Being female on the far side of 50 has its ups and downs, but now I have time to memorialize my reflections. What a treat, after so many years of being a ghost for the writings of others.

In the winter months there's always a fragrant vanilla candle burning, a nice hot cup of tea next to my easy chair, along with a stack of novels from the local library. A nice, cozy life, actually. Life has become much easier.

I live in a cute, little three bedroom house in the Pacific Northwest, with a garden space, close to "everything". I stay amused by surfing on the internet, tracking stocks, reading books, crocheting, doing yoga and writing things down before I forget them.

My dog Jess, usually at my feet, is just fine with this cold weather. She's usually had the first of her summer hair-cuts by this time. She an Aussie mix, ( mixed with a big, big dog). She's a smart and like most American pets, she's my best friend. I've been single forever, the kids are grown. Two Generation X sons. They're both still single and have great careers. When I count my blessings, I definitely count them all.

Politics, News & Issues > US Elections Archives US elections 2008: How campaign sparring between Clinton and Obama benefits McCain

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It's obvious that John McCain has been given a headstart in his campaign to be elected as the next president of the United States because of the fightingn between Clinton and Obama. The more Clinton and Obama drag each other down, the better John McCain looks in the eyes of voters who are sick of the same old dirty mud slinging politics. At this point in the game, McCain has the advantage of being able to refute either of the Democrats without much challenge, as they remain in a single-minded focus on each other.

There is a chance that Obama will come out of this smelling bette...

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