I thought I had a secret, but on second thought ...

THE VILLAGE IDIOT I often hear retired people say, "I've never been busier. I don't know where all the time goes." Well, I know where it goes: It goes to the doctor's office. I'm in good health, and checkups and tests still take up a good part of my week.

SQ 804 focused on politics rather than people

A group pushing to change how legislative and congressional districts are drawn in the state of Oklahoma wants us to believe they are working to remove politics from what is an inherently political process. That sounds like a lemon a city slicker would try to sell a country bumpkin.

Daughter senses mom is hurt by her relationship with dad

DEAR ABBY: I am a 49-year-old woman whose mother tries to make me feel guilty for having a good relationship with my father. I have an excellent relationship with her, but lately it feels strained because she gets mad if Dad and I do things together or even just talk on the phone.

These simple tips can prevent possible home break-ins

(BPT) — Did you know most burglaries are home break-ins? Keeping your home secure is vital to the safety of yourself, your family and your belongings. Here are several simple ideas to increase your personal safety. • Install a home security system.

Tenant questions donating to handyman

DEAR HARRIETTE: A note was posted on my apartment door informing the tenants that one of the long-time handymen in the building is ill and won’t be coming back. The person who posted this notice asked if we, the tenants, would make a donation to help him during his time of need.

Hotheaded friend dunks man’s toothbrush in toilet

DEAR ABBY: I have shared a friendship for 40 years with a woman who is known for having a quick temper. Although I have been on the receiving end of her anger many times, we manage to maintain our relationship.

Refund should be made in timely manner

DEAR HARRIETTE: I bought some jewelry from a vendor, but I needed to return it. We organized the return, but she gave me the wrong ZIP code. It took me a month to track the package so that she could pick it up. Now it has been another month, and she hasn’t gone to pick it up.

Should you worry about window condensation?

If you take a look at your home’s windows and doors in winter, you may notice condensation. As temperatures drop, it often appears on the inside and outside of these surfaces.

Childhood abuse led woman to long life of promiscuity

DEAR ABBY: I was molested by my sister’s husband in 1959. I was 5 years old. Growing up in the late ‘50s and ‘60s, sexual abuse was never discussed in my parents’ home. It just wasn’t done then. Of course, my brother-in-law told me it was “our little secret.” This has affected my entire life.

Difficulty in swallowing most common in older adults

Dear Doctor: Why do the elderly often have a hard time swallowing, and sometimes experience a feeling that food is stuck in their throats? I heard there’s a procedure to stretch the throat. Does it help?