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Minnesotans should have final say on the new state flag and seal

Friends and neighbors: Our state flag and seal have represented the people of Minnesota for generations, but in just one session, members of the majority party decided to get rid of our current state flag and seal. The new state flag and seal came about through a provision in last year’s state government finance budget bill, which created the State Emblems Redesign Commission. As a result, a group of thirteen unelected people were brought together to redesign our state emblems. Though I have heard from members of our community that they are unhappy with the final designs ...

Good friend insists on reciprocating gifts

Dear Annie: I have a longtime friend who has serious trouble with gifts. It is very difficult to give her anything because she insists on “evening the score” by responding with a gift back to the giver. For instance, we comfortably exchanged token holiday gifts at my place, but my husband learned she liked a certain special candy we had on hand, so he gave her a box. She tried to turn down this gift and even checked on her phone to see what it had cost. Two days later, she showed up at our condo with a beautiful but unexpected handmade item she had just created for us (she is a ...

Try this easy way to open a jar

Dear Heloise: Just read a recent column of yours in the Orange County Register. The easiest way to open a reluctant jar is to turn the jar over and tap it on the floor. It never fails for me. -- Claudine, Huntington Beach, California SMELLY GARBAGE CAN Dear Readers: To help prevent having a smelly garbage can, take these steps: Wash the inside and outside of your can often. Then place a clean plastic garbage bag inside with several used fabric softener sheets to help deodorize the inside. Also, you can spritz the can with disinfectant spray to cover the smells. Keep your trash in ...

Love, loss and longing

Dear Annie: I’ll be married for 25 years this coming June, 30 years together. My husband is great, but he is not interested in sex anymore. He told me, “It’s just not important to me.” I’m in my mid-40s and am desperate for intimacy and affection. But aside from that, I enjoy my family dynamics. I don’t want to break that up for my own selfish needs. My kids would be sad. I have talked to my husband about this many many times to no avail. I asked for an open marriage, and he will not commit to that. My question is, do I live the rest of my life without any physical ...

Get rid of your soap slivers

Dear Heloise: After reading in the Orange County Register about many people who wrote in about their soap slivers, I thought I would give my two cents. I take a new bar, put the cavity side down into a saucer and add just enough water to cover the cavity. After 15-20 minutes, I drain the water, turn the bar over and put it in a soap dish or paper towel. Then I take the soap sliver, smoosh it into the new bar and set it aside to dry. I never have a bunch soap slivers. -- Dale K., Orange County, California HELOISE’S CHINESE BEETS Dear Readers: I have had requests for my tasty beets ...

Terrible twos and tough talks

Dear Annie: I have a sonwho’s going to be 3 in August. He’s been going through the “Terrible Twos,” and as you can imagine, it’s been terrible. His thing right now is that he will throw a fit, and then when he’s done, he will wrap his arms around me and say, “I love you, Mommy!” Well, my husband’s aunt has rolled around after her partner died suddenly and left her with nothing. She is pretty rude sometimes, in my opinion. She regularly tells my son that he’s mean or he’s bad. She never really praises him when he’s good. I’m not a fan of telling him he’s mean ...