Three elderly women, recently transplanted from the Northeast to a Florida

retirement community, were getting acquainted at poolside. Inevitably,

theirconversation turned to children. "My son is the most successful doctor on

Park Avenue," announced one.

Not to be outdone, the second remarked, "My son is the most successful lawyer

on Wall Street."

The third remained conspicuously silent. Sensing easier game, the first matron

inquired, "And you, dear, do you have a son?"

"And is he a professional?" demanded the second.

"Well, not exactly," answered the third. "Actually, he's a plumber. And not only

that, he's gay."

Beaming, one of the poor woman's interrogators offered consolation: "Ah, he's

not doing so well."

This time it was the third woman who smiled. "He's not doing too badly," she

explained.

"He goes out with the most successful doctor on Park Avenue and the most

successful lawyer on Wall Street."