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Estranged sister reaches out to my kids

Dear Annie: Almost 15 years ago, my older sister removed me from her life after a series of messy arguments. At the time, she just stopped taking my calls and waited for me to leave family functions before going. She told our three siblings and mother that she didn’t want me in her life. She likely gave them reasons but never allowed anyone to tell me. When she ghosted me, I was heartbroken. I bugged everyone for years, asking how she was, crying about how much I missed her. I made many attempts to reconnect that were met with silence or warnings from family that she was still angry ...

Opting out of using perfume

Dear Heloise: I am writing in response to your question regarding perfumes. People are affected by smells differently, so I don’t use perfumes or scented lotions or soaps. Having a history of migraines, I know that perfumes can truly set one off. My husband has a different reaction to perfumes. Many give him a horrible metallic taste in his mouth. I like your method of a spritz on a cotton ball tucked away in your bra. However, I also tend to think that many keep and use bottles for years after the perfume has gone “bad.” When people can react so differently, why risk it? ...

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 ...

Mother-in-law may be asking too much

Dear Annie: My mother-in-law is 81 and a widow. She currently lives alone. Her health is declining, and she has been talking about wanting my husband and me to move in with her and “take care of her and the house.” She is adamantly against moving into assisted living or anything similar. I already cook meals and take them to her weekly. I help with some household chores and have been maintaining the 10 acres the house sits on. My husband and I talk to her on the phone daily and have for the past two years since my father-in-law got ill and passed away. My husband is disabled, and I ...

Show kindness this holiday season

Dear Heloise: It’s at this time of year that so many people feel a sense of grief during the holidays. While so many of us are enjoying family and friends during the holidays, there are thousands of people who wish desperately for someone to take them shopping or call them a couple of times a week, even if it’s just to say “hello” and show some sincere interest and kindness. If your parents live out of state, a visit or a card with a letter inside is always fun to get. If you have family or friends who are going through a difficult time, invite them to dinner or lunch. Most of ...

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 Household Hazardous Waste Facility, open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Public Works Building, Marshall. TOPS# 1373 (take off pounds sensibly), 8-9 a.m., 82 W Main Street Cottonwood. For questions call 507-828-0944. 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. ...