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Chopped Cranberries

Dear Heloise: If you need chopped cranberries to make cranberry bread and you don’t have a food processor, just put all the wet ingredients into a blender, mix, then add the cranberries for a pulse or two. So easy! — Margaret, La Mirada, Calif. VEGETABLE CHOWDER WITH BEER Dear Heloise: You had a soup recipe that sounded strange when I read it, but I made it and it was terrific! It called for beer and cheese as I recall, but I have forgotten the name of the soup. Could you reprint that recipe? — Patty G., Stowe, Vt. Patty, I love this recipe too! Vegetable Chowder With Beer ...

Wife Grapples With Family’s History of Sexual Dysfunction

DEAR ABBY: When my husband and I were first married, I had no idea why his mother and sisters were so hostile. When they started treating our children the same way, my husband finally addressed the issue. We moved out of town, and he finally told me that when he was in his teens and early 20s, he had had sex with all of them, which was why they didn’t like me. After an estrangement of many years, he has now started talking to his mother and sisters again. His mother is now in her 70s. It breaks my heart that he is talking to people he had sex with, but he says it is OK because they ...

They Need to Chill. Tips for Turning Seeds Into Trees

How exciting to think of a full-size tree locked up within each seed still clinging to the branches of sugar maples, hornbeams, oaks, sycamores and other trees at the end of summer. It was with such visions that I dropped an apple seed into some potting soil in an 8-inch clay flower pot one ...

Beware Scammers

Dear Readers: With a COVID vaccine approved, be careful, because, as with a lot of things, here come the scammers. Always check with your doctor and or pharmacist before reaching out to an online pharmacy or anyone calling, texting or emailing you stating they have a COVID vaccine. Never give out any personal information to these people. — Heloise TECH TALK TUESDAY — TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION Dear Readers: Two factor authentication, what is it? Think of it as an extra layer of protection when you’re online. When you log onto a website (a financial institution, your email ...

Parents Clash Over Who Should Discipline Their Children

DEAR ABBY: I am a single father of three wonderful kids. When my wife and I separated, we agreed to 50/50 custody and a property settlement. Everything went smoothly. A year later I requested, and was granted, full custody of my children. Their mom has visitation, but that’s it. Shortly after my separation, I met a woman and we became good friends. I waited about a year before introducing her to my children because I wanted to make sure I knew her first. Although we are not “officially” in a relationship, she has been more than willing to step in and help with the children. In ...

Son Helps Himself to Contents of Late Grandfather’s House

DEAR ABBY: My father passed away a few months ago. My brother lives out of state, so emptying the house has been up to me. Shortly after the funeral, my adult son (the only grandchild) arrived and loaded his car with all the toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs, cleaning products, etc. He did it without asking, so I promptly had the locks changed. When I asked him about it, he said, “Grandpa doesn’t need the stuff anymore.” After months of packing (by myself), we are now down to the furniture, and my son wants everything. He feels he’s entitled to ...