Dear Heloise: Greasy oven buildup used to take far too much time and effort to clean, especially after heavy cooking days. I found a much easier method by using a dishwasher tablet. I dip the tablet in warm water and gently rub it over baked-on grease and food spots. The tablet acts as a mild ...

ESCANABA - Ella plucked the last warm brown speckled egg from the nest. The hen cackled her protest, but now she had a baker’s dozen in her wicker basket. Ella practically skipped with joy down the muddy path from the chicken coop to the house. Four sets of dark brown half Russian eyes ...

Dear Heloise: How much longer do we have to put up with tubes of tooth- paste that we can’t empty like we used to by rolling up the tube? I have to cut open the tube, where almost one-third of the toothpaste is still there. Then I have to scrape it out little by little with my toothbrush, ...

Dear Annie: My husband and I host Easter brunch every year for both sides of the family -- about 16 people total. I cook a big frittata, a glazed ham, homemade rolls and a salad or two. My problem is my sister-in-law, "Brenda." For the past four years, she has signed up to bring dessert. And ...

Dear Heloise: More drivers notice cars that only have one working head- light. Years ago, fixing a headlight meant buying a bulb, unscrewing it, and replacing it in minutes. Today, many vehicles require the removal of panels or bumper parts to access the bulb. Several friends recently ...

Dear Annie: My otherwise extremely well-mannered husband, "Ted," has developed an unspeakably disgusting habit, and I need help addressing it. The backstory: About a year ago, there was an accident involving Ted, his brother and a couple of our nephews, which resulted in Ted losing five ...