How to live to be 80

1. Make vibrantly-hued silk pajamas your party attire.
2. Eschew wine and beer and go straight for the bourbon and coke.
3. Smoke cigarettes incessantly from an elegant gold holder.

That's what I learned anyway, from Betty, whose 80th birthday party I attended in San Antonio this weekend with my dad. I'd never met the birthday girl before, and though she was prune-wrinkly, she had a cute gray bob and carried herself like she was still young and beautiful. When I arrived she was wearing pink silk pajamas with an orange over-wrap (also silk). Her voice was low and husky, and she didn't seem to mind that she was the oldest person at the party.

For an 80th birthday party, it was actually a lot of fun. The youngest guest was 21, then there was me, and a bunch of people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

I hope I look that good and have that much spunk when I'm 80. I'll have to start on that bourbon and cigarettes regimen tomorrow.

These boots are made for...anything fabulous

It's unusual to be peer-pressured by a parent into extravagant fashion expenditures, but my dad kind of talked me into buying this pair of $200 vintage white cowboy boots with gold eagles on them. As he said, sometimes it's worth spending a little money to get something special. They are truly awesome - my eagle eye spotted them on a high shelf after I'd tried on and rejected five pairs and was on my way our the door.
These fit perfectly and I couldn't bear to walk out of there without them, so I ponied up.

This was at The Wild West Shop in Wimberly, Texas, which is in the Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio. It's run by a German lady with butt-length blond hair who can eye your feet and pull down boots that will fit you. Check them out www.koolboots.com