Lifestyle

Dear Dr. Roach: I read your recent column on longhaul effects in COVID compared to the flu. About 14 years ago, a young neighbor caught some kind of virus. His wife said he was never the same after that. He was in his mid-40s. There were several fundraisers in the area to try to raise money for the young family. He needed a heart transplant and was put on a waiting list. His cardiologist wrote an article for the local paper explaining that many people suffer heart damage from the flu and other viruses. The doctor was trying to explain that not everyone with heart disease made poor health decisions such as smoking.

CONCORD, Calif. (AP) — As the fine-dining chef at a suburban high school gave samples of his newest recipes, junior Anahi Nava Flores critiqued a baguette sandwich with Toscano salami, organic Monterey Jack, arugula and a scratch-made basil spread: “This pesto aioli is good!”

Dear Abby: My two siblings and I were raised by an abusive, alcoholic father. Predictably, it has adversely affected our mental health adversely. One sibling struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse. The other has a personality disorder and cannot maintain stable relationships. I cope with comparatively fewer severe issues, but I still must work hard to sustain a marriage and my career and raise healthy children. It isn’t easy.

For centuries, the channel of ocean running between Mozambique and Madagascar provided passage and port to ships during the height of the spice trade. The results were delicious, combining local seafood and coconut with rich spice blends for seafood curries.

The Fraser fir still stands tall in the front room with nary a light or decoration. Naked, the tree basks in its’ natural state of green needles, branches, and lichen covered trunk. Once the dry super cold air mass had receded, the humidity rose. The fresh scent of the evergreen could be detected in the house. During the deep cold in December, the tree in the front room was dressed in splendid attire and sparkled from the light of burning logs in the fireplace. It didn’t smell like a tree. The conifer seemed to have no scent in the low humidity. The tree is now a ‘living’ air freshener. I can breathe in the aromatic atmosphere and enjoy the effects of forest bathing indoors!

Lion President James Johnson called the Sherman Noon Lions Club meeting to order Wednesday, welcoming members and guests. Our guests were Vice District Governor Deb Lewis and her mom Evelyn Lewis, both from the Bridgeport Lions Club.

Dear Abby: My daughter passed away nine years ago. She was almost 13. My mother never bothered to have a relationship with her when she was alive. But now, on every birthday and anniversary of her passing, Mom posts on Facebook how much she misses her and how “close” they were. Her friends all send messages of love addressed to Mom, with no mention of my husband and me. It hurts and upsets us, but I don’t know how -- or if -- I should talk with her about it. Any words of advice? -- Grieving Mom In California