Sewing enthusiast wants to make business

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always liked to experiment with sewing my own garments. In my culture, it is common for people to make their own clothes or at least be able to repair what they buy. As time goes on, skills like sewing have become more uncommon, especially here in the United States.

Temporary edema is often harmless

Dear Doctors: After a few days of standing in long lines at an amusement park, my ankles swelled up.We were on vacation, and salty food, wine and carbs were involved. It took a few days to get better, so now I’m a little worried. Does this mean something may be wrong, or am I overreacting?

Put this one in a bucket of water

Already it must be said: The semiquincentennial has all the makings of a dud.

Reader wants to support Black-owned businesses

DEAR HARRIETTE: I consider myself to be very pro-Black and pro-Black advancement. One of the ways I try to show my investment in my community is by buying and shopping Black. I specifically enjoy going to Black-owned establishments like bars and restaurants.

Full foot of topsoil was treasure to farmers

As far as I know, most of my people were farmers. On both my parents’ sides, my Scandinavian ancestors came across the ocean looking for better topsoil. I know immigrants came for many reasons – to start businesses and escape oppression and to avoid starvation.

‘Cheater-in-Chief’ assaulted system

Donald Trump is fixated – even obsessed – with making it harder for Americans to vote in November’s elections. A president who accused his rivals of “CHEATING!” in a recent social media post is trying to do exactly that. He is the “Cheater-in-Chief.

Student on the fence about taking new job

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was offered a job, but I am on the fence about taking it; I want to know if my reasoning is stupid. I’m 19, and I don’t necessarily need a job, but I would like one to pay off my credit cards faster.

Post-infectious IBS requires evaluation

Dear Doctors: Almost a year after a bout of the stomach flu, I am still having abdominal discomfort. A stool sample test came back normal, but my doctor says I should go see a GI specialist. He thinks the stomach flu gave me IBS. Is that possible? How should I approach getting a diagnosis?

After 250 years ... it’s still the best

Freedom is such an interesting topic to ponder when it comes down to it. Some people have different definitions of the concept. Some cherish it. Others are unaware of it. There are those that abuse it. There are those who have defended it.

Beautiful houses on my everyday walk

Every day, I walk by dozens of beautiful houses.I am an admirer of grand old houses.I live downtown, just blocks away from some of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, where lumber barons and early merchants built their houses when the city was young.