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Squeaky Hip Joint Likely Aggravating, But Not Dangerous

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 69 years old. I take no medications, and I’m in very good health. Fifteen years ago, I had a hip replacement and now it is starting to squeak when I walk. It is a ceramic socket and a titanium ball. Is there any kind of cream I can rub on my hip or an injection I could get to lubricate the joint? When will I know that I absolutely have to get my hip replaced? — P.F. ANSWER: I can understand why the squeaking noise could be very annoying or troubling, but most often the squeak does not indicate a problem with the joint. Unfortunately, there is no cream ...

Shrimp Dijon

Dear Heloise: When my son came home for a visit, I made your Shrimp Dijon and he loved it! I have misplaced the recipe, but I want to make it again when he comes home from overseas. He’s served his country, now I want to serve him a dish he really likes. Would you repeat the recipe for me? — Hillary in Mississippi Hillary, you’ll need: 1 1/2 pounds peeled, deveined shrimp 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup flour 1 1/2 cups milk 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ...

Man’s Attraction To Bartender Causes Town Tongue to Wag

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 43 years, an alcoholic, has started going to the local grill/bar in our small town. He spends three to four hours there, six days a week. He would go more often if they were open on Sundays. People who know us tell me things that have been going on between a single bartender and him. This bartender has given him gifts, and I heard he overtips her. I have also been told there’s more going on than the outward flirting, and my husband has been saying bad things about me. The bartender is not a young woman, and she tells anyone who will listen that she’s ...

Boyfriend’s Sudden Ghosting Causes Hurt and Confusion

DEAR ABBY: I am dealing with the worst heartbreak ever. I don't know what I did to make my boyfriend stop liking me. He won't talk to me or text me back, and now he has blocked me on Facebook. One minute he said that he would always hang out with me and the next he told me to stop messaging him and blocked me. All of this has made me go out of control, and now I want to hate on everyone. How can I stop this awful hurt? — LOVE HURTS IN OREGON DEAR LOVE HURTS: Before I answer that question, I want to weigh in on your signature, "Love Hurts." What I need to impress upon you is, ...

Have Transplants Ready to Take Place of Harvested Vegetables

One way to reap an abundance of vegetables from even a tiny garden is to keep planting throughout the growing season. Soon, you could be filling in new vegetables where you’ll have harvested onions or pulled spent pea or cucumber vines. Later, there’ll be space where corn, early beets or ...

No More Distracted Driving

Today’s Sound Off is about distracted driving: Dear Heloise: While driving, I noticed a number of people who were driving and talking on the phone. One guy was so distracted he ran a red light. I’ve seen women putting on their makeup while driving, slamming on the brakes when realizing there was a stop sign just ahead. Distracted driving has grown rapidly in this country as people play with their cellphones, fiddle with the radio or eat lunch while driving, all which take their attention away from the road. Yes, a long drive is boring, but distracted driving can make it ...