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Longtime reader writes in with hint

Dear Heloise: I’m writing in today for my father; I am his daughter. My father is not a computer person and still reads the newspaper everyday with his morning or afternoon coffee. He turns 91 this Dec. 1. He is an avid reader of your column, and as far back as I can remember when growing up, my father would read your column, often reading them or sharing with family. My dad approached me in a recent visit to see him and my mother, and he asked if I would assist him in submitting his idea to “Hints With Heloise.” Of course I said “yes,” then asked that he please explain his ...

Engaged and estranged

Dear Annie: I’m in a strange situation with my childhood best friend, “Lila.” We’re both 32 now, and while we’ve stayed close over the years, something shifted after I got engaged last spring. Lila has always been single, and she’s made it clear she doesn’t believe in marriage. I respect that. But since I got engaged, she’s been acting distant -- canceling plans, being short in conversation and even making little digs about “brides losing their identity.” I asked her directly if something was wrong, and she brushed it off, saying she’s “just been busy.” I ...

Replacing the pumps of bottles

Dear Heloise: When a container stops pumping, I remove the pump and replace it with a screw cap from another salvaged bottle. Then I store it upside down. For shampoo, I add a little water and use it up until it’s gone. Everything gets used until the last drop. -- Dean Garrett, in Arizona PEELING GARLIC Dear Heloise: The easiest way to peel garlic cloves is also the simplest: Just put them in a bowl of water. In 5 minutes or less, both the outer and inner skins will lift away often in just two or three pieces, leaving an intact, fresh clove. There’s no bruising, breaking, ...

Thanksgiving dinner dilemma

Dear Annie: This Thanksgiving I will be meeting my new boyfriend’s family for the first time, and I am already a bundle of nerves. His mom is hosting a big traditional dinner at their home, the kind with a perfectly roasted turkey, gravy from scratch and about 10 different side dishes. She is known for her cooking, and apparently Thanksgiving is her Super Bowl. There is just one problem. I am a vegetarian. I have not eaten meat in nearly a decade, not for attention but because it genuinely makes me feel better physically and aligns with my values. My boyfriend mentioned it to his ...

Anitque wood is of better quality

Dear Heloise: One serious point about trying to replicate the wide plank floors of early American homes: The wood that you can obtain at a semi-reasonable cost is not the same as the antique stuff. It is of a different quality. It is wetter as it is not well-seasoned and often an entirely different species. Wide boards will be more apt to shrink and/or warp. I grew up in some older homes with lovely oak wooden floors that were polished to “a treat,” as my grandmother would have said. I have several family members and friends who are very happy with the newer, not-as-expensive ...

Teaching kids resilience, not fear

Dear Annie: My 12-year-old son has always loved playing soccer. He is not the most talented kid on the field, but he works hard, listens to feedback and truly enjoys being part of a team. Unfortunately, his new coach seems to have taken all the joy out of it. From the first practice, this coach has been harsh, sarcastic and impatient. He yells at the kids for small mistakes, plays favorites and benches others for reasons that do not make sense. My son has gone from running out the door with excitement to dragging his feet and saying he does not want to play anymore. It breaks my heart ...