Q: My grandmother is in her mid-80s and all of us - including our 16-year-old daughter - love her dearly. However, when they get together, our daughter gets upset because her grandmother bugs her, asks exactly what she is doing with her friends and then tells her how to run her life. Sometimes their different points of view become confrontational. Is there a way to minimize their differences? A: Generational differences have changed dramatically. Often ... [full story]

It's time to retire that infamous "R" word - retirement. At least that's the way it looks to this commentator, who has "retired" and unretired four times. Let's find a new 21st century word or phrase that accurately reflects the lifestyles of the over-60 crowd. A few generations ago, retirement had a fairly well-understood definition. You hit "retirement" at age of 65 and you, well, retired. The Social Security Administration had decided, thanks to its ... [full story]

It's not a cliche to state that Nicaragua is a most volcanic country. Bisected by the eastern portion of the Pacific Rim of Fire, eruptions and related earthquakes have constantly played decisive roles in the country's history.   VISIT NICARAGUA - Iglesia La Recolecion is one of Leon's great churches, including La Merced and San Francisco. CNS Photo by Barbara Selwitz.    OLDEST TOWN - Hiring a flower-bedecked horse and carriage is a relaxing way to sightsee in ... [full story]

Ever had a yen to decorate your house with a carousel horse? Or maybe you'd like to give feet to that childhood nostalgia you feel when you encounter a working carousel. Perhaps there's just the desire to try something new, in hopes you might arouse an unknown and creative outlet.   CAROUSEL - Chattanooga's Coolidge Carousel recalls the 1920s golden age of carousel. CNS Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Area CVB.    CIGAR STORE TURK - At the Horsin' ... [full story]

MENDOCINO, Calif. - The point of my trip to Mendocino was to judge a wine competition at the Mendocino County Fair. I managed to sample 125 of Mendocino's finest wines - and end up looking purple all over like Barney the dinosaur - but I also discovered that there's more to this part of California than what gets poured into a glass.   VINE VALLEY - Vineyards rise up the valley hills of Mendocino County, Calif. ... [full story]

It's not easy being a superhero. The hours are lousy, and the pay is worse. You deal with the criminal dregs of society, though occasionally one turns out to be an evil genius or extraterrestrial interloper, which can make things interesting.   CAPED FEAR - You don't need X-ray vision to see that superheroes have super psychoses. CNS Illustration by Cristina Martinez Byvik. The bad guys always want to kill you. It's what they do, and they ... [full story]

Later life dating contains emotional risk.  Later life marriage contains financial risk.  In some states a “beneficiary deed” can minimize financial risk.  I so advised a 67-year-old senior legal helpline caller who was widowed in 2001.  She has had a five-year relationship with a man in his early 70s.    “We have gotten along quite well and we are now seriously considering marriage.  We both have children from our previous marriage and wish to pass along ... [full story]

Q: What can we do to prevent our new 10-week-old puppy's teeth from becoming discolored as he matures? Our previous dog had very yellowed teeth and just before she died her breath was really bad smelling. We want to avoid this if possible in our new family member. Is it possible to brush our dog's teeth? We have heard that canine toothpastes have been developed and are being used by many dog owners throughout the ... [full story]

Just when you think caregiving can't get more difficult, you discover it can. Arline and Jim Forkas aren't just looking after one mom with dementia, but two. This is the second marriage for the Poway, Calif., couple, who have been wed 15 years. They took in her mom six years ago when the three-bedroom house was just 800 square feet. Three years ago, his mother moved in. Both moms have memory problems and heart conditions. ... [full story]

Luxury hotels and resorts are masquerading as art galleries, displaying original pieces in guest rooms, lobbies, hotel bars and garden expanses. Where can you find hotels and resorts with art collections - and art connections - of distinction?   ARTFUL EXPERIENCE - If you want an interactive art experience in French Polynesia, L'Atelier, the new onsite artists space at Le Meridien Tahiti, features contemporary artists from across the islands and around the world. CNS Photo. - Contemporary ... [full story]

Q: Through a friend I recently met a lady to whom I was immediately attracted. However, she lives nearly 50 miles from my home. I have dated her several times, and we find ourselves mutually compatible. However, because of our geography I am not sure whether I should pursue her. What is your recommendation? A: Do both of you want to make your relationship work? It can, but it is tough. You need to discuss ... [full story]

Whatever happens to old TV stars once the screen goes to black on their popular series? Here is Ben Jones' story, which happens to be a much better yarn than the hit CBS Georgia redneck comedy, "The Dukes of Hazzard," which starred Ben for seven years in the 1980s. "The Dukes of Hazzard" was a "good old boy" series, a slapstick version of a horse opera - substitute the orange-red Dodge Charger, General Lee, for ... [full story]

Fasten your financial life-jackets Medicare beneficiaries!   Nearly nine million of you have enrolled in private Medicare Advantage health plans.   Turbulent seas lie ahead! You are leaving traditional Medicare and the stability of social insurance.  You are—for better or worse, depending upon your instincts for privatization—en route to something called “defined contribution Medicare,” whereby Medicare will pay a fixed benefit and send you shopping for coverage in the private insurance market.   Medicare Advantage plans are essentially ... [full story]