Today was another beautiful day that inspired everyone to get out and walk and do the outdoor chores we have all put off after retiring the holiday decorations.

While outside, I received a flyer noting that it was once again 'Cookie Time' for the Girl Scouts. I began to wonder how many of my former Scouts, particularly the Brownies, remember their cookie days. Those 'girls' must be in their fifties at least by this time! They always came to my house for a little pep talk at the beginning of the sale. I started out "Let's talk it up, girls. Get in there and sell!" And they sure did.

I found that sales were much better for the girls if they knew the names of their customers. So I made copies of the neighborhood organization list of all dues-paying members, and each girl was given a copy. We found that a friendly "Hi, Mrs. Jones, can we count on you to make our sale 100% this year?" made a much better 'opener' than a mumbled "Wanna buy some cookies?"

Of course everyone wants to buy Girl Scout Cookies, and with the varieties they now have, even sugar-free, who could say no? The Thin Mints were always a winner, and of course good old peanut butter sandwich cookies always sell well, and the really old familiar trefoilshaped shortbread cookies also have a lot of fans.

As for those sugar-free cookies, when going to door-to-door perhaps it would be most tactful, if the potential customer is very overweight, just to mention them in passing.

Well girls, you all know the routine, smiles will always sell. It's good practice for the future when you are looking for your first job, or even a boyfriend.

******** We have a feast of good shows coming up at Pensacola Little Theatre in the next few months, and it is time to choose which ones you will see.

Agatha Christie's perennial favorite "The Mouse Trap," performed around the world since 1952, will be produced locally by Pensacola Little Theatre on January 26 through 28, and February 1st through 3rd. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 pm. (For more information call 432-2042.) Ladies, even your husbands will enjoy this show.

Also, hard as it is to believe, it's almost time for the Senior Follies once again. Plan ahead to save some time in March, as the show will be on beginning March 29, and as always, it will be excellent. We have so many talented folks in our area, it's not hard for them to field a cast of dozens of singers and dancers, and since they are folks our own age, we can really relate to them and to the music!

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If you are a senior, don't feel that you are one of a dwindling number. According to the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging in Washington, DC, in 2030 the number of people over 65 in the US alone will exceed 71 million, double the number from the year 2000.

The study is also a warning bell to communities across the nation to start planning programs for the older population. Prominent among these needs will be health care, housing, and transportation to name a few. Stay current with information about programs that are elder friendly.

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A comment from that always-funny man, Jack Lemmon: "If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball."

See you next week!