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Missing intimacy in an otherwise good marriage

Dear Annie: I’ve been married for 27 years, and by most measures we have a good, steady life. We’re healthy, financially secure and get along well. There’s no infidelity or drama. The problem is there’s no romance or passion either. I’ve started to feel deeply lonely in my marriage. My husband is kind and dependable but distant. He’s gone all day and unwinds in front of the television at night. I crave conversation -- about ideas, feelings, memories, even worries. When I try to talk about anything deeper than logistics, he listens but rarely engages. Over the years, ...

Using sticky notes for grocery lists

Dear Heloise: I use my lined sticky notes for my grocery lists. I just stick it on the buggy handle, and I don’t lose my list or my buggy! -- Elizabeth Henry, via email CHARITY NAVIGATOR Dear Heloise: Here’s a hint for all who want to consider making donations. There is a website called Charity Navigator (CharityNavigator.org) where you can view ratings and reviews of charities and give confidently. Charity Navigator verifies how funds are spent and measures real impact. I have used this website to decide which organizations I will donate to (where most of my money supports the ...

A holiday gift that left a mark

Dear Annie: We have one son who is married and has two beautiful children. At Christmas time, I go all out to make sure that I gift the grands things I know they will enjoy and appreciate. We also exchange gifts with my son and daughter-in-law. This past year, it was an Omaha Steaks assortment, which I know they love to receive. In addition, I brought my daughter-in-law a bottle of her favorite wine and my son an assortment of craft beer along with their favorite Christmas candies. My husband received his gift from our son, an expensive watch engraved with a very sweet and personal ...

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. 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., Marshall. Marshall-Lyon County Library hours, 10 ...

Learning new cooking terms

Dear Heloise: I’m getting married in the beginning of this year. My cooking skills aren’t just bad -- they’re horrible. I burn far too many dishes and ruin pots and pans. The majority of my dishes are totally bland. My husband-to-be has suffered through a number of disgusting dinners because I don’t know what I’m doing. We both work, and sometimes I have to work overtime, which means that dinner is often thrown together. I’m writing to ask about certain terms that are used in cooking because maybe if I understood these terms, I might be able to improve and stop making ...