Having arrived in the Hamptons on Friday, I can now attest that this place is the antithesis of edgy.  Serenity and anal compulsive, oversized lawn disorder abounds, and a subtle, underplayed aroma of wealth exudes from a vast space beside almost every driveway.  When we passed 2 young women wearing flowing, floral, gossamer dresses and ridding their 1950’s bikes down a quaint tree lined road, filled with a mix of massive estates, strawberry farms and horse paddocks, I felt sure that there would be a movie camera in close proximity.  There certainly should have been. 

(As documented by the photo, my attempt to get Jean to experience fruit from one of those quaint farms mentioned above, the most delicious strawberries I have ever eaten, failed.  I think she feared drooling.)

While running on the beach yesterday I encountered several young men in wetsuits pursuing the illusive surf–the most excitement I have seen to date.  When I asked them if they would take a photograph of my friend, (who is actually a card board head) and me with their surf board, they were slightly apprehensive.  Unexpectedly the young man not only appeared in the photo, but, his friend directed the shot. They seemed relieved when I left—I think the AgingButDangerous T-shirt may have frightened them. 

What has frightened even THIS spunky AgingButDangerous woman, is a small, tacky, diner/shack like structure in Sagaponack baring the name—Loaves & Fishes.  From this underwhelming store front comes what may be the most expensive lobster salad on the planet at $75 per pound.  Other delicacies are similarly priced.  The food is said to be great—let’s hope.  www.landfcookshop.com

Insiders tell me that there is a great little restaurant, worthy of travel, on Shelter Island, called the Vine Street Café.  www.vinestreetcafe.com  Let us know if your personal experience can add anything to that assessment.

15 AGING BUT DANGEROUS WOMEN WHO ROCK THE WORLD
By Robyn Hall

Time Magazine recently released its “100 Most Influential People in the World” list.  I was proud to see the following women “of a certain age” on it.  I was also impressed that these AgingButDangerous women make up 15% of the group.  Women in total constituted 31% of the entire list.  Not only are they making a huge impact in the world, but finally the world is listening and acknowledging their success.  Congratulations, ladies!  You inspire me and send the message that it is never too late to live your dream and make the world a better place. (Now if only Time Inc.

Eligibility to become Aging But Dangerous requires just one small feat—live past 50 years of age.  For Sheila Raye Charles that seemed a tall order.

Most people reading this have gone through tough stuff in their lives.  Sadly, many people reading this may be going through the toughest times they have ever experienced, right now.  Sheila Raye Charles reminds all who encounter her, that there is a Phoenix in all of us.  As Sheila expresses in a documentary about her life by Lou Gossett Jr., “no matter how low you are in your life or how hopeless and desperate that you feel—there is always hope—you CAN rise up from any circumstance”.