Not the first but the searing memory was the parent meeting at my high school to decide which couple should escort my mom the only widow…..her coming alone or with a date was never an option!

Drink tons of water and wear a hat………from the 64 year old grandmother of 4 with few wrinkles yet!

Not any more……My second breast cancer was only found on a mammogram and that was so early but resulted in double mastectomy and lymph nodes. Ten years before the first BC was found on a sonogram. Get those mammograms every year…………your life depends upon it as I am here to tell you.

My natural woman burst forth when I went thru chemo for breast cancer…………I love it, my husband loves it and I challenge anyone looking at my passport or license to challenge me! Power to the survivors!

I got Shalimar the summer I turned 14 and my dad died in February of that year. My mom’s best friend, a newly divorced (the only one I knew) woman friend from her single days gave it to me for my birthday. I have never worn another fragrance. When I see ads, I often wonder why anyone would buy a new one. In 50 years I am still amazed at how many folks recognize my fragrance.

Peace Good Health 3 more wishes.

Celebrate life and memories!

This one is the best recipe ever…………..we call it the three mom’s pot roast…………It is a composite of my German mother’s wonderful Sauerbraten, Richard’s mother’s Jewish family favorite pot roast and my extra bits tossed into the mix————-I’m German, Irish and French married to a Russian Jew with a daughter who is German-Irish-French-Italian-Polish. We think this is especially appropriate for our Holiday party when we light the Hanukkah candles, and enjoy this dinner with a groaning cookie table with all of our friends’ traditional nuts and sweets. Just ask……maryalice@mysterylovers.com

Givng birth……hands on the life and death!

As an owner of a small independent bookstore, my overhead costs are ruinous. The shipping excedes the rent and the utilities and medical insurance are staggering. That said, folks who are readers cannot give that up……it’s life blood. More readers are sharing books and our book groups who have been meeting for more than ten years are all talking about gas, food, kid and insurance costs that outstrip incomes. My online customers all build up orders to get free shipping or cash in on weekly specials……anything to save a buck and still read a book……still a bargain form of entertainment as most folks we see are going to fewer movies, plays and concerts. Wither our culture??? maryalice@mysterylovers.com