This assertion that as we age we can't eat the same thing we did when we were young is true. We can't eat as much and we do find foods that we find no longer seem to agree with us......but we keep on trying:pepper2:

I'm not giving up my pasta sauce I draw the line there:icon_hungry:

Speaking of expense, what happened to the price of flank steak? My mother cooked with it a lot since it was a cheap, tough cut of meat, and now it's hip or something? Rummaging around online, Wegman's has it this week at $9.99 a pound!

To answer your question more directly, yes, I have lots of good memories of family around the table. But I think in many cases it was destructive from the standpoint of health. What did we do on family get-togethers and holidays but overstuff ourselves.

Nothing wrong with looking at the past as long as we are realistic about it. If we only see it as good, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. How many grandparents still want to bake cookies, pies and cakes for the grandchildren when they come over to visit? And lots of candy for Halloween, Christmas and Easter, etc.

Your post reminds me of these.
 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8cf3ZIrX12...as-Cookies.jpg

I still remember all the homemade pastries, pies, cobblers, cakes and cookies made by both my grandmothers during the holidays. All usually enjoyed with an ice cold glass of milk or ice cream.

Everything in moderation. Pies, cakes, cookies - I see nothing wrong with a piece of pie, a cookie (or two). I'm not a frequent dessert eater but I do enjoy it with friends, over coffee. Nothing wrong with that I my book

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 85-years old, came along with them; all in all, a pleasant bunch.
When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.
I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.
The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim . I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait. I smiled. He asked if he amused me.
I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?"
He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old before. So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored.
"I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.
"There are too many golf courses I haven't played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.
"I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

"I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.
"I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.
"So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."
With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!"
This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day! If you get this twice, then you have more than one friend. Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy.
Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

I've really enjoyed this thread, the real pictures and the pictures created in my mind by the descriptions of families, food, and memories.

Consider the following:

The average 65 year old takes at least one medication per day. By age 75 the average is 3 or more medications and 5 or more is not uncommon. Is it any wonder why the average U.S. life span is only 78? From age 65 to 75 the average person can see where he/she is headed by observing their increase in medications but is unlikely to do anything about it.

Just some FOOD for thought :)

I do get it. :coolsmiley:
A long life isn't promised to anyone, we need to enjoy the ride.
I think the healthiest thing any of us can to is have a supportive circle of friends.

A supportive circle of friends will certainly be comforting when the person is diagnosed with cancer. It's not so much that we want a guarantee of long life, but at least a healthy life that's free of pain and suffering. The average person isn't getting that with the current high rates of degenerative diseases, together with the side effects of taking multiple medications. In other words, the average U.S. person isn't enjoying the ride in their final few years.

I suggest you read this link:

Debbie Downer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I get it. When you can't defend your position, change the subject.

It's about living life joyously. :pepper2:
No position to defend.

LOL. I've met some Debbie Downers in my life. One of the best skits on SNL.:a040: