One of the neatest plays in bridge is known as the “loser on loser,” whereby declarer finds a way of telescoping two potential losers into one. Six diamonds was a poor contract, though it should be noted that the A-K of clubs facing a void was an unfortunate duplication of values. West ...
If the South had a mascot, it would be okra. You love, hate or have an unfounded fear of okra — and the same is true of the South. There’s no vegetable more polarizing than this poor little pod. And it’s only one part of okra that tends to bother people: the slimy seeds. Now I seek ...
This lovely Germanic-style white is perfect because of its intrinsic qualities. It’s not as rich and oaky as Chardonnay, but is fruitier and rounder than Sauvignon Blanc with “zesty acidity that makes the wine so clean and crisp to drink.” And we should take note because it goes well with food, because it tastes great — it’s light and refreshing. It is usually moderately priced as well. And given the Grand River Region’s location within the international Pinot Belt (a narrow band of latitude that stretches from France to Oregon where many great Pinots — including the ...
We are having a break from the heat this week. The mornings are so nice and cool. Hmmm...now what excuse should I use since my garden is still full of weeds? Last week was just too hot to work in it. We do have to get to it this week though. The recent storm took a few big branches from the big maple tree at sister Verena’s house. Verena was afraid another storm would take the rest. Last night our sons-in-law tackled the tree, and it is all down now and cleaned up. The only way to land the big tree was across the road, but they did fast work getting the road open right away. They ...
DEAR ANNIE: I have been married to my husband for 18 years, and in many ways he is a good man. He works hard, pays the bills, shows up for our children and has never been cruel or unfaithful. From the outside, I am sure people think I have nothing to complain about. But inside our marriage, I feel painfully alone. My husband is emotionally and physically distant. He rarely holds my hand, hugs me without being asked, kisses me in the kitchen or says anything tender. We can sit on the same couch for an entire evening and feel like two people waiting at the same bus stop. If I try to talk ...
DEAR HELOISE: Yes, yes, yes! I was so pleased to see your note about the way that some people use the word “like”! For the past couple of years, I’ve had to listen to the way that some people consistently say “the L word” over and over, which is worse than nails on a chalkboard for me! Even worse yet, some well-known people -- including but not limited to actors, entertainers, talk show hosts, and more (whom we might expect to know better) -- are as guilty of using it as some 7-year-old. What’s happened? What’s with the “dumbing down” of Americans? — Sandy C., ...
