I know I'm one of the Golden Girls, but I think all of use have others we admire for one reason or another, I mean people from here who I would like to have a little of their energy and knowledge.

Socialite Marylou Whitney has been my idol for numerous years. First of all, she took me under her wing nearly 25 years ago when I first became a society columnist. I was scared to death to approach her or anyone of her status. There was no reason. She always treated me like an equal and over the years our friendship grew.

Jane Wait is another person I would like to glean some of her attributes. At her age and who's counting, she still finds time to devote to her Yaddo rose garden. She founded the Yaddo Gardens Association that brought back to life the grounds of Yaddo Mansion, the famed artists' retreat. As far as I'm concerned Jane is a rose with no thorns.

Anne Palamountain, former First Lady of Skidmore College, admits she is 86. In my eyes, she is more like 56. She travels all over the world. She volunteers and organizes all kinds of events especially the Skidmore gala at Saratoga Polo each race season. And she never says no. I hope I have learned just a smidgen of her grace and congeniality over the years and I'm still trying.

Last, but certainly not least, is Beverly Yunich of Scarsdale and Saratoga Springs. Beverly and her twin sister, Gloria, are graduates of Skidmore. That is where Beverly met her future husband David one weekend. He was attending nearby Union College in Schenectady. David, who has since passed away, eventually became the CEO of Macy's and many wonderful tales too tell.

But Beverly had her own talent. She created some of the most beautiful jewelry I've ever seen and sold to high-end department stores. But most of all, she is a kind, compassionate and gracious woman with more energy than I'll ever have. And I'm sure she won't mind me saying she is in her late 80s.

Well, that's it. Just a few Golden Girls among many I idolize. Maybe someday I'll be half the woman they are.

Well, I survived the wedding of my granddaughter Lauren Malkowich to Brian Dunlap June 19 in Indianapolis.
Over the years, I have watched Lauren grow into a beautiful, energetic, caring and intelligent young woman. She and her husband Brian met while attending, and eventually graduating, from Indiana University, Lauren's dad's alma mater.
Now let me get down to the purpose of this blog. After all my worries about how I would look at the wedding - after all at my age I'm that vain - the compliments were enough to make me think I didn't do so badly.
Anyone who has reached "The Golden Years" knows that a strapless gown in a "no-no" unless you don't have wrinkly, waving in the breeze arms like I do. My gown wasn't strapless, but it was sleeveless, which was almost as bad. However, it did have a sheer jacket over it to cover my multitude of sins.
Shoes were another issue. Finding a pair that were actually comfortable didn't happen. In fact, I changed my shoes twice during the reception. A shoe salesman once told me as you age your feet shrink. He's right, but only one of mine is a half size smaller. But I refuse to buy two pairs in order to fit both. He also didn't tell me what to do with a bunion.
In my world of covering the social scene, one lovely woman wore sneakers underneath her full length gown. When she heard me complaining about my feet hurting she showed me what she had done. I still haven't got enough guts to wear mine, but I'm getting closer.
If someone is willing to invest in my idea of a stylish, comfortable sneaker let me know.
One of the most memorable wedding tale was when the deejay called everyone who was married to the dance floor. With each song he said those married one year, two years and so forth to leave the floor. It went by swiftly. Eventually he played me and my husband's favorite song when we were young - Moon River by Andy Williams - and asked if there was anyone married 58 years. Of course, my husband and I were the only ones remaining. It was a set up. And a beautiful, touching surprise. We felt like we had won an Oscar.
Kathe Rose, who has not yet reached the golden years, but is getting closer, emailed me several gems that I not only found hilarious, but unfortunately true.
One in particular struck me at the wedding. "When people say you look great, they add for your age."
Thanks Kathe. Keep them coming.

Golden Years! What the heck does it mean? Maybe it is anyone past the age of 65, or 70, or 75. All I know I am in the latter age group and I have often wondered if others have the same complaints and gripes as I do. So I decided to find out.

Anyone of you can let me know what’s on your mind. Just email me at jjordan@saratogian.com.

Now here’s one of my predicaments. In about a week or so I’m heading to Indianapolis for my granddaughter’s wedding. She asked me and her grandfather to wear a gown and a tuxedo. Fine.

Ok, so in order to look my best I headed to the department store to buy Spanx. For those who don’t know what they do, they’re supposed to suck in all that added blubber around your middle. I was out-of-breath by the time I wiggled into them. Then I wondered what I would do when nature called. I could just see me trying to get them off without tinkling down my leg.

“Forget it” I said and left the store without them. I’ll take my chances with a little extra blubber around my middle.

“The Golden Years are here at last. The Golden Years can kiss my (you fill it in).” More on the subject in a few days.