Bena Mae’s Kitchen: When does grumpy begin?

I take umbrage at the following analysis by researchers that the grumpy stage of life begins at age 52. And I offer proof that defies the truth of their findings. You cannot paint the whole of the population with the same brush.  Read for yourself and decide:
(FROM NEWSER) – The tipping point of being grumpy occurs at age 52, say Welsh researchers. That’s when people are more likely to gripe than laugh, according to the University of Glamorgan study. “We laugh twice as much in our teens as we do in our fifties,” one of the researchers says. “And our findings suggest that it’s all downhill from 52.”
And more so for men: Those in their 60s are four times grumpier than their female counterparts. The study also tracks a depressing stat on laughter: Infants laugh aloud 300 times a day, but the figure drops to six times for teens and four for 20-somethings. After a slight rise for 30-somethings (probably because they had babies), it continues a descent to 2.5 times a day for 60-year-olds.
How many retirees have found that after retirement, they are enjoying the best years of their lives. Gone are the days of stress on the job, worry about college tuition for their children, daily regimen of putting in 8 hours or more on the job. Replaced by more time with grandchildren, time for travel, golf, or whatever suits their fancy. I hit the ground running when I retired several years ago and haven’t looked back since.
And this laughter thing. Times spent with family and friends are usually filled with laughter. Inside family jokes are the best when we get together and start reminiscing. Those outside the family won’t get it, but that is one of the common bonds that is unique to every family. The thread that makes us feel closer. Our idiosyncrasies set us apart and we like it that way..
And how can we measure the laughter that exists when we get together for a high school reunion?  We’re older now, we’ve endured what the poet called “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” and come out maybe the better for it. Our memories of our school days have become sanitized, softer, and often hilarious after years of looking back on. We have shed our old fears and inhibitions and can laugh at them now. And it feels good.
I admit there are exceptions to the rule.  Clint Eastwood in “Gran Torino” is a perfect example. Eastwood plays a disgruntled and cantankerous Korean war veteran who sets out to transform his Asian American neighbors but winds up being transformed himself. The film ends with the melting away of his prejudices and his becoming quite mellow and likable. I loved this movie.
So I give two thumbs down for the researchers analysis of when grumpiness sets in.  They’re looking at the glass half empty.

Getting ready for Halloween. Or tasty enough for any occasion.

 Butterscotch Haystacks

1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Butterscotch Flavored Morsels
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 can (8.5 oz.) or 2 cans (5 oz. each) chow mein noodles
3 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

LINE trays with wax paper.

MICROWAVE morsels in large, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Stir in peanut butter until well blended. Add noodles and marshmallows; toss until all ingredients are coated. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared trays. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

DOUBLE BOILER METHOD:
PLACE morsels in top of double boiler over hot (not boiling) water. Do not cover. When most of the morsels are shiny, stir just until melted. (Prevent water from coming in contact with morsels.) Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter. Transfer to large bowl. Add noodles and marshmallows; proceed as above.

Yields – 6 dozen candies