Dear Annie: My wife and I have a milestone anniversary coming up. We plan on renting a large home in the south of France for a month and inviting family and close friends to celebrate with us. Some family members and friends know of our intentions and are excited to join us. The cost to rent ...

Dear Heloise: One way to avoid items that get left in pockets -- and I taught this to my children -- is to put your hands in your pockets and push down when removing your pants instead of pushing down on the waistband. This way, you will automatically know if there is something in your pockets. ...

Dear Heloise: If you or a family member are referred by your doctor or dentist to another physician for treatment, be sure to ascertain whether the new doctor participates with your insurance carrier. Exorbitant costs could be incurred for which you are responsible. -- B., via email CAREFUL ...

Dear Annie: In a nutshell: I have been off social media for about five years, and this year I have made it a resolution to reduce my screen time. My screen time average is down to about an hour a day. If I had a way to measure it, I’d say my mental health has improved greatly. A year or two ...

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 ...

Dear Dr. Roach: I thought you could help with a stubborn problem. I am a healthy and active 78-year-old woman who, I admit, likes to look younger than my age. The problem is my skin, especially on my hands and arms; I get these bruises that look unsightly and take a while to resolve. I hear it ...