Labyrinthitis causes balance difficulties

Dear Doctor: Would you please discuss labyrinthitis? I am an 81-year-old female and have been troubled with this for several months. I have improved, but I still have balance problems and a full feeling in my head. What causes labyrinthitis? Is there a treatment that can help?

Questioning hiring another assistant

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work for myself. This past year has been busier than the previous 10. It has been amazing. I'm so accustomed to having to scramble to make enough money that I accept every project that comes my way. Now that I am super busy, I am exhausted. I can't really handle all the work.

Girl friend makes jokes at mom’s expense

DEAR HARRIETTE: My brother and I were jokingly poking fun at our mom the other day. My brother's girlfriend kind of laughed with us, but now she thinks that she can join in as well. The jokes that we make at my mother's expense are funny only when we, her kids, make them.

Reliving the home made box of cures

When I was 8 or 9, I played a game that I invented with my friends.On index cards, alphabetized in a recipe box, were written descriptions of fictional ailments, each with a ridiculous name and an equally ridiculous cure.

The boy from the Bronx

Many people are sharing their favorite Colin Powell stories, and here's mine: As the child of immigrants from Jamaica, he grew up in a workingclass neighborhood of the South Bronx.

Working together during the storm

Eleven days ago, when storms containing tornadoes were headed toward – and then eventually hit Clinton – it was comforting to know how many agencies had people out doing their part to protect us.

Former British spy has no remorse

The disgraced former British spy Christopher Steele has kept a low profile in recent years.

Republicans chances seem slim

Driving home from the dog park, I was surprised to hear the (Dixie) Chicks' terrific song "Wide Open Spaces" on the country oldies station. The group had been banished from country radio since 2003 after saying George W. Bush made them embarrassed to be Texans.

Answering questions on booster shots

Hello, dear readers, and welcome back to our ongoing coronavirus conversation. We're finally able to answer one of your most-asked questions, which is about the availability of booster shots. The green light for booster shots has officially been given to a limited group of people.

Making friends with former bully

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend became good friends with a girl who used to pick on me in high school. I feel a bit betrayed, even though it was so many years ago. I almost feel a bit silly that feelings are so hurt about something that happened so long ago, but it still happened.