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It didn’t take my husband long to discover that our fathers were 5th cousins, via an eighteenth century common ancestor. That meant we are sixth cousins, and our three sons are their own 7th cousins (for a while thereafter they took delight in greeting each other with cries of "Cuz!"). more »

With older women and men doing water aerobics and swimming laps, wouldn’t you think the bathing suit manufacturers would twig to there’s a huge market out here? We buy suits more often than teenagers because we’re harder on them. No lying still on a beach blanket for hours, or languidly standing around the lifeguard’s chair. more »

After a leisurely two and a half hours of glorious food, wine, champagne and great conversation — John, in a long life, has lived all over the world and can be relied upon to entertain. There had been a detailed discussion about our lunch, ensuring that everyone had eaten well, asking if the change of ownership had affected the quality of the food; was it still excellent, as ever? more »

Racing exploits the most fragile of domestic animals, already prone to ravages of physical abuse even by the well-intentioned. They bear pain without the sounds we notice from dogs and cats, or even cage birds. Injuries are common and some easily overlooked until they become laming or worse. An injured racehorse may not be worth the correct and optimal healing if the owner deems it too costly. A racehorse is bred and conditioned to win races. If it doesn't, it stops receiving the expenditure of money and attention it would otherwise enjoy. more »