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Plan to Move South Become Roadblock in Trip to the Altar

DEAR ABBY: I am a 41-year-old woman who has been with my fiance for eight years. Before we decided to become a couple, I made clear to him that if he had no intention of moving south once my kids graduate, he should not get into a relationship with me. When we got together, I assumed he understood and would be moving with me. We have bought vehicles together and a house. Earlier this year, he took me on a cruise and proposed. Again I made it clear about my plans to move south and told him not to give me a ring if he didn’t plan on going. Well, here we are all these years later, and ...

Clogged Shower Head

Dear Readers: Have you noticed that your shower head no longer shoots out a steady stream of water? Minerals from hard water may have clogged up the holes. Before you call a plumber, try this first: If you can remove the shower head, totally submerge it in a bowl of hot vinegar. After the vinegar has dissolved the buildup, use an old toothbrush or toothpick to loosen any remaining clogs. If you can’t remove the shower head, fill a sturdy plastic bag with vinegar and secure it with a rubber band, tape or tie, so the shower head is submerged in the vinegar. Letting it soak overnight ...

Could Shingles Vaccine Have Caused A Spike in CA-125?

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a history of cancer with an elevated CA-125 level. Recently I had a shingles shot and soon thereafter, my CA-125 level was high. An extensive workup showed up nothing significant, and a repeat CA-125 level was back down to normal. Could the shingles shot have elevated my CA-125 level? — K.R. ANSWER: CA-125 is a tumor marker most commonly used for ovarian cancer. Although not all ovarian cancers have a high CA-125 level, the measure of this marker can be useful in following women with ovarian cancer and in evaluating women with a possible ovarian mass. CA-125 ...

Warring Kids Are Barriers In Couple’s Relationship

DEAR ABBY: I got married to a wonderful guy 14 years ago, but after a year of marriage, our children (his 10-year-old and my 12- and 13-year-olds) couldn’t stand one another and caused a lot of problems. I was brokenhearted when he gave me divorce papers. I moved out but continued to date him without our kids around. Seven years ago, after his son moved out, I moved back in, but he won’t ask me to remarry him. My kids get along fine with him, but his son hates me and refuses to come to any holiday or birthday celebration that I host. Should I move out and move on? I feel like I ...

Bread Ends

Dear Heloise: I take the ends of a loaf of bread and put them in a freezer bag then pop them into the freezer. When I have enough, I make bread pudding that is simply delicious. Some people throw the ends out, some feed them to the birds, but bread pudding is a great way to use all the bread in a loaf. — Colleen in Minnesota Dear Heloise: In a couple of months my son will be here to visit us, and I want to make your Italian Chicken recipe for him. The last time I made it, both he and my husband raved about the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. It was easy and quick to make and a ...

Transgender Playmate Poses A Challenge to Girl’s Grandma

DEAR ABBY: My 7-year-old granddaughter, “Leyla,” has a playmate who is a transgender girl. My fear is that she may find out the truth and feel betrayed by her playmate as well as me. Should I explain it to her? It doesn’t matter to me that her friend is transgender because I have always believed that a person’s most important trait is having good morals. I’m an upfront and honest person. However, with respect to this subject, I feel that if I remain silent, it’s as though I’m somehow betraying my granddaughter. Leyla is very accepting of all people, and I don’t believe it ...