● Many of us reach for salt to de-ice sidewalks and driveways during the winter. It's effective, but when the ice melts, the salty mixture can wreak havoc on plants and our waterways. A more natural alternative is alfalfa meal, which you can find at gardening and feed stores. Totally natural, this fertilizing compound melts ice and adds traction to prevent slips and falls. Plus, your lawn and plants will feed on it come spring. And unlike most fertilizers, alfalfa meal smells nice, too.

"You'll never guess what I did!" my husband, Peter, announced.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I decided to limit the amount of contact that my family is allowed to have with me. Now that I am older, I realize how truly toxic they are. I want to be cordial with them, and I want them to know how much I love them, but cutting off their access to me means protecting my peace. I feel slightly guilty about this, but it's been months since I've spoken to them, and I haven't had even the slightest bit of drama in my life ever since. Am I doing the right thing? – Family Ties

Bill Clinton used to say that all elections are about the future. It's true. Voters want to know what candidates will do in office – how they will fix problems – and if they can be trusted to handle the unexpected developments the future brings.