Columns

Bread Ends

Dear Heloise: I take the ends of a loaf of bread and put them in a freezer bag then pop them into the freezer. When I have enough, I make bread pudding that is simply delicious. Some people throw the ends out, some feed them to the birds, but bread pudding is a great way to use all the bread in a loaf. — Colleen in Minnesota Dear Heloise: In a couple of months my son will be here to visit us, and I want to make your Italian Chicken recipe for him. The last time I made it, both he and my husband raved about the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. It was easy and quick to make and a ...

Transgender Playmate Poses A Challenge to Girl’s Grandma

DEAR ABBY: My 7-year-old granddaughter, “Leyla,” has a playmate who is a transgender girl. My fear is that she may find out the truth and feel betrayed by her playmate as well as me. Should I explain it to her? It doesn’t matter to me that her friend is transgender because I have always believed that a person’s most important trait is having good morals. I’m an upfront and honest person. However, with respect to this subject, I feel that if I remain silent, it’s as though I’m somehow betraying my granddaughter. Leyla is very accepting of all people, and I don’t believe it ...

Out of the Box

Dear Readers: In a column last week we discussed what should go in your safe deposit box. Today, the subject is what should stay out of the safe deposit box. Let’s check it: * Your original Will and Letters of Instruction — When you die, the bank will secure your safe deposit box, and the executor will have to affirm their right to access your information. * Cash — If you need it in a hurry, you may not be able to get at it. Put cash in an interest-bearing checking or savings account. * Passport — In case of an emergency trip, you might not be able to get it quickly. * ...

A Pillar of the Community Is Less Admired at Home

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 14 years to a man a lot of people in our town think has no flaws. He helps a lot of people, and he is also a pastor, but he ignores me and takes me for granted, personally, emotionally and sexually. He’d rather watch TV until he falls asleep on the couch. He looks at pornography online, and I catch him often. Even if he’s busy at work, he finds time for everybody but me. He always has excuses. Since I married him, I have supported him and have gone the extra mile in all aspects — his work, church activities. I have waited on him and made ...

No Winners In This Fight

I will preface today's column by telling you that no matter what follows, there will be no winners. What I am writing about will more than likely draw empathy from some and have others condemning me, too. In this business, you kind of get used to that. If there is anything I wish to accomplish in writing these weekly columns is to just give my readers something to think about, sometimes entertaining, other times serious topics. Today is a serious topic. Let me tell you what I witnessed recently. I need not disclose the location, most of you can guess, but the other day I was ...

Don’t Let Preconceived Notions About Aging Limit Your Potential

DEAR DR. ROACH: After reading several of your columns, where readers asked if they are too old for some activity, I wanted to make older adults aware of their untapped reservoir of energy and ability. I notice that most tend to be hesitant to try various activities thinking they are probably too old to attempt it. I am a retired music teacher; I am not an athlete. I never participated in sports, and I was the “runt of the litter.” I started weight training when I turned 50 and have continued to experience the ability to lift even heavier loads for the past 20 years. It makes me ...