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Moving Tips

Dear Readers: During the pandemic, lots of people are moving because interest rates are low — upsizing, downsizing, you name it. So much work is involved in a move. Checklists are available online to keep things moving smoothly. Here are some things to think about. First off, shutting off and transferring utilities: water, gas, internet, trash pickup, electricity, cable tv and landline phone (if you still have these). Be sure to change your address with these people: post office, any subscriptions, the bank, cell phone provider, boss, car, home and health insurance. Other things ...

Holidays This Year Inspire Thinking Outside the Gift Box

DEAR ABBY: With the holidays fast approaching, I’m starting to think about shopping. Honestly, I’m tired of shopping for adults who don’t need anything. Finding gifts for them becomes more daunting each year. I think gift cards and direct money are tacky Christmas presents. Do you think it would be odd to ask my adult children and other family members to select a charity they would like me to donate to instead of buying them gifts that just take up more room? This year has been hard on many people financially, but most of my family members are lucky enough to still be working ...

Other Types Of Energy

Today’s Sound Off is about solar energy. Dear Heloise: There is so much more that could be done to promote solar and wind energy. After an initial investment in equipment, solar energy could be virtually free. In fact, there are companies that are installing solar roof tiles. We, as the American public, need to get behind a grassroots movement to encourage our government to help fund research on the other types of energy sources available. There is no way we can stay ahead of future energy problems unless we start now to invest in developing alternative energy sources. I’d rather ...

Girlfriend Left on Sideline at Small Family Wedding

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend of five years calls me his “partner.” I care about his family, and they are happy we are together. His daughter had a small wedding with just a few family members and the wedding party. I sat alone in our room for hours while they took pre-wedding photos. Not a problem. But when no voices were heard, I looked out, and everyone was gone! I texted my partner asking where everyone was. I had heard him walk by our room several times earlier, but he didn’t respond. Should I have chased after him, asking to be included? Before and after the ceremony, the ...

Making Quality Time With Family

Q: With everything it takes to work full-time and run a household, how can I find quality time to spend with my children? It seems like there aren't enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done as a mom. Jim: You can begin by honestly asking yourself a few simple questions. Are you working to provide for basic needs, or does your income mostly go toward paying for "extras" that you could forgo to have more time with your children? Are there any aspects of "maintaining a household" that you can afford to sacrifice? It's not always possible to plan meaningful ...

Share The Love Of Books

Seven — that’s how many books I collected as I walked from room to room in our house the other day. I made up my mind that enough is enough. It’s time to finish at least one of these books I have started. I love to read all kinds of books, both fiction and real-life stories. I do not pretend to follow any one author or rush to get the top novels on the bestseller list. I have had a penchant for Mary Higgins Clark’s books as they are easy reads that hold my interest. Forget Stephen King. One of his stories had me sleeping with the lights for days. I keep unread ...