DEAR HELOISE: This is in response to the several recent complaints about the obsolescence of printed newspapers. I have been a lifelong daily newspaper reader. But after retiring, and with the increased costs and delivery problems, I finally said, “Enough!” I tried reading it online on my phone and computer, but the small size and inconvenience wasn’t worth it.

So, for less than the cost of a six-month subscription, I purchased an inexpensive, large (17-inch) tablet. I am now able to access my local daily paper for free through our library. I even get online access to a national newspaper at very reasonable rates.

Reading on the tablet almost replicates the hard-copy experience, with the bonus of easily being able to zoom in to read the fine print and avoiding getting ink on my fingers. I also found a crossword puzzle app that lets me do the daily crossword puzzles, and it’s even easier than using a pen/pencil.

Give a tablet a try to continue your newspaper habit in our digital world.

— Mike M., in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri

Mike, for many people, newspapers bring back a nostalgic time when life slowed down for a little. For others, there was a certain ritual of making coffee and toast and leisurely reading the Sunday edition. Some made a point of reading the funny pages first, often to their grandchildren. Reading the news online is efficient but lacks the charm that the public once

enjoyed.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: If you struggle to get your kids to eat a healthy breakfast, it can feel like a negotiation. My solution is frozen raspberries: Put a handful of fresh raspberries in the freezer the night before. Once they are frozen, they break into small, bright red pieces that look almost like candy, and kids treat them this way.

Toss a few into the cereal bowl and watch — kids go for them first every time. They taste sweet enough to pass as a treat, but you’re quietly getting fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants in a meal that usually has none of this. You don’t need to hide or sneak it in.

— Kurt Caswell, via email

DEAR HELOISE: With respect to Thomas C., on using a carbon monoxide detector in the garage, be careful. If you read the enclosed instructions, not all carbon monoxide detectors are rated for dusty areas like garages. We bought one for the garage, only to find out in the enclosed instructions that it wasn’t supposed to be used there.

— Joann B., via email

Dear Heloise: My husband doesn’t exercise, and I’m worried about him. He has a job where he sits at a computer all day. In the evenings, I like to go for a walk, and I’ve asked him to come along. But he doesn’t seem to enjoy it and usually begs off.

We live in an area that has walking trails with well-maintained pathways and lights, so it’s actually fun to go walking. Any hints on how to get him to go for a walk with me? — Linda-May G., in North Carolina

Linda-May, walking is great exercise. It gets the blood flowing, and in a nice area, it’s a pleasant thing to do with another person. Tell him that you have things to discuss since most married couples do have things to discuss. And you may live in a nice area, but it’s always nice to have a walking partner if, for any reason, you need help. It’s an activity that leads to better health, and good health is priceless!

If he absolutely won’t go, get a friend to go with you, but don’t stop because of him. Maybe once he sees you in action with someone else, it’ll rub off on him. — Heloise

CARBON-MONOXIDE DETECTOR HINT

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