Good manners are always acceptable and in this instance, “Ladies” would have worked. Perhaps Ms. Manners would comment for us.

Judith Martin, Our newspsper runs your column on Thursdays. It’s the first thing I read. I appreciate your wit/dry humor as you dispense sage advice. You never disappoint. Today was a fine example - you crack me up. Re sleepwear, I’ve always worn gowns - the more feminine, the better. That is, until this Christmas when I received a pair of the softest pajamas imaginable. I think I’m hooked.

I have a special friend. We were inseparable during our High School Days. Oh, the things we did and the fun we had. Our lives became complicated with responsibilities - she had five children, I had four. Separated by 1300 miles. But when my 19 year old grandson was tragically killed, she was right there for me. What a blessing. Two other friends have been faithful for over 40 years. When we get together, we have a hilarious time. We harbor no secrets and are never judgmental. We love each other no matter what.

Dear Frances, My heart goes out to you and to all the families who have loved ones defending our country. They are heroes - one and all - the ones who serve, the ones who wait. Want you to know that they are remembered in prayer daily in our home. Courage, Dear One, and God bless.

Suzanne de Cornelia - I clicked on this question because I knew I would find you here. Your heart is on fire for topics like this. And my comment has nothing to do with Iran. I checked out your website. It is truly amazing. If you ladies have not logged onto it, you really should. A delightful treat. I am truly humbled and honored to be able to communicate with all of you ladies - the ones who created this site, and the ones who contribute. You are totally awesome. Thanks, Suzanne, for taking me down memory lane. When we went to France, we met a young couple on the plane going over. She spoke French, he spoke Italian, my husband and I neither. We rented a car with them and traveled Southern France, Monaco (I wanted to see Princess Grace’s castle) and Northern Italy. We did not get to Paris, which I have always regretted, but my dream lives on - to see Paris. Thanks for letting me reminisce. Congratulations on your book that is being published. Can’t wait!

Mugsy-Thanks for your comments. Insightful, as always. Many Americans ARE spending only for bare necessities now - I know I am. I agree that if we would unite, we could cause things to happen. I’ve said many times if everyone would park their cars one day a week we would immediately cut the oil companies profits by 1/7. But getting enough people to make an impact seems impossible. Reference the recent truckers strike. If they would all cooperate, they could bring this country to its knees in a short period of time. But there are always the dissenters who will not bite the bullet, even for the welfare of our nation.

Ladies, your comments seem to be coming from a cross-section of America. It is alarming. Is anyone with clout listening???

I was raised Methodist but now am Baptist, which I prefer. I believe every word in the Bible from Genesis I through Revelation 22. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and if we ask forgiveness for our sins, turn from our sin and invite Jesus into our heart as Lord and Savior, we receive salvation at that point - the promise of eternal life. I try my best to live by the Golden Rule - to be kind, compassionate and understanding to everyone, just as I would like to be treated.

Elizabeth, I keep the following taped on my fridge: Oh, be swift to love, make haste to be kind; Do not delay - the golden moments fly! Kind of reflects what you posted. If you love someone, tell them now. Things can happen so quickly.

Caroline, your husband sounds like one in a million. What a blessing that he loves you so completely and is so totally devoted to your care. Give him a big hug when he comes home tonight. God bless you.

Thanks, Suzanne for the amazing statistical information. Everything backed up with sources - outstanding. When you consider all of the above, what can one person do? One little vote. The deficit alone blows your socks off. No wonder you’re moving to France. Many would like to stow in your luggage. Again, great input.

Thanks, Liz, for your sane comments. Along with the media, we should also include greed. And the extreme foolishness of the mortgage loans. The banks knew they were dancing with the devil. i.e., our son sold his home for $242,000 to a school teacher. She paid $198 down on her loan. It’s totally insane. Thank God the zero loans are over. Hopefully our country can heal now and move on. I do believe the media coverage has gotten worse. Each one tries to out-sensationalize the next.

Dear Mama, I’m certain more Americans relate to you than the world travelers. However, don’t ever give up hope: My cousin bought one Lotto ticket and won 8.7 million. Miracles still happen. I’m not advising you to go out and buy a Lotto. My husband has bought hundreds over the years and his biggest win to date has been a $5.00 windfall. Courage.

Richard Burton was in a lot of stage plays and movies. Must have kept him pretty busy. And all this before Viagra!

All of this sounds so depressing. The media plays such an important part in our country’s well being and they are ALWAYS so negative. Why can’t the cup ever be half-full? They cause businesses to be afraid to expand, make people afraid to spend, etc. For example, in my home state the unemployment rate is 4.6%. I can’t tell you how many times that has made headlines in the Business section/front page. Why don’t they ever print that 95.4% of the population is employed? Which headline would encourage you to go out and conduct business as usual. They are scaring our nation into the big D - downturn/ depression.