Jekyll is so great because it's underdeveloped. I believe that by law it must remain 85% undeveloped. In 2008 or so, a deal was made to allow further development, but because of the public outcry, they have been able to hold most of the development to a minimum. Thus my comment that the hotels aren't much to look at. That's because they are so old-- but, affordable. I think eventually when the economy comes back, they will make it into another St Simon's. For now, it's a thing of glory. The beaches are not crowded and it's like a small town from another decade where everyone rides their bike to the local drugstore, ice cream shop, or the Sea Turtle Rescue Center. And because the hotels are straight out of the 70's and 80's, regular people can afford to vacation here. Great marine life and waves perfect for boogie boarding. It's just so pleasant! for now... Margaret

Amazing the variety of opinions on this board!! I'll offer mine: If you plan to come to coastal Georgia, St Simons *is* beautiful, but if you want a unique experience, go to Jekyll instead. The hotels aren't much to look at, (unless you stay at Jekyll Island Club: http://www.jekyllclub.com/) but the beach is amazing and you'll have it all to yourself. It's a real treasure. Tybee is similar to St Simon's. And a warning: beaches in Ga aren't very pretty. It's not the gorgeous white sand you may be accustomed to; however, there are lots of hermit crabs, sand dollars, and dolphins. And bring a boogie board or two :) Margaret

:grouphug: Praying for you!!

No, I do not think most of us will retire the same way many of our parents have. But honestly, I don't want to ride around in a golf cart or an RV like the tanned retirees in ads. I also don't want to be working 40+ hours a week when I'm 60. I'd like something in the middle, please ;) One thing I refuse to do is have living with my kids as a retirement plan. If our investments work their way back up, we will have a decent, but not lavish retirement (I'm 41, dh is 46). I'm utterly disgusted with the stock market. What a frickin ponzi scheme 401s and mutual funds and IRAs, etc are! What ever happened to modest, solid-earning savings accounts?? Margaret

Same here. We are seeing new construction. People are buying cars again. Businesses filling in the holes of strip malls that sat empty for 4 years. I do think things will pick up after the election, not because any president has the power to change the economy overnight. Rather, because people foolishly believe they do and hold on to their wallets just before an election. Most retailers will tell you that election years are always tough because of this false perception. :glare: Margaret

:iagree: So, so, so happy for you!!! :hurray:

Waaahhhh! I was so looking forward to trying it! Regarding making pizza at home. I tried once and it was truly awful. What is your recipe?? Margaret

I understand your point of view. It can be a frustrating experience. I'm just letting you know that perhaps there is another perspective. Margaret

So.. first let me say that my husband owns a used car dealership so he's a used car salesman. I can't tell you how furious I get when people make really mean comments about the honesty and integrity of " all used car salesmen" Truthfully, my husband is the most honest guy I know. - Now, to educate: First, you say you want to buy from a used car dealership, but are angry when you find you can buy the same car from an individual for less. Yet, you don't trust that process. What you are getting from a (reputable) used car dealership is peace of mind. And sometimes you have to pay a little extra for that. Not always, but sometimes. For example: My husband will buy a car to sell on the lot. He has to run it through his shop (his dealership has two full-time mechanics on staff), get it detailed, and pay for any new parts, tires, or upholstery that is needed to get that car ready to sell. These things all cost money, adding to the overall price of the vehicle. Second, my husband's dealership offers a 30 day warranty. That can be wonderful for a buyer. And usually, given all the things that happen to that car before it hits the lot (see paragraph above), cars don't come back. Sometimes, though, unforseen things happen. Now my husband could be looking at a $1000 repair for a car he made less than $1000 on. I will agree that not all used car salemen are good people. Many are out there knocking off people's heads in interest and in overall price of vehicle. If your credit is good, you shouldn't need on-site financing. Or if you do, your dealer should be able to get you good terms. We use several different banks and get really good rates for customers with good credit. Not as good as their own credit union, but not everyone has access to that. If your credit is bad, well, the deal is... you are a risk. And risks are expensive. I can't tell you the things I've seen over the years from customers. But, most of our customers are repeat business. And they refer friends. Again, not every town has a reputable dealer. But, please. Let's not bash every single used car salesman... bringing me to my last point: The average used car salesman works about 60 hours a week (new car salesman work up to 80-- ask me how I know). They are tired, many times underpaid, and frankly abused people: they get lied to, and snickered at behind their backs. It's possibly the lowliest job on the planet. Ever been to a party and someone asks you what you do and you have to say "used car salesman?" Yeah, it's not glamorous and therefore no one wants to do it. It's literally everyone's last choice in a sales position. And people do not stay in the business long. Cut your salesman some slack if they make some gaffes. Margaret

I hope it doesn't become like farming, where we see that in order to stay competitive in a global economy, corporate 'farms' are controlling our food. Huge percentages of meat and milk are raised and processed by a handful of corporate giants that pay low wages for working in unsafe conditions. All of which results in food which is sub-standard in so many ways. Factor in corn subsidies used in processed food (again, controlled by multi-national behemoths ) and we see that things are complicated in a global economy. Surely with the rising cost of energy, we will find that the manufacture and shipping of cheap products and food all over the planet no longer makes financial sense. In the meantime, I will see to it that my kids graduate with manageable (if any) debt, and a strong work ethic. Because they are going to need it! Margaret

I am really conflicted about this. I have seen so much good come from Chick fil A over the years. Truett Cathy is famous for saying, " It is better to build boys than mend men" And a child I know very well has been given a real chance at life because of their Winshape organization. So, they honestly put their money where their mouth is. However, I think it's so wrong to be so hateful about a group of people. I am not boycotting them because of the good I've witnessed all over Georgia, with so many families. But, I am hoping they get a strong message from those that do. Margaret

:grouphug: So, so sorry you have to go through this, Joanne. :(

He is very picky about vegetables and only eats them raw unless forced (and even then he won't consume large quantities). So, kale is OK raw and so is broccoli, but these aren't things he eats in amounts that I think would make a noticeable difference in the amount of natural calcium/magnesium he gets. So, I do feel we ought to supplement. My question is, what kind of supplement? Margaret

What should I be giving my 12 year old who is a rather picky eater and allergic to dairy? For years, I refused the give him any calcium supplements because of articles like the one the OP posted, but recently the doctor talked me into it and he's been taking some for about 8 months... what to do? He eats raw vegetables like lettuce and carrots, and plenty of fruit. Honestly, he is getting about 3-4 servings of fruit/veg per day and I know that's not good enough. He broke his arm in a soccer game a few months ago and then tore a ligament in his ankle two weeks ago (again, at soccer). I realize these are things that naturally occur when you play sports, but part of me worries he may not be getting all the nutrients he needs. :confused:

:iagree: Yes! Thanks for the link!