The Railroad Tourist:
A Rail Fan—the Perfect Travel Companion
It always goes something like this: An acquaintance, an active ferroequinologist, is about to visit State College with his wife for a Penn State alumni event. Knowing of my interest in all things railroad, he writes to ask where he might indulge his interest in the “iron horse” while he’s in the area. He is delighted to learn that he can not only pursue his passion but, in doing so, can engage the interests of the missus as well. Here’s how that works . . .

Fighting Age:
A Trainer Can Help
It all began with a visit to the doctor. I was there for a sore throat, but we got to talking about other things. Like arthritis. “Can you prescribe something?” I asked Dr. Burt Ginsberg, my physician for more than 20 years. I was hoping for some relief from joint pain. I had gotten to the point where I’d wake up in the morning and think, If I don’t move, it won’t hurt. So, it was time to do something about it. Burt and I talked about medication but also about chiropractics and exercise. In the end, though, he said, “You’d be better off spending your money on a personal trainer.” A personal trainer? . . .

The Things We Do When Our Kids Leave Home
Rocky Mountain High: Earth Day in Denver
It all began with an email—one of those “auto” messages generated by a newspaper reader who decided to forward an article to a friend. The canned text, followed by a link, read simply, “I thought you might find this article of interest.” It was from my college roommate, Tammy. She lives just south of Denver, CO, and we’ve kept in touch through the years. It was Monday, March 14th. Gary and I had just arrived home from visiting relatives in NH. Although exhausted, before going to bed, I was valiantly trying to work my way through the 100 or so emails that had accumulated while we were away. Curious, I clicked on the link. The headline read, “John Denver Tribute, Hall of Fame Induction April 21 at 1stBank Center.” Suddenly I was wide awake . . .

Real People Empty Nesting:
An Interview with Margie Greenberg and Abbey Alpert:
Who Says Mothers and Daughters Can’t Run a Business Together?
As she saw her youngest child and only daughter off to college, Margie Greenberg found herself at loose ends. A party planner for more than 20 years, she wanted to try something new. Drawing on her many creative talents and interests, Margie tried volunteering at a local arboretum, attending classes, and baking for parties. Soon, Abbey graduated from college with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a knack for marketing and business. Because of a tough job market, she took a position making cookies until she found a “real job.” Her brother, with Lehman Brothers in NYC at the time, said, “Hey, why don’t you two go into business together?” And so, The Flour Pot Cookie Boutique was born.

Departments . . .