Wendy, that’s a sweet story, and I like the reverse aspect of it. It would usually be the boy running away.

Emotionally, spiritually, and for just plain common sense, women have it hands down. I know so many older women who are widows and have no desire for another man. Their attitude is sort of “been there, done that, don’t want to do it again.” However, in our culture, men probably still have the upper hand. It’s just a fact that men are accepted and admired as they age more than women. Gray hair (wow, the guy still has hair), lines in his face (he looks rugged), overweight (kind of stocky build). And the women in their 50s, who are still looking good, are, for the most part, being bypassed by the 50 year old guy ‘cause he can still attract 35 or 40 year old. The funniest part of this, to me, though, is the fact that a lot of the time it’s the women who are hardest on themselves while men continue to see themselves as the high school football hero. How else to explain (which I have seen many times) some beer guzzling goof with the belly to prove it, sitting in his recliner talking about his wife’s fat a— while he somehow sees himself as god’s gift to women. Or the women I know whose failed marriages led them to therapy to try to figure out where they went wrong and learn and grow from the experience. Before they were done with therapy, the guys were remarried. No emotional growth necessary, please. Didn’t work, let’s move on. Maybe they’re reading that dopey book “The Secret.” You know, their big giant egos lets them believe they’re the greatest thing going, and that’s what they put out in the universe.

Cherokee …. I bet the men are pretty happy about that, too.

ki b …. ooh, AARP, they’re the scariest! Have you ever read one of their newsletters? I’m not sure if they’re really trying to be helpful or just scare the s—- out of you (which, by the way, they have the cure for.) Anyway, by the time they get through giving you the latest information about devastating illness, mean, horrible insurance companies, and scam home repair artists, I feel like crawling under the bed in the fetal position. Another day lived in my world of denial.

Thanks Lady Gator, those are great quotes. You’ve got to give credit where credit is due; she may now resemble a Siamese cat, but Joan is pretty funny.

Prince Charles is a geezer …. hold out for George Clooney.

Frannie Em …. that is an amazing story.

I’m always interested in the next great skin care miracle, but unfortunately, it’s much easier to go to a department store and buy a jar of something than to find great sex (‘cause I’m not gonna buy it.)

I admit to avoiding doing a lot of thinking about retirement investing and long term health care. Heck, I’m looking for a job now; hopefully I will get one before I can sign up for social security. But, honestly, when you see these financial advisers on t. v. or read them in the newspaper, and they tell you what you will “need” to get by in your golden years, I flip the page (or channel.) I have something saved, but I realize how tenuous that is in this life, and if I didn’t, I would after reading these posts. One thing about never having lived a big life, and never having wealthy parents who were going to help me out and leave me with a lot, is that I can find joy in leading a fairly simple life ( although a little excitement wouldn’t hurt.)

C A … that is a good tip; thanks for sharing it. I am an only child and my mom is almost 82. She has slowed down a bit, but still takes care of her own business, but I guess I need to be prepared.

That’s one positive thing about hitting bottom, isn’t it, James. When your livelihood and your life are both put in jeopardy in a matter of months, and you’re still here to talk about it, you can let go and feel peace in your heart. I have said this before; but reading all these postings from all these passionate people who are so concerned about one another and the world around them, and then to discover the challenges they are living with in their daily lives, is very humbling. I have a bad tendency to wallow, so I gather strength from all of you. Have a lovely Wednesday.

Well, I didn’t realize a mullet was a fish, so I learned something from my own post! But, you’re correct; a person accessorized with a large fish would be even stranger than one with a bad haircut.

I make jewelry so I always notice interesting earrings and pendants. I also admire women who can pull off kind of a bohemian chic. It can be clothes from a resale shop put together seemingly haphazardly but they just look really cool and confident. On the other hand, when I’ve tried for this look, I look more bag lady than bohemian. I will also admit to making snap assumptions about people with mullets ( and they are out there.)

Hi Phyllis … I don’t think she said “badly.” I think she said “baldly,” so I’m taking that as meaning very frankly, or something on that order?

I do not have a loved one currently serving in this war, but I’ll send out my prayers to all who do,and Frannie, thanks for sharing this website. I’m going to look it over and try to do something.