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Breaking out in song

Last Sunday, I met daughter Anna in Minneapolis where we attended Les Misérables at the Orpheum Theater. This is about my tenth time seeing Les Misérables. It is somewhere between a guilty pleasure and an addiction. I’ve always liked musicals, in person and on stage. Film is not at all the same experience. The energy and intensity of real live human beings throwing themselves into their part, I love that. For three hours, I can be in a world that’s quite different from mine on the farm. Every musical has scenes where heightened emotions come through in song. Les Mis is a ...

Thanksgiving Day a time for everyone to get together

This week we had the yearly chance to fill up on turkey, potatoes, dressing, cooked vegetables, cranberries, pumpkin pie, and at least one or two other favorites. It was Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, a day when everyone is encouraged to gather with family or friends for a huge dinner. The meaning of Thanksgiving is summed up in the first words of the Prayer of Thanksgiving. The first phrase is “we gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.” It’s a time to thank the Lord for all of the gifts he has given us. They usually include a bountiful harvest, from which we get all ...

Husband feels overlooked and hurt by wife’s lack of support

Dear Annie: I was a high school teacher in an urban area and just retired after a grueling 37-year career under very difficult circumstances. I’ve been married for 30-plus years and am the father of two daughters who are now in their late 20s. I’ve been a good father, husband and provider for my family throughout my life. My relationship with my daughters is exceptional. However, I harbor some resentment toward my wife because she didn’t value my sacrifices at the end of my career. Lots of my friends who retired with me were recognized properly by their wives and immediate ...

Try compostable parchment paper

Dear Heloise: I appreciate the dialogue in your published hints. It is so helpful to expand our knowledge. Regarding parchment paper, there is compostable parchment paper available now. So, I use this compostable product and add it to my composting bin. Silicone mats for cookie sheets are still plastic and will eventually have to be thrown out. Keep up the good work of protecting our environment! I am happy that your column directs people to nonchemical cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. -- J.M., via email COFFEE SCUM Dear Heloise: I am writing to see if you can help me. When I ...

When friendly favors go too far

Dear Annie: Last week, my good friend “Jess” called me at 6 a.m. to ask if I could drive her to an appointment that same morning, even though I had to be at work by 8. This kind of last-minute favor is becoming a pattern. I’ve been tempted to say no, but she will always guilt me with something like, “You’re the only one I can count on!” I really do value our friendship, but I feel drained by her constant needs. How can I let her know I need some firmer boundaries without making her feel like I’m abandoning her? -- Feeling Drained Dear Feeling Drained: You’re going to ...

What happened to ‘thank you’?

Dear Heloise: Why is it that no one sends thank-you notes or cards anymore? I taught my daughters to always write a note of appreciation to let people know you received their gift and, if possible, how you planned to use it or something nice about the gift. Unfortunately, my daughters never taught their own children to do this simple task. Four months after I sent my granddaughter a nice gift for her birthday, she sent me a note that read, “I got your gift. Thanks. Next year, I’d rather have money.” She’s 15 years old. Do other people have these problems, or am I expecting ...