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Political Antiques — Winners Every Time!

Though politics seem divisive at the moment, in the world of antiques, elections offer a way to get together and have some fun. History buffs, party activists and collectors of all ages enjoy reminders of hard-fought races and meaningful issues in our political past. This year’s candidates offer a first, too, as Kamala Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman to be a major party's vice presidential nominee. Political buttons, banners, trinkets and advertising items are important parts of the American story. Political pins like we know today have been around since ...

To Keep Or Let Go

I should have known better. The other evening, my husband and I ventured into the basement to search for a particular box of items. Descending the stairs into the cool block basement my head began to swim. I don’t know why so much of 46 years of togetherness ends up in boxes in the basement. While it is somewhat organized, the box we sought eluded us. This is after a long search of opening unmarked boxes. Here’s where I should have known better. As I opened a dusty box, a wave of nostalgia came over me. While it was not the box we were looking for, it held a treasure trove of ...

Vaccines Are OK For Those Who Have Had Polio

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a woman in my late 70s, a 1949 polio patient. For forever I have been told that because of poliomyelitis I cannot tolerate any preventive inoculations, including flu, pneumonia, shingles, etc. I was allowed to get flu shots when they first became available; however, when additives were included later on, I was instructed not to get it any longer. My concern is if I will be able to safely partake of the coronavirus inoculation when it becomes available. Most present-day doctors have no experience with polio, and often input is vague. — P.G. ANSWER: Poliomyelitis ...

Man’s Affair With Neighbor Reaches a Moment of Truth

DEAR ABBY: Last night I visited my 47-year-old son. After a 23-year marriage, he is going through a nasty divorce. While I was there, he asked my opinion about what he should do regarding a “situation.” A 62-year-old female divorced neighbor, who looks much younger, befriended him, and they’ve been having sex and spending time together for several months. She hasn’t been in any relationships for two years. He told her he’s not interested in a permanent relationship because he’s still not in a good emotional place, but he told me the real reason is their age difference. ...

How Do You Know When You Really Need Blood Pressure Meds?

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 71-year-old female who is basically in good health. I am active and still working. I usually walk 3 miles per day, five days per week, and try to stay limber by doing strength training and stretching to enhance my health. I eat healthy with low salt and hardly any caffeine. I tend to have high reactions to drugs. How do you know when you really need blood pressure medicine? I have received conflicting advice. For example, I have been told that blood pressure is a cycle in that it is lowest when sleeping, rises in the morning and continues to rise during the day ...

Long-Ago Divorce Remains Source of Constant Criticism

DEAR ABBY: I desperately need to learn how to cope with caring for my mother, who is living with me. We get along most days, however she is very much a “Negative Nancy” on all topics, especially my life. I have been divorced for more than 10 years, but she digs about my ex and his new wife as often as possible. I have asked her repeatedly to stop, but she flat-out refuses because “he left me in financial ruin.” Yes, my ex is more financially stable today than when we were married, but I am neither desolate nor destitute. She makes me feel like no matter what I do for her ...