Every decade or so, perhaps during a global pandemic, it’s common to see news reports about pastors leaving pulpits in search of less stressful work.
• If you see a houseplant with yellowing leaves, one of the most important things you should do is trim them off. Yellowing, almostdead leaves won’t revive and turn green again, so it’s better to help the plant by removing them so it can dedicate all of its energy to generating new leaves. When you are done pruning, be sure to wipe the pruning blades with rubbing alcohol. This will disinfect the blades so you don’t transfer any diseases to other plants. And don’t forget to compost the dead leaves!
My mother told me she was worried that her cat, Katy, needed to lose weight.
Joe Manchin often lamented, “my worst day as governor was better than my best day as a senator.”
DEAR HARRIETTE: Six months ago, my boyfriend broke up with me, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I still can’t seem to get over him. The truth is that he wasn’t even that great of a boyfriend. He was inconsistent with his communication, dismissive of my feelings and didn’t do much to show me that he cared about me.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My roommate has a habit of leaving extremely specific, passive-aggressive notes all over our apartment about cleaning, dishes and other household chores. Some of the notes feel petty, while others make me feel like I’m being criticized or watched, and it’s starting to affect my peace of mind. I’ve tried picking up after myself, doing extra chores and even leaving polite replies or notes in return, but nothing seems to change their behavior. I’m tired of the constant tension building in what should be a relaxing home environment, but I also dread having a major confrontation that could make living together unbearable or create lasting resentment.
ASK THE DOCTORS
When you think about the current political fight over immigration enforcement, start with this: There are millions of people, at least 15 million and perhaps as many as 20 million, who are in the United States illegally.
• Did you know that standard paper cups – the kind used for coffee and other hot beverages – are designed to handle liquids up to 190 degrees F? Since boiling water reaches 212 F, pouring it straight into the cup can cause the plastic lining to soften or melt, potentially releasing chemicals into your drink. If you don’t have a reusable thermos handy, here’s a simple tip: Drop in an ice cube or two to slightly cool the water before pouring it into the cup.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Last week, two of my friends produced a major event on behalf of their company. It was an opportunity to build audience engagement, introduce new products and network with other industry professionals. The event turned out beautifully, and they had a great turnout.