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Testing ‘Heloise’ reader hints

Dear Heloise: I’m a retired senior citizen who became a widower about five years ago. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was a complete novice around the house, especially in the kitchen. Then I recalled that my wife often mentioned hints from your column, and this led to my becoming an avid fan of yours. I have used many of the hints you’ve published, and most were a godsend, with very few being less than expected. On rare occasions, there have been hints you have published that, in my mind, seem slightly unusual. This leads me to ask if you or your staff research, ...

When you’ve always been there for family — and they’re no longer there for you

Dear Annie: I am an 85-year-old widow living alone. I have three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In years past, when I was still driving, I would visit regularly and made it a point to stay involved. I helped pay for camps, lessons, pageants, tutors and even household expenses. I have always tried to be generous with both my time and resources. But lately, I feel the closeness we once had slipping away. For example, I sent my youngest granddaughter, a college senior, a card and check for her birthday. She replied to a text confirming she received it, but she ...

Local Briefs

Unbound Teen Lit Con brings authors, activities,and books to Slayton Book lovers across southwest Minnesota are invited to the Unbound Teen Lit Con, a celebration of reading and creativity for teen lit readers. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Murray County Fairgrounds in Slayton. This year’s lineup features celebrated authors Bryan Bliss, Kao Kalia Yang, Kirstin Cronn-Mills, and Matt Eicheldinger, who will share their stories through author talks and book signings. Attendees can also enjoy crafts, hands-on activities, and the chance to discover their ...

Fractured bonds

Dear Annie: My husband and I recently went on an eight-day cruise to Iceland with two close friends. We have been friends for more than 40 years and have traveled together many times. Two days before we were to leave, I tested positive for Covid. I went to urgent care, and the doctor told me I could still go on the trip. I began Paxlovid and wore a mask for the first five days of the cruise. Unfortunately, by the end of the trip, my husband, one of my roommates and I all tested positive for Covid after we returned home. Since then, my friends have stopped speaking to me. I feel ...

Try this method for boiled eggs

Dear Heloise: Regarding hard-boiled eggs, I’ve had a terrible time with them over the years and have tried several different methods. I finally found a method on the internet that actually works: Put about 3 quarters of an inch of water in a saucepan and heat it to boiling. Once it’s boiling, take the eggs out of the refrigerator and gently place them in the pan of boiling water, being careful not to burn yourself of course. They must be in a single layer. Do not stack them! Then cover and continue to boil for 14 minutes. In the meantime, get your ice water ready. (I keep a ...

When is it time to rethink old friendships?

Dear Annie: I wonder if you could shed some light on something that’s been bothering me. I have five girlfriends I’ve been close with for many years. I keep their secrets, I don’t talk behind their backs, and I’ve always treated them with respect. As we’ve gotten older and more serious about our lives, we each began moving out on our own, getting engaged and getting married. When I got engaged, my fiance did it in a very big way. I was taken by surprise, and he even arranged for someone to film it. I was very excited to share the DVD of our engagement with my friends, but ...