Family ties

It's yellow ribbon time: As tension increases in Iraq and more military families are being separated due to deployment, spouses, parents and children may find themselves facing added concerns.

Here's help - a support group for military families is in the works; an informational open house will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Beech Acres, 6881 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township.

"We want to offer support ...," said Sharon James, who is helping to plan the event. "We also can let people know they have a place to come to when their loved ones return home to help with readjustment."

Special programs will be offered for children. Details and reservations, (513) 231-7205, Ext. 342.

Mom aid

Survey says: What do moms really want this Mother's Day? Flowers, candy, breakfast in bed? Nope. According to the more than 3,000 moms who sounded off in a Parenting magazine poll done in conjunction with AOL, the overwhelming majority said they'd like some time alone.

Among the findings, available in the May issue of Parenting:

• Time alone is mom's top wish for Mother's Day, receiving more votes than breakfast in bed, flowers and a card combined.

• 73 percent of moms thought they were sexy before they had kids, but only 40 percent consider themselves sexy now.

• 23 percent of moms admit they have moments where they'd prefer to be their child's dad.

• 61 percent say it's harder now to be a mom than it was when their mothers were raising them.

• 58 percent say raising kids is harder than they expected it to be; 23 percent admit they still don't have the hang of it.

Game day

Sporting seniors: If you're over 50 and full of fire, put on your sneakers and get out there for the Northern Kentucky Senior Games - you could walk off with a medal and bragging rights.

This year's festivities kick off May 8 with a fishing derby at Mills Road Park; you'll also get to play tennis, show off your shuffleboard, and join the cornhole craze during the event, which runs until May 18. Other events include spin casting, miniature golf, horseshoes, billiards, Frisbee toss, basketball free throw, disc golf, lawn bowling, and track and field.

Entry fee is $10 to participate in any or all events. Details, (859) 283-1885.

On the shelf

Lovable: Everyone talks about love at first sight, but what's wrong with second sight? Nancy W. Collins and Mason Gribsby are big fans. They're authors of Love at Second Sight: Playing the Midlife Dating Game (New Horizon Press; $14.95). The book offers tips on dating for singles in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, culled from more than 400 surveys and personality interviews.