My mother watched it. I watched it. My college roommates watched it. In retirement, my father watched it — peeking around the newspaper so we didn’t think he was watching.

“The Young and the Restless is celebrating 40 years on CBS, and if you need any evidence of its popularity, just go to the Emergency Room. I was there a few years ago, and a bunch of strangers made me realize the popularity of this program that started out as a 30-minute show in 1973.

“Is that Mrs. Chancellor (Katherine Chancellor/Jeanne Cooper)? She’s been on there forever,” one patient said.

From another patient: “Oh look, it’s Nikki …. and Victor. Are they married?”

Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) and  Nikki Reed (Melody Thomas Scott) are the supercouple on this show.  In today’s episode, the couple wraps up a fourth wedding — to each other. Not that they’ve been un-restless in between those nuptials. Victor has been married 14 times and Nikki has headed to the altar 11 times. Lots of partners over 40 years and a lot of cake, flowers, engagement rings, tuxes and wedding dresses. Clearly this pair has kept everyone in Genoa City, Wisc., the fictitious city that is the supposed home to all the Y&R faithful, working — well at least for 25 weddings!

For a few moments in the ER, it was like watching old friends you grew up with return to life. I have no idea who some of these people are, but I do recognize many of the characters. To catch up, check out Soapcentral.com. And (Katherine Chancellor/Jeanne Cooper) – by the way — looks great. Wanna watch? Here’s a link to the CBS website – you can watch online anytime.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom to three and step-grandmom to one.

They’re back — prints, Bohemian style and more. Those of use who lived through the hippie days think some of the prints look a little familiar (and bizarre). Graphic, colorful and reminiscent of “Laugh In,” they all look like fun. 

In an NPR report, BCBG’s Max and Lubov Azria appeared at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with “a nomadic, bohemian vibe.”

Read the full NPR story here. It indicates the clothes have a lot to do with gypsy inspirations. ”It sounds a little crazy, but it’s also a little bit hippie …” Max Azria said in the story by Samantha Critchell.

Looks like beanies and hoods are hot too.

Here’s a story in Glamour on Richard Nicoll’s new orange and pink print dress with a tablecloth hem. I swear I had a very similar style — always loved the pink and orange blend.

At bottom is Anja Rubik fresh from a page of Vogue. Yes, she is wearing a diamond pattern mixed with stripes and flowers. Read the full story here. It’s all groovy.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom to three and step-grandmom to one.

I’ve suggested a few things for my two sons to give to girlfriends recently, but only one of them listens to me.

My husband gives me flowers and jewelry, and I love it.

What do other women want? A Larry James website and the Latin American love connection suggest 10 gifts women love more than diamonds. I’m not sure anyone I know loves these suggestions more than diamonds, but here are a few of the gifts other bloggers recommend. Click on the links above to get the total lists.

1. A Love Letter — heartfelt and sincere — it beats a card anytime.
2. Something Specifically Tailored to Her — I do like this idea — it shows the man is paying attention.
3. A Weekend Getaway – when a man plans it — it’s heaven.
4. Your Undivided Attention – I think we all love this one!

Gift time will be rolling around soon, so check out the gift ideas above, and don’t ever forget flowers and jewelry.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa.