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DEAR HELOISE: I retired and found that I didn't like it. I enjoy working, and the extra income is nice. I took up painting, which I love and now make a living from. I encourage retired people to do something that they enjoy, rather than doing nothing.
A friend of mine does plumbing for people who can't afford to hire a plumber. Word of mouth and low fees have kept him very busy. Another friend refinishes antiques and sells them at a flea market. He loves restoring items that would have otherwise gone into the trash.
If you're retired, keep yourself moving and find something that you love to do to occupy your time.
-- Sam, in Colorado
DEAR HELOISE: After I retired last year, I went into a sort of slump with a mild depression. It wasn't anything serious, but I started to gain weight, sleep too much and watch too much TV. When I went to see my doctor for an annual checkup, I mentioned to her that I was tired all the time and didn't seem interested in anything. She told me to get to the gym and start exercising. If nothing else, I was to go for a long walk, especially when it was sunny outside.
Believe it or not, I started to feel better. I joined a gym and made myself go three times a week. I set the alarm for 6:30 a.m., got up, and went for a walk on days that I didn't go to the gym. I lost 20 pounds, toned my body and met the man whom I would later marry.
-- Elaine L.,
in Mesa, Arizona
DEAR HELOISE: Last night, my son was helping me remove the old, ugly linoleum in my kitchen. It's been there for about 30 years! Anyway, there were several spots that we had trouble with where the linoleum wouldn't lift off. How can we get the linoleum up in these stubborn areas?
--June Y.,
in Camden, New Jersey
June, apply ice to these stubborn areas, but be sure to cover them completely. After about 30-40 minutes, check to see if the adhesive that is holding the linoleum is brittle enough to scrape off. If it is, then use a thin blade (like you might find on a putty knife) and scrape it off. This will require some elbow grease.
-- Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: I always have way too much pie crust, and I hate throwing it away. What can I do to use up all the dough?
--P.F., in Woodbury, Minnesota
P.F., I've often made pies and had leftover pie crust dough, so I usually roll it out and brush it lightly with a little melted butter. Then I sprinkle it with some brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed almonds. After this, I roll it into a long tube shape and slice into 1-inch-thick rolls. I place these circular chunks on a cookie sheet and bake them for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
-- Heloise
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