a long letter to the woman who calls herself my mother, letting her know how her abuse affected me, and still does. That was a year ago. She hasn’t acknowleged the letter or its contents, and we haven’t spoken since she received it. I’m very content.

Social Security is also paid out to worthless, lazy Americans (like my ex-husband and my neighbor across the street) who just don’t want to work. My ex got permanent disability status because of chronic sinusitis. Yes, I’m serious. And my neighbor claims to have chronic back pain, yet he can mow his lawn, carry groceries into the house, work on his car, play tennis with his kids…..I agree that non-citizens should NOT be entitled to OUR benefits. The system definitely needs overhauling. These people are depleting the fund which I’ve paid into for 25 years, and probably won’t be there when I need it in 25 more.

The thing I respect and admire the most about Ms. Goldberg is how comfortable she is just being - her. To like yourself, to be comfortable with all your foibles and imperfections - that’s maturity. I’m very close to being there myself, but Ms. Goldberg, you’ve arrived. You’re a mensch.

I have to go with the majority here. I like Obama, but maybe he needs a bit more experience before being Prez. And I just don’t like Hillary. So neither for me as well.

Ms. Rometo - you are INCREDIBLE! It’s rare that I find someone who reads me as well as you have. My own horoscope, as well as my daughter’s, are RIGHT ON! I’ll be sticking with you. Thank you.

…..and I can say I was there from the beginning! I’m so proud of you ladies.

I believe alcohol and cigarettes are far more addictive, not to mention physically and psychologically damaging, than pot. I’ve never, nor has anyone I know ever, heard of anyone overdosing on pot. It’s been said that pot is a “gateway” drug - people start with pot and move up to more serious drugs. NOT TRUE! I know several people who’ve been smoking pot for decades, and never tried any other drugs. These are productive, successful people with loving, close families, nice homes, jobs they love, and large networks of friends. And these are people who don’t drink more than the occasional alcoholic beverage, and most kicked the cigarette habit long ago. Me? I smoked plenty in my youth. But now? Why, it’s illegal! For you to suggest such a thing…..I am insulted…..I’m just going to walk away now!

The one thing I can say about little mister Spitzer is, at least he had the common sense (and maybe a little decency?) to resign. More than we can say for Kwame the wonder dog.

Bravo, Ms. Bertinelli. What a woman you are.

Like so many others, the increase that’s hitting me hardest is gas. Right now in my area, the cheapest gas is $3.18 a gallon for regular. I have learned to adjust. My daughter and I took the bus to the mall on Saturday. It was a good decision. For less than $2 each, we rode in relative comfort, I didn’t have to deal with the traffic or parking, and walking to the bus terminal certainly wasn’t a bad thing. Unfortunately, my job is not on the bus line, but I’m only about 3 miles away, so that doesn’t sting too much. I’ve always been a “let one trip do for all” gal, so that hasn’t changed at all. I look at my car as a luxury right now. I use it when absolutely necessary. At all other times, I walk or take one of the many convenient modes of public transportation here in Philly: bus, el, and trolley. I’m saving money on gas, as well as wear and tear on my vehicle. And I’m walking more. I’ve also noticed that most of my grocery staples have gotten more expensive - milk, fruit, everything. I’m just a lot more conservative now. I’m trying store brands, really watching out for sales, and I’ve even gone back to using coupons. What else can you do, besides complain, which doesn’t do anyone any good!

I’m definitely going to be one of those stereotypical old ladies: pasty white skin, but never without my shiny red lips! I look like a cadaver without my lipstick, and I shall never be without it!

I love love love ING Direct. I don’t feel safe putting my money into anything that’s even remotely risky. I have my savings, and my daughter’s college fund, in ING CD’s. They have the highest yield I can find, and I feel my money’s safe. I also have a regular savings account with them, because it also yields a high interest rate.

That was beautiful. Do you have any photos of Lulu that you’d be willing to post? She sounds like a great old gal.