Dear Annie: When my husband and I first got married, he made it clear that his mother would always be welcome to visit whenever she wanted since she lives far away. Over the years, she has come three or four times annually, often staying for a week at a time. She is generally helpful around the ...

Dear Heloise: In the Advocate in Louisiana, I saw two recommendations in your column that I’d like to add to: First, wooden cutting boards have been proven to be the safest option of cutting boards. Detailed tests conducted by at least two universities show that wooden boards remain safe ...

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 ...

Dear Annie: I was invited to, and attended, both an engagement party and a bridal shower. I spent a bit of money on gifts for both. I wasn’t invited to the wedding, which hurt me somewhat, but I understood the couple was trying to keep it small. Now, two years later, I’ve been invited to ...

Dear Heloise: Getting items out during the morning of a yard sale is difficult. This year, we are loading the items in the back of our SUV the day before, so in the morning, we can just back up the vehicle and unload it in front of our house. The lowered back gate can also serve as a table! ...

Dear Heloise: Thank you for all your hints, which I read in the Long Beach Press-Telegram. In response to Lori B. about the difficulty of reading the expiration dates on product labels due to the small print, I have a solution. There is a magnifying glass feature on my smartphone, which I use ...