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DEAR ANNIE: He’s lost in mixed signals, broken expectations

DEAR ANNIE: About six months ago, I grew close to a woman I had known casually for some time. She had recently come out of a painful breakup, and what began as friendship quickly turned into something much more emotionally intimate. We talked every day, shared deeply personal things and became part of each other’s routine in a way that felt meaningful and serious. Although she kept saying we were “just friends,” our relationship did not feel platonic. We became physically involved, and over time she began making comments that made me believe we were building toward something ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: Change out water pans frequently

DEAR HELOISE: I just read a hint in the Ventura County Star about avoiding ants in a cat’s food bowl by setting the bowl on a pan of water. It reminded me of our cruise through the Panama Canal years ago. We learned that during the construction of the canal, the local hospitals placed the bed legs on pans of water to discourage ants from crawling up to the patients. Unfortunately, mosquitoes bred in the water, which caused deadly malaria outbreaks. So, it’s a good idea to use water pans, but make sure to change out the water frequently. — Raul K., in Oak View, ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Drinking enough water is essential

DEAR DR. ROACH: Please write about the correct amount of water that people should drink. There’s so much misinformation! — E.N., MD ANSWER: There is so much misinformation since a simple answer, like “more is always better,” is easier than a nuanced answer. It depends on your age, activity level, the temperature and humidity, any medications you might be taking, and whether your kidneys have any issues. However, the simplest answer, which is true for most people, is that your body has a built-in system, called the thirst reflex, to make sure that you are getting enough ...

Bridge by Steve Becker

This deal was played in the 1978 World Women’s Pairs Championship. When Elizabeth Havas and Barbara McDonald of Australia held the North-South hands, the bidding went as shown. The opening two-notrump bid, as played by them, indicated a weak hand containing at least five cards in each of the minor suits. With her 23 high-card points and excellent clubs, South naturally carried on to six clubs, which East doubled. East’s double was very questionable. As a general rule, it is unwise to double a slam voluntarily reached when the double might make the play of the hand easier for ...

First Friday speaker stresses ‘moral courage’

CANFIELD — Although she had not visited the area before April 9, Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), said she already feels a connection to the Mahoning Valley. “I love this work because of the mission and because of the people with whom I work and the people that I get to meet on occasions like this," Robinson said. "Speaking of faith-filled, merciful Catholic leaders in Youngstown, I am filled with gratitude for and admiration of Rachel Hrbolich, diocesan director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown. Rachel is deeply respected ...