Stepping out to fill the bird feeders on a cold, cold day (why do I bother - those greedy squirrels grab it all) I noticed that my wrought iron and wood plant stand, shaped like a spiral staircase, is definitely deteriorating. This was one of the first purchases we made, at a garage sale in our subdivision, more than twenty years ago when we first moved to Gulf Breeze.

Painted black, with various plants arranged on each step, it made a statement in the garden, and served as an eye-catcher when viewed from indoors too. Over the years the steps, which passed for iron, turned out to be simply wood hiding under a coat of black paint. These have begun to fall apart.

As I contemplated this yesterday, I realized that the same thing has been happening to us. The years take their toll. Well, maybe another coat of paint on both of us will help for a while.

I know the old saying "Powder and paint makes a girl what she ain't," but we all know that deep inside we are still 18 years old. Okay girls - a little lipstick, maybe some eye makeup will help! How about a new hairdo? Remember, it's the spirit that counts.

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Here is a bit of information from the Johns Hopkins Medical School newsletter entitled "Health After Fifty." This may help settle the ethical concerns about the use of embryonic stem cells which led to the federal government limits on research.

"Recent research suggests that adult stem cells can be induced to generate many more cell types than previously thought possible. Methods for producing clinically useful numbers are currently being developed. A few preliminary studies seem to confirm that several disorders, including heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson's disease can be helped by application of research on the adult cells." Don't we live in exciting times!

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You might be interested to know that Florida has the highest percentage of senior citizens who want to continue working.

As such, the state has an interest in making employment opportunities available to older persons among this group. Most seniors can bring years of experience, judgment and expertise to a job, as well as a strong work ethic which is sometimes lacking in today's business world. Often they are found to be more motivated, more punctual, and better at completing the tasks presented to them.

Many seniors are 'peopleoriented' and enjoy jobs with lots of social contact, and helping others. A large number of older workers are willing to accept, and sometimes prefer, part-time jobs. Many are interested in short-term employment. This supplies an older person with interaction with people, as well as a small supplement to Social Security and/or pension income. This is just a small example of seniors' continuing ability to occupy a place in the working world.

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Have you promised yourself that you will attend at least one opera this year? Well, you missed "La Traviata," but if, after hearing the rave reviews, you are determined to catch the next one, don't forget Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" will be coming up at the Saenger Theatre March 9-11 at 7:30 p.m.

This tale of intrigue and love will have you on the edge of your seat. (You know I'm always on the edge of my seat.) With the supertitles above the stage making the language barriers disappear, the Opera has kept Pensacola in the forefront of cultural events. For tickets and information call 433-6737, or order online at ticketmaster.com.

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Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?

A. All were invented by women.

See you next week!