• Coffee shops are a competitive business, and they’re typically willing to meet your requests to ensure that you’re happy with your order. When placing your order for whatever keeps you caffeinated, be sure to specify “for here” to make sure it’s served in a reusable cup. Bring your own reusable thermos to fill up, and you can reduce your single-use consumption to zero.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Despite announcing my decision to stop drinking to many friends and family, I still encounter peer pressure when I go out with them. It’s challenging to stick to my choice without feeling like I’m ruining the vibe or being seen as a buzzkill. I value my decision, yet I don’t want to dampen the fun or create discomfort when declining drinks. How can I navigate these situations gracefully and stand by my choice without negatively affecting the atmosphere?
Dear Doctors: My husband was given a small jar of an electrolyte powder by a friend and has decided to take it on a daily basis. He is 76 years old, sedentary, a bit overweight and has high blood pressure. Might taking electrolytes cause him problems?
It depends on what the definition of “is” is.
Preparations are well underway for the 2024 legislative session, which convenes on February 5. The deadline to request bills recently passed, and we are now working on finalizing legislation related to a variety of issues and projects across the state.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I received a holiday bonus and planned a family trip for the New Year, but considering our budget, it’s looking tight. My wife suggested that I use the bonus for a solo trip, leaving her to manage our three young kids -- ages 2, 4 and 6 -- for about five days. I’m conflicted; I want to honor her suggestion as it was my bonus, but the idea of leaving her with all the household responsibilities and our little ones makes me feel extremely guilty.
It’s the time of year when I look back and see where I’ve been and wonder where I’m going.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I always had a contentious relationship with my aunt. I found her to be harsh, sometimes mean and often unreliable. She has been dead for years.
Dear Doctors: My husband and I help my aunt with doctor visits. She has a persistent wound on her foot and was diagnosed with cellulitis. She has confused it with cellulite and isn’t taking it seriously. Can you offer some information so we can help her understand what’s going on?
30 YEARS AGO
Dear Santa, Jordan want’s a Bike and a teddy bears, radio, and tapes that he can listen to on the radio, paint brush, roller blades and clothe for he can dress right and for his dad he would like a cd and cd’s for his mom a gown for she can sleep.