Frank, Your statement is nonsense and the political jibe has nothing to do with this discussion. 

I say all of the above. My friends are in happy states — most of us are at the stage of having fulfilled most of our family and career obligations and we are planning new adventures. Younger women must be stressed , especially if they are "working" moms, but I believe that the prejudices against women in the work place were tackled by my generation. And I feel that women’s opinions are given more worth today. I see fathers much more involved in rearing children now and that, in its self is so encouraging. The economic situation is distressing and that must put enormous worries and stresses on families today. That must influence women’s happiness, but I feel that many women can face this with more confidence. I may be wearing the "rose colored glasses", but I believe that women are more powerful than they have ever been.  

My GoldenDoodle, Brody, smiles all the time, especially when he wants to take a walk. He plants himself in front of me and flashes those pearly whites. And I can’t resist! He is the happiest dog in the world!

A close friend of mine lives in the New York area and will be walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I have contributed $ in her name. And it has inspired me to really get involved. I live in rural Michigan and will find a more accessible event. Neither of us has had this horrible cancer, but so many friends have. We are all involved in this together, women and men! 

I heard the speech, I read the speech and I support Obama and his efforts. 

Lila,Great information! Thanks!!!

My mother had many good qualities and so many friends. But for me, she was hurtful. I was told at a young age, and many times over my childhood, that I was a "mistake" and having me ruined her lifeand her marriage.. She did the same to my brother. In her 50’s she suffered a spinal cord injury and I took care of her until her death inn her late 80’s, while rearing my own kids and working full time. She had been an only child and, I believe, she felt the world was put there to serve her.I learned parenting from her, just do the opposite and love your children unconditionally. Do no harm was my mantra. So she did influence me and I am thankful for the lessons she taught me.  

Lila, And then what do I do with them!?! 

Just finished fixing fried green tomatoes for the first time. Dipped the slices in flour, then egg, then a mix of flour and corn meal. Well, it may be an acquired taste! I’ll try it again, probably. Any suggestions for improvement!?!

Michelle, Those recipes sound great - however I have never canned before and fear killing my guests with botulism. Maybe after the Labor Day weekend I’ll get on the internet and study the art of canning.  Thanks so much!!!!

Barbara, I’m in Michigan also. It has been a disappointing summer, but at least we didn’t have a drought. The rabbits got all my green beans, but I can depend on Swiss Chard. I’ll have to figure out how to can those green tomatoes! Botulism, anyone!?!

It is September 1 and my 5 tomato plants are huge and are burdened with 100’s of hugh GREEN tomatoes. My kitchen counters are covered with half green tomatoes in the hope they ripen before rotting. It’s been a very cool summer, so the tomatoes we hoped to eat over the 4th were non-existant. Has anyone got an easy recipe for green tomatoes (not fried!)? I hate to let anything go to waste! 

Joan Juliet Buck - I loved the shoes!!! And your performance was perfect. What a lovely movie! 

Sheila, That was my first thought! I’d watch that!!!

True story! A friend related this to me. Her parents are in their 80’s and live in a small condo in Florida. During her visit last winter she was awakened for several mornings by the sounds of her parents getting it on.  Her mother is frail, uses a walker, and needs a double hip replacement. Dad discovered the joys of Viagra and was "up to it" EVERY morning. My friend, being an early riser, would go to the living room to avoid being a witness to Dad’s grunting. Very soon, she would awake and find her mom sleeping in a chair in the living room, apparently avoiding the morning workout. It was her only escape!!! OF course, her relationship with the husband was very submissive and not healthy.  He has always been somewhat a tyrant, not unusual in a man of that generation - and probably still a reality. So those lovely, romantic, commercials are conflicting to me. I enjoy sex in my 60’s, but the idea of being basically crippled and having to endure the results of these medications on those selfish old goats is a nightmare!