James, You are so right! Forgot a favorite memory : senior year went on Catholic retreat during Christmas break. We were in a house on a lake in northern IN and the lake was frozen. Spent time walking on the lake, climbing on the roof and smoking cigarettes and drinking altar wine- the chaperone (clueless priest) went to bed early.

Looking back it was a great time (‘67-‘71). I went to a laboratory school for the local university and my class numbered 97 students. I was part of the popular group and had lots of friends (both sexes) and knew who everyone was while in high school. I was at school with cousins and brothers and went out with several of their friends. It was an innocent time: 1st love and he broke my heart; cried when I did not make cheerleader or prom court; 1st drink and smoking grass; majored in social life instead of academics; long talks long into the night; lots of friends yet felt lonely so many times, etc. It is strange how only 4 years can have such an impact - good or bad.

Totally agree!

I love to walk. This past year I trained for and walked the “3-day walk for breast cancer awareness” in Seattle (I’m from OC CA). My friends and I had a great time training - lots of talking and a fun way to see communities. The 3-day walk was a wonderful experience. It was also a nice way to see Seattle and surrounding area. I was overwhelmed with the support we received from the community. 60 miles no big deal compared to the people who go through chemo. Because of my training I did not experience any problems and now we are looking forward to walking the SF walk in Oct ‘09. Walking with friends - great way to really get to know people.

To Joan Larsen, Thanks to your posts and recommendations re the biography of Alice Roosevelt I went to the bookstore today and purchased the book. Looking forward to learning more about her. Janet

Dianne, OK is a nice state! I had the pleasure of being invited by the University of Tulsa to dine at the Polo Grill - very nice restaurant and was impressed with the city and university (my daughter applied and was accepted by decided to stay in TX). I have been lucky to have lived in various parts of the country (IN, NY, AZ, TX, CA) and hate it when people make unkind generalizations about an area - great people everywhere.

I have no problem with Happy Holidays. I always felt it referred to the season of Christmas and New Year’s Day. The word holiday comes from holy day. I enjoy hearing people acknowlege the season. Major gripe for me has always been the decorations going up so early. The day after Thanksgiving is still too early for me. I wait until the Sunday before Christmas to decorate the tree. I am constatly amazed how women stress about decorating for Christmas. If I can’t put the rest of the decorations up in an afternoon it is too much work. I love the season and do not stress over decorations, baking, shopping. Maybe with the economy in such bad shape people will get back to realizing why we do celebrate the holidays. I like Rosie - she was responding to an interview question and she replied. Barbara Walters should have let it pass - her remarks were beneath her.

Yes, I would like to learn more about the real Laura, but she will never spill her guts.

The governor of AZ is definitely one to watch. I am impressed with her.

ME!!! Relationships with my children, husband, family members and friends.

From the beginning I realized it was not Sarah Palin shopping for the clothes (I mistakenly thought everyone knew that). To me the issue was that the RNC bought clothes for the candidate to wear. I just thought that was pretty bizarre. Did the RNC purchase clothes for previous candidates? Hopefully this can be put to rest - so much more to think about.

I did/do not care for Sarah Palin, however I think it is horrible that Fox News has reported that top advisers are not shuffling the blame to her. Many, many factors led to the Obama victory and the defeat of the McCain ticket, she was just one factor.

As an American ( I am registered as an Independent) I am so excited. Yes, Mc Cain was gracious, he showed what he could have been through out this election. Now, can you get the message across to Elizabeth H.? I am so tired of her and her rants about Rev. Wright. Obama does not owe us an explanation, etc. People attend churches for many reasons.

John, I agree with you. My 18 year old is very disappointed - as I told her “discrimination is not a family value”.

A truly inspiring speech. I was so moved to hear him speak last night. I especially liked his reference to Lincoln and the Republican party. It is time for the GOP to rethink their message and tactics. The dream is still alive.