Michelle is a beautiful, classy woman, but that dress was atrocious! I think she’s gained a bit of weight recently, and the dress just accentuated it. It did absolutely nothing for her.

I have no idea how a blank comment got posted. So here goes — I have given up having my hair highlighted. At this point it’s salt-and-pepper, anyway, so a temporary coloring provides similar results. I will not give up my beloved hairdresser, but I’m taking more time between cuts, so my hair is now chin length. Last month I took a much longed-for trip to Peru, including Machu Picchu. If I hadn’t signed up for it in July, I doubt if I would have gone, but I’ll have wonderful memories to cherish for the next few years that I will be travel-deprived. I hope it won’t be too long. We’re also keeping the thermostat at 66 degrees daytime, and 60 at night, and wearing layers of clothes indoors. Socks to bed.

Forty-five years ago, when I worked for Civil Rights, marched, demonstrated, saw Dr. Martin Luther King speak, and sang innumerable choruses of “We Shall Overcome,” I never dreamed that I would see a Black president in my lifetime. I am thrilled! It goes beyond being thrilled. I see new hope for this country, so battered after eight years of the Bush Administration. I see a bright future for my grandchildren. Thank you America!

I think if I relocated anywhere else in the world, it would be to Provence. I’ve been there twice and found it absolutely entrancing. I hope you have a wonderful life there.

I agree —I think Tina would do a much better job.

Why not, we had an actor for President.

While watching the debate, I made a somewhat nasty comment about Gov. Palin. My husband (who is definitely for Obama-Biden) said “Well, you know, she is the Governor of Alaska. She couldn’t have gotten there if she didn’t have some qualifications.” It then occured to me that the only place she could have succeeded would be Alaska. As ambitious as she is, she never would have made it in politics or business in any of our major cities in the lower 48. She would have been laughed out of New York City. I know — I worked there for many years. By the way, she mentioned that she was a “business owner.” What business was she involved in? Seriously.

About ten pounds too many, but it’s all in my waist. A few little aches and pains, but nothing serious (knock on wood!). A couple more wrinkles and grey hairs. I guess you would consider these negative. On the other hand, growing older makes the ridiculous remarks I make more acceptable. Others put them down as “cute” or “feisty.” My personality hasn’t changed, but others’ perception of it has.

She was so elegant and beautiful, and just as beautiful on the inside.

Right — and McCain says the economy (which he admits he knows little about) is doing fine. Vote for him and get four more years of the same, if the country can last four more years!

Here’s looking at you, kid!

I didn’t because every candidate I have ever contributed to or worked for has lost. I don’t want to jinx this one. It’s too important.

Maintain a positive attitude. I have always believed that I could do anything I wanted if I tried hard enough. I’ve achieved many of my goals. The ones I haven’t achieved — well, I guess I just didn’t try hard enough. And that’s the best thing I can do for myself.

The reason that knock offs are so successful is the rampant materialism so prevalent today, which has led to the popularity of high-priced designer handbags, among other “luxury” goods. I personally cannot understand the need for carrying something costing thousands of dollars just to show others how affluent you are. And some of them are downright ugly! Because of the need in some women to appear to keep up with Ms. Jones, they will buy these counterfeits, and I doubt if they give a second thought to who makes them, or the conditions under which they live. In fact, I’ve even heard people rationalize child labor by saying that the children would otherwise starve. As for myself, if I’m going to carry something with someone’s name or initials on it, it had better be mine!