Thanks to all who responded to my initial question and for the good wishes. Very kind of you.

It seems l need a FF for Dummies book - is there such a thing (can't find one under that title)? I'll look at the mileage run threads (so much to look at and so little time) - it seems that one needs to just fly to collect miles and spent hours, days, weeks in plane and airport? Who has the time ...? Or am I not understanding it right?

Here are a few questions:

• is there a 'best' FF program / airline?
• is there a 'best' credit card?
• can one buy miles through brokers? I've seen online some offers but am not clear whether this is legal or not?
• what is the average value of a FF mile?
• is there a way to charge mortgage payments to credit cards?
• I realized only now that I have with AA Platinum Elite status ... never knew. I read the various benefits associated with it - but how do I get them? e.g., preferred check in; upgrades, more miles on certain elite eligible flights ... none of that I ever did get automatically. So do I need to each time wave my Citi/AAdvantage Platinum card and say what I want (presuming I always know what I am eligible for)?
• any other tips?