I was busy going to college, raising a son and working when this originally aired. When START tv begain airing it I was hooked. Perfect cast , realistic conflict, humor, family love, romance, social issues.....all that and more. It covers the period of integration when the two heroines were children as well as their adult friendship. Clever use of dialogue, situation and color as segue between the two periods keeps the plot running smoothly and gives the viewer a deeper understanding of the characters ' motivation, reactions and psychological character. I feel as if I have unearthed treasure.