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Dear Annie: Daughter resentful over flight not taken

Lifestyles

DEAR ANNIE: My mom and I have always been close. I’m 35 now, but we talk almost every day, even though she’s in Virginia, where I grew up, and I moved to Washington state after college. We make an effort to see each other as much as possible, but of course, it’s never enough. Recently, a work trip brought her to San Francisco, but I didn’t find out until she was already boarding the plane. San Francisco is a lot closer to me than Virginia is. I couldn’t help but think that if the situation were reversed, I would have found a way to tack on a few days and see her. She ...

Hints from Heloise: Reader writes with ‘thank you’

Lifestyles

DEAR HELOISE: As I think about the things that I appreciate when contemplating our country’s 250th birthday, I wanted you to know how much you mean to us. Heloise, you and your mom have given us a place to share ideas, support one another, and find solutions for real-life issues. You’re a breath of fresh air instead of a wet blanket of despair. Thank you for being the epitome of American culture. — With Love and Respect, Karen B., in Warren, Ohio Karen, thank you so much for your kind words and being a loyal reader of both my and mother’s columns. — Heloise DEAR HELOISE: ...

Kevin’s handicap accessible buggy and lots of birthdays

Lifestyles

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

Lifestyles

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

Lifestyles

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, ...