Stories About Midlife Romance

50 Amazing Gifts I Don’t Want

What’s Wrong with Me?

50 amazing gifts

I just read a list of “50 Amazing Gifts that Women Actually Want.” I thought it would provide some useful suggestions to pass along to Handsome Hubby, but I was wrong. It was actually a list of 50 gifts I don’t want. So, now I’m worried. Was something wrong with the list or is something wrong with me? Read more

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Will My Vegan Spouse Become a Carnivore Again?

Be Still My Pounding Meat-Eating Heart and Stomach

Will my vegan spouse become a carnivore again

One year ago, my b-b-q pork and Rocky Road ice cream loving husband had a come-to-God moment and became a vegan. He did it for health reasons and he did it for the planet. Well, I don’t know what it’s done for the planet, but it’s rocked my meat-eating world. Now, happily, there’s hope my vegan spouse will become a carnivore again. Read more

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The Road to Hell and Vacations

The Plans of Mice and Men

The road to hell

They say the road to Hell — and sometimes vacations — is paved with good intentions. Unfortunately, that’s the story of our recent getaway.

Our vacation was supposed to be a respite from pandemic, politics, and wildfires. It was supposed to be fun. Relaxing. But it turned out to be a vacation hellscape. Read more

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Dreaming of Red Lipstick

I'm Seeing Red - in a Good Way

Dreaming of Red Lipstick

I know it’s silly, but lately, I’ve been dreaming of red lipstick. And so, this week — while wearing my mask and observing proper social distancing — I raced to the drug store and bought myself a tube of ruby-red. I rushed home, applied it, and instantly felt better.

What is it about red lipstick that’s so oh la la? Read more

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Two Kinds of Women

Says Who? Let's Change the Rules

two kinds of women

Society has always deemed there were two kinds of women — the virgin and the whore. Harsh, simplistic distinctions — happily, not worthy of our times and values. As for me, I’ve had my own standards for evaluating people — women in particular. Follow along and see if you think my “two kinds of women” standards are an improvement on those former, outmoded labels. Read more

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Social Distancing for Spouses

I'll Go North. You Go South

Social Distancing for couples

Shelter at home is the order of the day. Social distancing is the medically recommended norm when outside. Now, for marital harmony, I believe we urgently need a directive advocating social distancing for spouses INSIDE the home. Read more

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Party Hearty? Hardly!

Life of the Party? Not Me. No More.

party hearty

Remember the good old days when we all could party hearty? Now, middle-aged Handsome Hubby and I hardly ever party!

It’s not that we’re anti-social. It’s just that Read more

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A parting of the ways

I'm the one getting scalped!

Parting of the ways

Handsome Hubby and I are coming to a parting of the ways. Sad, but true. After 33 years (and three years of dating), HH wanted a change and a change he’s made. I pleaded and I begged but to no avail. There’s no turning back. Read more

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Divided Loyalties

East Coast. West Coast. Where Do I Belong?

Divided Loyalties

I’m suffering a bad case of divided loyalties. Tony Bennett sang of leaving his heart in San Francisco, but me? My heart is divided. Half is in the SF Bay; the other half is in NYC. It’s complicated and it’s confusing. Read more

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Ashes into Diamonds

They're Not Kidding. Diamonds Really are Forever

ashes to diamonds

Diamonds are forever. So goes the old marketing slogan. But now, thanks to high tech advances, there’s a whole new spin on the meaning of “forever,” because companies can turn your deceased loved one’s cremated ashes into sparkling memorial diamonds.

All it takes is eight ounces of ashes – or if you prefer, 10 ounces of cremated bones, or a mere 0.4 ounces of hair.

Some call it science. But to me, it more voodoo than I love you. Read more

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