Breaking News

Life

DEAR ANNIE: Their Stepmother Oversteps

Lifestyles

Dear Annie: I have been divorced for four years and share custody of my two children, ages 11 and 14. My ex-husband remarried last year, and I truly wanted his new wife to have a good relationship with the kids. At first, I was grateful. She was kind, showed up to their games and made an effort to include them. But lately, it feels like she is trying to become their mother instead of simply being their stepmother. She buys them clothes without asking, signs school forms, gives punishments and recently told my daughter she could come to her with "anything she wouldn't feel ...

Lovina’s ‘English’ friend Ruth shares wedding week preparations

Lifestyles

This is Ruth, Lovina’s “English” friend. Last week, I had the opportunity to help Lovina prepare for Benjamin and Joanna’s wedding. I thought readers might enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how much work goes into an Amish wedding. Traditionally, an Amish wedding is held at the bride’s family home. Since Joanna’s family lives quite a distance away, Benjamin and Joanna decided to have their wedding in Benjamin’s home community where she has been living and attends church. They also chose to simplify the day. A traditional Amish wedding begins with the service that starts ...

Recipe for ‘Popo’s Wontons’ is as good as gold in one family

Lifestyles

In her new cookbook, “Have You Eaten Yet?,” actor and self-described restaurant kid Ming-Na Wen says wontons hold a special place in her heart. They bring back memories of making them with her mother. She now makes them with her children. Wen’s recipe for “Popo’s Wontons” includes ...

Hard to pronounce, but these 2 wines are worth it

Lifestyles

Gruner Veltliner (GROO-ner-VELT-lee-ner) and Gewurztraminer (guh- VOORTS-trah-mee-ner) These two tongue-twister wines may be a bit difficult to pronounce in a public setting, but practicing a bit to order these in a tasting room or restaurant, will surely make the effort worthwhile, Gruner Veltliner: This very interesting white wine has emerged as a regional favorite here in the Lake Erie region. It is crisp, food friendly and is popular with those who love Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, but may be looking to explore something new. Gruner is the signature grape of Austria, but ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Benefits of COVID vaccines outweigh any risks

Lifestyles

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 78-year old man who was diagnosed with asthma about 10 years ago, after a severe coughing attack left me unable to breathe. Since then, everything has been pretty much under control with Symbicort or Singulair. While I assumed that it’d be a good idea to get a COVID vaccination each year due to my asthma, both my general physician and pharmacist have recommended against it. Along with the reasoning that COVID isn’t as deadly as it was a few years ago, they’ve pointed out that the medications to treat it are highly effective if I do happen to catch it. Even ...

DEAR ANNIE: Wife wonders if enough neglect is enough

Lifestyles

DEAR ANNIE: I have been married to a dear man for more than 40 years, but for much of that time, I have felt as though we are not really a team. My husband can be very kind in practical ways. He will happily run errands, fix things around the house and do small tasks for me. But when I truly need his support, especially during stressful or important situations, he often disappears emotionally. He does not defend me when it matters, and if I ask him to help with something difficult, even something he is experienced and qualified to handle, he may simply say, “I want nothing to do with ...