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Kevin’s handicap accessible buggy and lots of birthdays

This week brought more birthdays in our family. Joe and I had our 33rd anniversary on July 15. We always think of brother Albert, as we were married on his birthday. He is still so deeply missed by all who loved him. July 10 was grandson Denzel’s 4th birthday. The 14th is son Benjamin’s 27th birthday. Granddaughter Sharlene turned a year old on the 17th. Sister Emma turned 53 on the 19th. Happy birthday to all. And we also always think of dear mother’s birthday on the 18th. I miss her! Especially when life brings trials and you would love to ask her advice one more time. As a ...

DEAR ANNIE: Strive to find sufficient time to be a present parent

DEAR ANNIE: I am a working mother of two young children, and lately the guilt is eating me alive. I love my job. I worked hard to get where I am. But every morning when I leave the house, my 4-year-old asks why I have to go again, and my heart sinks. My husband is supportive. We have good child care. Still, I feel like I am missing the little moments. The slow breakfasts. The preschool pickup stories. The random hugs in the middle of the day. By the time I get home, I am often tired and still checking messages on my phone. Last week, my daughter drew a picture of our family. My ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: Avoiding messes in microwave

DEAR HELOISE: No more major cleanups for your microwave! Just cover the dishes with a paper plate or a paper towel. Also, you can place a cup of vinegar in the microwave and bring it to boil. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the inside of the microwave with cloth or paper towels. Big messes come off easy this way. I read your column every day in the Roanoke Times. —Thelma, in Virginia DEAR HELOISE: My dishwasher has a screen basket, which is designed to catch food particles that don’t go out through the drain. Please be aware that if this basket isn’t emptied regularly, ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Specialist needed for dysfunction in pelvis

DEAR DR. ROACH: My son was diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) by a urologist. He went to another doctor who never found anything conclusive. My son has complained of stinging and burning in his urethra, as well as an uncomfortable feeling when trying to sit. He’s on his feet most of the time. He quit his job because of the problems with this condition. He’s had two MRIs, a cystoscopy and an ultrasound. The problem persists. He uses a hot tub, which offers some relief but not much. According to his doctor, the tests are inconclusive without a diagnosis. Should he seek a ...

Bridge by Steve Becker

Good defense is mostly a matter of plain common sense. As a case in point, take this deal where South was in three hearts and West led the club ten, which held the trick after dummy and East followed low. West then continued with the nine, won by East with the queen. This was followed by ...