Photos from National Parks

Here are some photographs of the vacation one of our readers and her husband took as they began their life in retirement:"My husband and I retired in May and celebrated with a motor trip to several National Parks - Bryce, Zion, Shasta, Crater, Grand Tetons, Glacier and Yellowstone. The weather was glorious, the trees, streams, mountains, flowers magnificent and the various shades of green a wonder to behold. After 25 years of raising kids and being cooped up in offices, spending three weeks in nature was truly a breath of fresh air.

Of course, we also had a chance to spend a lot of time together - with some power struggles about whose turn it was to drive and which route to take. Aware of some challenges ahead - such as sharpening our communication and negotiating skills - we tried to just be in the moment most of the time."

Are you facing a transition that may disrupt the equilibrium in your marriage? Do you want information about re-examining your long-term relationship? Clicking on the title of this post will take you to www.HerMentorCenter.com and an article about Boomer Couples and Change.

Sandwiched Boomers, what are you dreaming about this holiday season - universal goals like sustaining our planet's resources and gaining energy independence? Or, with the stock market meltdown, are you wishing for some relief from the financial pain? Even in the best of times, the stress that comes with the holidays this time of year can be exhausting. So why not give a gift to yourself?

Take some down time over the weekend. For a couple of hours each day, try not to focus on the problems. Curl up with a great book from the library, watch the ballgame with your teenagers, take your grandkids to the park.

Enjoy peace of mind by paying down your debts. Hold back from buying a lot of gifts or taking the family on an expensive outing. With your children, decide together how to spend a fun and relaxing day. Your family will understand and grow from the experience.