by C Gordon-Eales

If you think that you won't qualify for Medicaid or full Medicare benefits due to large savings, assets or a high income, then long term care insurance could be the program for you. You don't want to end up relying on your children to help pay for these expenses.

With long term care insurance it will at least enable you to leave your loved ones a little something instead of sucking all your assets dry. Another plus is that if you can afford to pay the premiums you probably won't qualify for assistance so would truly benefit. If you currently have chronic health issues or have a family history of a long-term illness you would be far better off purchasing now rather than waiting. It will be too late to get an insurance policy after you have already developed a long-term illness or disability.

Who to marry?   Right age to marry?   How to tell who is married?   What do moms and dads have in common?   When is it a good time to kiss someone?   How to make a marriage work, and more...

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

You got to find somebody who likes the   same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.    --Alan, age 10          

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.  God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.    --Kirsten, age 10          

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?          

Twenty-three is the best age because you   know the person FOREVER by then.    --Camille, age 10          

No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.    --Freddie, age 6           
       

Help is available when you are faced with choosing a nursing home, assisted living, or home care.
We may take our independence for granted until we experience a health crisis or become primary caregiver for a friend or member of the family.  Suddenly, we are confronted by health insurance,  Health Maintenance Organizations (managed health care), the complex vocabulary of the long-term care industry, and the tension between choice and safety.  
A recent study commissioned by the American Association of Retired Persons, "Beyond 50 2003: A Report to the Nation on Independent Living and Disability,"  reveals that people age 50+ who have disabilities are highly motivated to maintain their independence.  And, as Judith E. Heumann has put it, "Independent living is not doing things by yourself, it is being in control of how things are done." (Co-Founder, World Institute on Disability)

Grilled Snapper Vera Cruz
I usually look for things that are easy to prepare and not a lot of cleanup - this one fits the bill!   This is a receipe I found that was very easy to make and extremely tasty!

1. 4 snapper fillets, 6 ounces each
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
5. 1 large onion, finely sliced
6. 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
7. 1/4 cup dry white wine
8. 2 large tomatoes, chopped
9. 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
10. 2 tablespoons capers, drained
11. 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped  (these can be skipped if you prefer a milder taste.)
12. 1/2 teaspoon sugar
13. 1 bay leaf