Not desensitized, but other emotions. The way the media jumps from one tragedy to the next for the story of the day is sometimes startling. I hate when they report the number of Americans killed - as if the event is meaningless otherwise. Disgust when the “tragedy” is media generated. And sometimes I am just overwhelmed and have to turn off the news. I don’t believe the world and it’s news is any worse than it ever was - murder, mayhem, chaos - all historical. The difference now is communication. We see it live, no matter where in the world it happens.

Married 30 years. Now divorced 5 years and having the time of my life. There is no use moping about those men who have eyes only for the cute sweet little things. They don’t interest me - too shallow. I have found lots of men who like a smart woman who is comfortable with herself. It’s all about the attitude. Where do you go to meet men? Go where you enjoy being. Do what makes you happy. Smile and laugh honestly. They will find you. And Diana T…. if YOU think you are old at 66, so will everyone else.

I only wear skirts in the summer so I don’t have to mess with hose. I went bare legged at my 1973 wedding - in July for God’s sake - and my mother about passed out.

But just because I know how doesn’t mean I can. Had a flat about a year ago, on the freeway of course, tire completely shot. There I was on the berm with the owner’s manual, spare ready, tools out…. couldn’t loosen the lug nuts. My guardian angel sent a man who whipped the old off and the new on in about 10 minutes. I don’t like being dependent on men, but strength is strength. I guess we all do what we do best, we don’t all have to be good at everything.

Yep. There is truth. I changed from sensible lace up oxfords to strappy dancing shoes. Now when I get dressed - the shoes are the first thing i choose!

I think this happens more than folks would like to admit… Life goes on.

I had my first martini in Sardi’s…. and salsa danced with the bartender…. what a night! All of my trips to NYC have taken on a theme - unplanned. I guess it depends on my mood. I have done a couple “theater” trips, an “art” trip of all galleries and museums, a “park” trip (Brooklyn Botanical is fabulous!), a “bookstore” trip (6 in one day!), “tourist”, “shopping”, and more. My son and daughter-in-law live in NYC so I have a great excuse to visit. Oh…it makes me wistful today as I sit at my desk and look out at the sunshiny blue sky day…. I wish I were in Union Square reading the paper and people watching…

I think it is time we revamped our election process in this country. I would propose a 4 week campaign for whoever would like to run for president - a 24 hour national voting period where we whittle the candidates down to - oh - 2 or 3 or 4. Then an 8 week campaign, then another 24 hour national voting period where we elect our president. If a candidate can’t tell us their platform in that time period, then they shouldn’t be running. These long long long long campaigns are no good - it has only led to sniping and arguing semantics. I would like to see all of them focus on the issues. Forget mis-statements and rogue supporters - what about gas prices? or health care? or the war?

I can’t believe no one from Michigan has pointed out that we have a female Democractic governor - Jennifer Granholm.

I have a 20 year old daughter. The advise above is all wonderful but here is the thing - we are all able to give this great advise because of what we have learned along the way. I think we have to live our own lives, find our own ways, and learn the importance of these lessons on our own. My daughter is going to learn more from the way she sees me living my life than any words could ever hope to teach her.

A book club! What a fabulous idea! Here’s a thought - http://www.gutenberg.org It is free online eBooks. I haven’t scoured the catalog yet, but I am sure there are things available. That way we could all be on the same page so to speak. Judith - did you see this one coming?

ok - who? Can you provide more info about Madame?

Mythology is not my best subject…would never win that topic on Jeopardy. But historical - I am thinking Eleanor Roosevelt. She tolerated a difficult husband (don’t forget the mother-in-law!), raised a passle of kids, and worked to make the world a better place. What a great attitude!

Zelda Fitzgerald

How many others are longing for the day when we vote for a candidate based on their qualifications instead of the race/gender stuff? Probably won’t happen until the media quits scrutinizing every poll and primary that way.