DO JUST ONE THING

DO JUST ONE THING

Apr 30, 2026

• Ever heard of a “snag”? It’s not a run in your sweater; it’s a standing dead tree that’s intentionally left in place to naturally break down. Snags play an important role in backyard ecosystems, offering food and shelter to a surprising range of wildlife. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation notes that a single snag can support up to 1,000 species, from birds to beneficial insects. Creating one is simple: If a tree dies, consider leaving it standing, as long as it’s safely away from your home. Just one snag per acre can make a meaningful difference.

Aunt debates keeping niece’s secret

Aunt debates keeping niece’s secret

Apr 30, 2026

DEAR HARRIETTE: Being an aunt is such a precious role. I love all my nieces and nephews as if they’re my own children, and it feels as though my siblings are raising all our children as a “village.”

TODAY IN HISTORY

Apr 29, 2026

In 1945, the Dachau concentration camp in Germany was liberated by U.S. troops. In 1992, riots broke out in Los Angeles after four police officers were acquitted of using excessive force during the arrest of motorist Rodney King.

Surgical sequencing decision requires triage

Surgical sequencing decision requires triage

Apr 29, 2026

Dear Doctors: I need to have knee replacement surgery as well as spinal surgery on my neck. Would it be better to have the knee or neck surgery first? Which would take the longest to recuperate from? Which would interfere less with the other during the PT?

Voters deserve ‘a choice, not an echo’

Voters deserve ‘a choice, not an echo’

Apr 28, 2026

Virginia voters decided this week to give state legislators the power to redraw congressional boundaries for next fall’s elections. It’s a big win for Democrats, who could gain as many as four additional seats once the new maps are adopted. But it’s a disastrous defeat for democracy.

Baby shower planner disappointed by surprise

Baby shower planner disappointed by surprise

Apr 28, 2026

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends and I were planning a surprise baby shower for our other friend. I have been the main person planning everything and have been working hard to keep this a surprise. However, I just found out that one of the girls accidentally spilled the beans about it two weeks ago, and no one told me. I am beyond irritated because no one thought to tell me. For the past few weeks, I have been working hard to make sure everything would be perfect. A big part of the effort was making sure the surprise element stayed intact, so I’ve been careful about what I say and who I say it to.

We leave with the memories we’ve made

We leave with the memories we’ve made

Apr 28, 2026

My husband, Peter, said “I suppose I have to start packing.” It is always so hard to leave. Packing up from San Miguel de Allende is not a terribly difficult process because we leave the art on the walls and the dishes in the cupboard and, this year, a brand-new beautiful couch sitting in the apartment. We know that the hotel housekeeper, Lulu, will keep a watchful eye on everything.

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