ESCANABA — Apple blossoms are the essence of Memorial Day weekend in Upper Michigan. As American as apple pie, apple blossoms are the prelude to a great growing season. After a long, cold winter, gentle pink and creamy white flower petals on tree branches are like an answered prayer! As ...

Dear Heloise: I’ve had a lot of trouble opening bottles of nail polish. Some bottles have tops with a smooth surface or a shape that’s not easily grasped. And don’t forget bottles that have partially dried shut! My quick fix is to wrap a rubber band around the bottle cap. It’s so much ...

Dear Annie: For years, I've made it a point to remember every birthday in my extended family -- my nieces, nephews and now their children -- by sending cards with a little money tucked inside. It's been my way of staying connected since I don't see them often. Now I'm retired and living on a ...

Dear Heloise: Every house has a junk drawer, and everyone knows exactly which drawer it is. The reason that it never stays organized isn’t due to a lack of effort but a lack of categories. Everything goes in together because there’s nowhere else for it to go. Then you can’t find anything ...

Dear Annie: I need some serious help. Our son, 36, has been married for three years. In May 2024, our daughter-in-law became pregnant. We were elated. She is a nice young woman, but she does have some anxiety and other issues, which have taken a rather turbulent turn. Unfortunately, the ...

Dear Heloise: We are using citric acid to keep our dish- and glassware clear. When dishwasher detergents stopped using phosphates, our glassware got cloudy. Additives became readily available at the grocery store; the 12- and 16-ounce containers were pricey but effective. After a few years of ...