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This article describes changing life attitudes and values during retirement. It also emphasizes the importance of personal goals and striving as a part of retirement. The goals are of one's own choosing but generally mean a greater emphasis on service, relationships and family connection.

This article describes a "typical" personality of a farmer or rancher. This characteristics are then looked at in terms of how farmers or ranchers perform when they are under stress. Advice is given on what kind of approach and support work best in assisting farmers during stressful times.

This article describes the launching of Valfarmer.com as a service for those wishing to look at his advice on a variety of topics including, marriage, parenting, cultural values, and rural mental health. Readers can access past columns plus subscribe to his current columns via the Internet.

This article describes the impact of e-mail and how families are putting it to good use. Family letters sent by e-mail help college age students away from home, elderly parents, and travelors. Fathers become better communicators with family members through e-mail. Dr. Farmer cites examples from his own family.

My 21-year-old daughter Tawny has collaborated with me on a couple of columns in the past, "Getting along with College Roommates," and, "How to Play the Dating Game."

Last November she began serving a church mission in Mongolia. She has been a faithful letter writer about her experiences there. Here are some of her insights about learning to live in a different culture.