“Caught” in the middle? I was never “caught.” I entered that part of my life with gusto, racing to go. Before I continue, let me advise you that I am odd, different, unique, definitely “out of the box” type of person, and d**mn proud of it. I was born in the era of being sweet, no opinions, vapid smiles and knees together. Needless to say, I did not follow the mores of the day but marched to my own drum. In fact, I lived in that drum! If any of you know that drum but didn’t follow it…it is not too late to pound those drumsticks now.
My middle years included college, working in a male dominated field, had my business, married, adopted 2 kids, then foster parent, took in 6 other kids, designed and subcontracted my own house, did survival camping, had a baby at 42, got divorced at 42, lost my mother to cancer, had a mutual love affair with a 27-year old. What can I say? It was great. Fought the school system, went back to school (Masters in Special Ed), taught junior high special ed, was advisor for parent of learning disabled kids, took care of my father until he died at 102. Oops, almost forgot, collected and repaired antique cars. Now I’m doing a stock market guru letter and looking forward to moving to another state. Oh yes, I’m planning to live to 105 so keep tuned.
ElderChicks 
Elissa, I was raised in the same era! And it’s been fun to march to my own drum as an adult, in a more conventional way than yours, but very fulfilling just the same.Good to hear what other women do with their drumsticks.I like the analogy.
Elissa: you are definitely not “odd”. I know many others like you., You all enjoy life to the fullest, and I admire every one of you. Life is too short not to enjoy it and accomplish all you can. I have no doubt you will make it to 105!