Living Well Etc.

  Diet and Exercise is my Fountain of Youth Menopause is a major life change for women.   Some welcome it, as it means the end of the dreaded monthly visitor.   Nevertheless, some mourn , viewing it as the end of their youth.   No doubt, menopausal women are not as youthful as we once were, but this can be the best time of our lives.   So true, except for that one enormous elephant in the room.   That elephant can be us due to the typical weight gain associated with menopause.   My experience is slightly different than most because I am also saddled with a chronic disease that limits my activities .   Combine the natural weight gain many menopausal women face with the neurological damage of multiple sclerosis and I could become that elephant quite easily.   Yet, I am not.   Why?   Follow me and I will share all my secrets.   Move that body! Even though my form of MS is a chronic progressive type, which chips away at my stamina, I have found that I can exert myself for short pe

  Even though tipping is thought to be optional, in today’s society it is expected.   Because of the contrast of ideal and reality, we are often, rightfully, confused.   And, if we short-tip, we are viewed harshly.  To help with that confusion, what follows are a few scenarios with solutions. Going Out to Dinner with Short-Tippers So, what should we do when you’re out to dinner with your future in-laws and they leave an embarrassingly small tip on the table?   It would be ill-mannered to correct them; but if there is an inconspicuous way to leave some money on the table as all are leaving, do it.  Still, waitstaff expects some to be socially clueless.  Consequently, and unfortunately, they are prepared for the short-tipper.  How About That Generous Bartender? How much we should be tipping a bartender who has discounted our drinks all night?  Usually, we tip a bartender similarly to waitstaff: approx. 20%.  If in a group with all satisfied with the service, the tip should b

  The What, Where, and Why of Burgundian Wines For years I wanted to see the lush interior of France, more specifically the vineyards of Burgundy.   Still, it was the wines I was most interested in exploring.   Wines from Burgundy don't carry the clout of their nearby cousins in Bordeaux, but they are some of my favorites.   Since the wine was a huge draw for me to visit, I took every opportunity to learn more while in that special place.   What follows is what I learned.   Grapes, Grapes Everywhere & Quite a Bit to Drink Burgundian wines are primarily made from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.   Yum!   Like most French wines, the name of the wine is based on the area or region and not the varietal as is common here in the U.S .   The white wines of Burgundy—made with Chardonnay grapes—come from these regions: Chablis, Mâconnais, Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune—some of the best.   Wines from Chablis are a dry Chardonnay with a mineral flavor delivered by the lim