Dear Annie: My dearest friend and I go back over 50 years. We've seen each other through everything, high and lows. Recently I became disabled and can no longer drive. I'm also a widow. I'm not asking anyone to chauffeur me around (I have that handled), but a phone call here and there would ...

I’ve traveled to Europe for months at a time sometimes with carry-on luggage, and this method has been very helpful. — Sheri C., A Faithful Reader in Camarillo, California Sheri, as a veteran traveler myself, I’ve always loved ideas that make life a little safer and cleaner while ...

Dear Heloise: I learned of a way to help with ankle pain. Actually, I have a lot of pain all over, but to help my ankles a bit when taking a shower, I plug the drain and let the warm/hot water go up and around my ankles. It does help quite a bit, and it doesn’t use up any additional water. ...

Dear Annie: My sister and I have always been close. We grew up sharing clothes, secrets and late-night phone calls, and for years I considered her my best friend. But lately, every conversation with her feels less like a conversation and more like a contest I never signed up to enter. If I ...

Dear Heloise: Should I hold on to the original sets of boxes for collectibles like crystal and figurines? — Laurel B., via email Laurel, you should only keep old boxes if they help you. Some items, like crystal or small statues, are worth more money if you still have the original box. Having ...

Dear Annie: My soon-to-be fiancee has had an incredibly hard year. She had ankle surgery and a difficult recovery. She worked hard to get her mental health back on track. She gave up drinking for me. She also went through serious family drama after being kicked out of her aunt's house, and she ...