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Struggling to reconnect with son

Dear Annie: We used to have an excellent relationship with our son, and he has a daughter who is now 19 years old. Seven years ago, he met a divorced woman whom we initially liked, but over time, things changed drastically. Since this new relationship began, our son’s bond with his daughter has deteriorated to the point where they hardly see each other anymore, simply because, according to them, they’re always “too busy.” While we’ve managed to maintain a wonderful relationship with our granddaughter, things with our son have become strained, largely due to his new wife, who ...

Pair pickle chips and peanut butter

Dear Heloise: I have been following all the different kinds of peanut butter sandwiches, and I noticed that no one has mentioned the type of pickle they use with their peanut butter and mayo sandwiches. So, I wanted to add in that as kids (and now as adults), we made ours with “sweet” pickle chips, mayo and peanut butter. Yum! -- Dawn White, Garden Grove, California SPEAK TO YOUR AUDIENCE Dear Heloise: I am also a senior citizen and liked the letter from Sarah Thomas regarding speaking into a microphone. I have been on several tours. The tour guides without microphones seem to ...

Campaign donations should have more limited dollar amounts

It’s almost the eve of Election 2024, and we’ve had a lot of campaign related issues ranging from financing to negative advertisements. Elon Musk really brought campaign finance questions to the forefront with his $75 million donation to the Trump campaign. It was followed by an offer to award one voter a day one million dollars if they’ve signed his pledge about free speech and the right to bear arms. It calls for some type of mandate to limit campaign contributions. I think it would be good to go as low as $100 per person. It’s in line with the idea of making voters ...

Make your voice heard

Early voting for the November 5th election is in full swing. The League of Women Voters New Ulm encourages voters to cast their ballots on Nov. 5, or vote early at the Brown County Auditor Treasurer’s office, or return a mailed ballot or absentee ballot by 8pm on Nov. 5.. Residents of Minnesota for at least 20 days who are 18 years old on or before Nov. 5, 2024, and have affirmed US citizenship are able to vote now until 8 pm on Nov. 5, and, if not a registered voter, may register at the polling place that day. Visit mnvotes.gov for details on what is needed to register to vote at the ...

Thoughts for autumn

Dear Readers: Hope you are all having a lovely fall. Please see below some poems that help embrace the season. “The Wild Swans at Coole” by William Butler Yeats “The trees are in their autumn beauty, / The woodland paths are dry, / Under the October twilight the water / Mirrors a still sky; / Upon the brimming water among the stones / Are nine-and-fifty swans. / The nineteenth autumn has come upon me / Since I first made my count; / I saw, before I had well finished, / All suddenly mount / And scatter wheeling in great broken rings / Upon their clamorous wings ... / But now ...

Nail-biting is hard to quit

Dear Heloise: Biting my fingernails has been a lifelong habit that I just can’t stop. I always seem to have a finger in my mouth. I’m not sure why I started. My nails are a disgrace, and at my age, it’s embarrassing. I often bite my nails without thinking. Got any hints on how to stop? -- Cynthia P., Elsmere, Delaware Cynthia, there are over-the-counter products you can buy online to give your fingers an unpleasant taste. There are also finger guards made of latex to cover your fingers. Some people have tried hypnosis, but I can’t say I personally know anyone who was successful ...