Breaking News

Uncategorized

Using shower caps for gardening

Dear Heloise: Here’s an idea that I’ve benefited from for years. Whenever I stay in a hotel, I save the shower caps that are usually provided for free. Because I garden, I regularly track in grass clippings and dirt on my shoes. Putting the shower caps on over my shoes when I go outside prevents this. I keep the shower caps near my door so that I can just pull them on and off as needed. This really helps to keep my floors clean. A word of warning, though: If it’s icy or snowy, don’t do this. Too slippery! -- Robin W., via email Robin, I use them when I put a 30-minute ...

Outgrowing an old friend group

Dear Annie: I’ve been friends with the same group of women since our children were in grade school. We’re now in our late 50s and early 60s, and for years this group has been my main social circle. We’ve shared weddings, divorces, illnesses and losses. I will always value them for that. Lately, though, I find myself dreading our get-togethers. The conversation has narrowed to a steady loop of complaints -- about spouses, adult children, politics, health problems, you name it. When I try to change the subject or bring up something positive, it’s brushed aside or met with ...

Standing up to family dysfunction

Dear Annie: My wife and I have been married for nearly half our lives, and we’ve always had a strong relationship. The problem we’re facing now is her family -- specifically her younger brother and his household. Her brother has never been particularly motivated, and although we’ve always been cordial, we’ve never seen eye to eye. Early in my relationship with my wife, he spread hurtful rumors about my family and even referred to me as a “dirtbag construction worker.” Despite this, my wife has always felt sorry for him, so I’ve tolerated him for her sake. About six ...

Thank-you notes are important

Dear Heloise: In response to all the letters that you’ve printed in your column concerning “thank you” notes, I wanted to add an important element. Not only is a thank-you note a kind way to show appreciation for something that was done for you or given to you (whether you liked the gift or not), it also lets the giver know that you received it. When I send a gift by mail, I always appreciate knowing that the person actually received it. Mail can go astray for many reasons (including theft), and it’s a relief to know that my gift arrived. Given how easy it is to send a text ...

Regional Calendar

The Independent calendar lists upcoming meetings, facility hours and events in and around Marshall. To have your group’s events listed, email the information to news@marshallindependent.com or submit the information to our virtual newsroom. Today Marshall Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m., Marshall Area YMCA. Household Hazardous Waste Facility, open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Public Works Building, Marshall. Call 532-8210 for more info. SW MN Arts Council Gallery, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., 509 West Main Street, Marshall. Lyon County Museum, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 301 W. Lyon St., ...

Calcium buildup can’t be reversed by quitting supplements

Dear Dr. Roach: I have calcium buildup throughout my vascular system. My legs were operated on, and the surgeon had to drill through the calcium to open up the blood flow. I am now told that there is calcium buildup on my aortic valve, which I had replaced four years ago. I also have prostate cancer and have been prescribed Orgovyx, along with 1,000 mg of calcium due to Orgovyx weakening the bones. What is your opinion? Does the calcium supplement add to the calcium buildup more than it benefits my bones? Would my vascular system stop building up calcium if I stopped taking the calcium ...