November is the big national and regional election month in the U.S.A., this year with Presidential candidates among other political offices on the ballot. Films pertaining to the back room and front page antics of government provide historical reference, provide insight, can be amusing, as if the “real thing” isn’t that, and provocatively entertaining from “Mr. Smith” to “Betty Boop” enjoy the plethora of politics at the movie!

Some say you become like those with whom you spend the most time. This can be debilitating or nourishing. If they are negative and abusive, they can bring you down faster than a kick in the gut. If they are positive and supportive, it’s a smile in your heart. So, who do you spend the most time around?

Since we couldn’t plan a big 70th birthday backyard bash without getting the electricity and water turned off, my husband Jim and I decided to do something really different. Once a well-kept secret, The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort located in Solvang, CA in the San Ynez valley, is a high-end destination for families, couples or individuals with plenty of down-home activities.

Have you ever thought about interviewing yourself? Sure, that may sound preposterous or hey, even zany, but it’s the curiosity factor that intrigues me.

On a recent Sunday morning, standing in line at my favorite lettuce stand at the Farmers Market I noticed a woman wearing a T-shirt with a slogan that made me do a double-take. It wasn’t brazen or profane, it didn’t lean politically right or left, and it wasn’t shamey. It simply read, “I’ll do me, you do you.”