to My Alias - The benefits would be short-lived. I heard an economist say that the 18 cents would quickly fill up with other costs, bringing us back to original cost. Then after summer, the federal tax would be added back on, leaving us worse off than ever.

Mugsy, what a great idea. That would be a wonderful start.

Caroline, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind today. Just want to say what a special person you are and that you deserve to celebrate that fact. No one else has your point of view, your personality, your character or your passions. You are a mother, a wife, a grandmother. You have a great relationship with your husband. No one else has your ideas or your point of view. You are unique. One of a kind. I believe a celebration is in order. Hoping the outpouring of love from your WoW friends has helped. Love and Prayers, Arlene

Bella, I live in Florida. Congress votes everytime to block drilling off the coast of Florida. Guess what? Now Cuba plans to drill 50 miles off our coastline (by Keys) and according to the 1977 maritime agreement between Cuba and the US, it’s perfectly legal. Other nations that plan to participate are China, India, Spain and Canada. And our government continues to sit on their hands. Wouldn’t you like to smack somebody?

Elizabeth, the current number of countries with US military present now stands at 149. Some for as long as 60 years, i.e., Germany and Japan. Japan pays us 2 billion dollars a year to have them there so they don’t have to provide their own military. Germany also does not want us to leave - I’m assuming we boost their economy quite a bit.

Caroline, You are an amazing woman. I’m so sorry you are having multiple problems. Concentrate please on the blessings you mentioned in your post: A husband who love you, no matter what. A daughter who loves you, I’m sure. Your 3-year old grandson - they always adore Grandma. And you have many friends on Wow. We enjoy hearing from you. God bless, Dear One.

Bella, some great suggestions. I would add “read a good book”. I can lose myself in an interesting book. Attitude is key, as well as doing the best we can for ourselves in the health area.

The American middle class is just overwhelmed with trying to survive. Talk about profits: Yesterday BP announced profits 63% higher than last year, Shell up 25%. Our son is owner/operator of an 18 wheeler. It costs him $1400 to fill his tank and has to do it twice a week. Circling the White House for a President who doesn’t hear won’t help. Bush now has 73% dissatisfied rating - the lowest in history. And don’t get me started on the war. Tomorrow is the 5th anniversary of Bush’s appearance aboard the USS Lincoln where he claimed “Mission Accomplished”. Why didn’t the war end then? Our nation is in big trouble and no one to help us. Re the stimulus rebate tax that is now being mailed: I’d feel a whole lot better about it if I didn’t know we borrowed the money from the Middle East and China so we can all go shopping.

No one should be persecuted for their beliefs, whatever they may be. It got him home, anyway. Home is a good place to be.

Our family and friends believe we have the best of both worlds. In the winter we live in our home on Florida’s gulf coast area (not on the water, but close to beaches, etc.) In the summer we go to our cottage in Michigan. Very unpretentious, it consists of living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, one bathroom (longing for a second one) and what I love most, a porch all across the front facing the lake. I call it “Peaceful Place”. We have family in Florida and Michigan. We are truly blessed. As for roots, my husband and I were both born and raised in Michigan. Even though we spend more time in Florida, Michigan will always be “Home” to me.

The health system is truly in total chaos. So many people with needs and no help available. The ones making the rules don’t have to worry. They have plenty of money and I’m sure the very best coverage. We have a dentist in our area that gives free service to the needy one day each year. People start lining up at midnight to make sure they get in. Our son was diagnosed with liver disease last summer. He and his family qualified for Medicaid. The medication was $2700 per month. When the pharmacuetical company raised it to $5200 a month, Medicaid refused to cover it. His doctor contacted the pharmaceutical company and they are supplying it directly to him now. He needs it for another three month course. Without their help, he would lose his home and we would probably lose everything we have trying to keep them afloat. HELP!!! Is anyone listening? The middle class is becoming desperate.

Ginny, US Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa has filed a bill to ban oil and natural gas drilling within 213 miles off the Florida coast FOREVER. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL wants 125 mile buffer off the Panhandle and a 235 mile no drilling zone off the west coast of Florida. CUBA is planning to drill about 50 miles off the Florida Keys. Other countries include China, India, Spain and Canada. How can our country be so stupid as to let them come in the back door and take everything? It is so infuriating.

ConocoPhillips, the third largest U.S. oil company reported 1st qtr. net income (profit) of $4.14 Billion. That is up from $3.55 same qtr. last year. The world’s other big oil companies expect to report similar profits. Doesn’t that warm the cockles of your heart?

I have stated for several years that if all Americans would park their cars one day a week (we could all do that) it would immediately cut consumption and oil companies profits by 1/7. To date, Americans are too spoiled to do it. Also, my husband was in the automobile business. He has know that the ability to build cars with high mpg ability has been there for many years. They don’t want us to use less. Re Dr. Klein - please disregard his posts and make no comment or response whatever. When I see his post, I just move on to the next one. Have a lovely day, Ladies.

I offer a TIP OF THE HAT to you ladies. I have noticed that a few of you have mentioned wheelchairs or a handicap of some kind. Your attitude (each one of you) is terrific. I admire you greatly. A bouquet of roses to you and have an ever so lovely day.