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, hes a plumber. And notonly that, hes gay.

Beaming, one of the poor womans interrogators offered consolation: Ah, hes not doing so well.

This time it was the third woman who smiled. Hes 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.