Hi Mugsy- Belated Happy Birthday. I was hospital-hopping and your birthday slid right by. Hope you had a happy!!! Looks like the beautiful Mary to me. Such a romantic. Love it.

Mamacita, I had similar thoughts. These ease-your-guilty-conscience tell-alls are painful to the family. Even if “his wife already knew”, she didn’t have to suffer the shame of the whold world knowing - til now. My heart goes out to his family.

Happy Mother’s Day, one and all. Let no mother be forgotten. God bless.

Karen, my sympathy in the loss of your mother. I lost my mother many years ago and I love her and miss her still. Only one mother to hold precious and dear.

I hate wishing my life away, but I can’t wait for November and get this OVER!!!

Re John Hagee - Conservative pastors always favor Republicans. Hagee probably isn’t any closer to McCain than you or me.

I am humbled, too, just to be a part of this website. Everyone else’s comments always seem so clever, witty, heartfelt, thoughtful, informative, etc., etc., etc. So I am thankful that I am able to just participate and that everyone is welcomed on this site. Each one offers something of value. You’re a terrific bunch!!!

Dear Mugsy, What a loss you suffered at a tender age. My sympathy. It must have staggered you for a long time. Things evolve. You’re terrific! We’re both survivors. I referred to myself “as an old fogey” because of all these posts, no one seemed to have reached my (ahem!) maturity. Any age can be a blessing - I’m very active/involved in many different things and enjoy keeping current. Thanks for your kind response.

Judy, Your Mom sounds terrific and you are a loving daughter. Thanks for your caring,compassionate message.

I must be the oldest fogey contributing to this site. I’m 81 years old and happily so. I’ve had a wonderful life - with various highs and lows. Married to the same wonderful man for 61 years. Blessed with excellent health, I feel much younger than I am. I am in better health than 3 of my 4 children. I would gladly take their pain if it were possible. A friend of mine once said “Be careful what you wish for, Arlene”. But I would exchange places with them in a nanosecond, it it were possible. Recently we suffered the tragic loss of two great-grandchildren just 5 weeks apart. One was 19 years old and the other a newborn. That was the most difficult ordeal I’ve endured. You see a lot in 81 years. Overall, I’ve had a marvelous life. Most days I feel probably in my 50’s. I enjoy this website tremendously and appreciate being able to take part. You ladies always have such wonderful comments. Have a lovely day.

Dear Mary Lou, The date that you receive your check depends on the last two numbers of your social security number. My husband’s are 99, so we know that ours will be deposited on May 16. Also, we can check our balance by automated phone. Maybe you can do the same. It doesn’t bother anyone, so you could check everyday.

Dear Caroline, I’m so happy for you that things are going to work out for you. The ramp and sidewalk will be such a blessing. And being with the children will take your mind off other things for a while. I remember you saying that when you got your pretty teeth, that your husband was going to take you to Red Lobster to celebrate. Enjoy!!! God bless, Arlene

Dear Marjorie, Our son is a owner/operator truck driver. The help to them is minimal. Diesel is over $4.00 a gallon. It costs $1400 now to fill up his tank and he has to do it twice a week. There’s little left to take care of a family. His insurance lady told him she is losing 100 truckers a week - that they are parking their trucks or seeking other other employment. With unemployment the way it is, there are always others to step in and take the trucking job. So it will be a while before the impact is felt.

Dear Lucille, regarding a boycott of gasoline buying for one day: I have advocated on this site previously that is all Americans would park their cars one day a week we could cut the oil companies profits by 1/7. Even those who work could do a Saturday or Sunday. Are Americans still too spoiled? The noose is getting tighter.

Dear CK, And that tax rebate that we are receiving was borrowed from the middle east and China. That’s a scary thought. Hope everyone enjoys the shopping trip.