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Are you the hostess with the mostess? Is your home, which may at times have so many visitors that it seems more like an inn, warm and welcoming, or frantic?  Both of us live in popular areas for visitors, and we tend to host many folks, which we enjoy doing (most of the time).  With fall in the air and Covid numbers down, family and friends are eager to travel. In some areas, such as Barbara's in New York's upstate Hudson Valley, fall is a gorgeous time and even better now with more available airline seats at better prices, fewer...

 Sometimes, it happens in a flash. It was a beautiful spring afternoon when Eileen got a call from the police in her community.  "I have bad news," the officer said. "Your husband had a stroke on the golf course. We've taken him to the nearest hospital. Why don't you meet us there?" Unfortunately, he died a week later. Eileen and her husband had been married 45 years. He was the chief financial officer and household manager for their family. He invested, managed finances, wrote checks, met with the plumber and electrician, insurance agent and accountant. He negotiated the buying and...

Last week we addressed all those maladies that affect us, especially as we age. This week we share how to find experts for those and bigger challenges. It was so easy in the old days when we were growing up to go to one doctor who handled all ailments and illnesses. He was the family physician who often knew us personally and was available 24/7. Many had treated our parents and even made house calls. This type of doctor was showcased in movies and on TV. There was Dr. Richard Kildare, Dr. Marcus Welby, Dr. Ben Casey or Dr. Doug...

  As we age, ailments suddenly surface like ungainly weeds. Although we try to tamp down these non-life-threatening, sometimes odd, conditions and ailments with lotions, potions, OTC (over the counter) remedies, exercise, good eating and even Physical and Occupational Therapy, they pop up anyway, often out of the blue. There might be a slight slippage in our gait or maybe we limp because of arthritis in our knees, shoulders or hips. We might ignore the pain, take Ibuprofen or rub on Voltaren or Arnica gel on the sore spots. Can't take the pain any longer? We see a specialist who...

Want to feel good and do something positive? Become a mentor.  Mentors come in various guises. They might wear a baker's toque and apron, a first responder uniform or a stethoscope around their neck.  Or they might write on a chalkboard diagramming sentences, work in a lab to find a cure for cancer, carry a paintbrush and drawing paper, pluck a stringed instrument or bang a drum.  Those of us who have years of experience or skills that we can share with younger generations can be mentors. It is an important way to pass on our wisdom and make a...