It used to be a birthday cake, ice cream, family, and friends to

Erma - It used to be a birthday cake, ice cream, family, and friends to celebrate a birthday. Now it is a big, costly, elaborate spread. Remember when a dishcloth or mixer would be a grateful gift for a wedding shower? No more. It is another expensive show where the parties tell the shower guest where they're registered and what to bring. Now we have reveal parties and big time baby showers. These old and new traditions have one theme which is good for business but could be a problem for those who want to enjoy a happy and healthy retirement. Today, the present is winning at the expense of the future.