Lifestyle

Mountaintop castles, Jurassic-looking sea caves, whitewashed buildings sprinkled along cobblestone streets – you might think you’d have to travel the length of Europe to spot scenes like this on a single trip, but actually you can find all these and more on a Portugal family vacation. • Accessible by several nonstop flights from the United States, Europe’s westernmost country is chock-full of storybook landscapes and easygoing activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. And as European vacations go, Portugal is a bargain — with affordable flights, hotels and activities. • Here are some reasons to put Portugal on your family vacation ideas wish list.

Dear Abby: Several years ago, my parents betrayed my son and me. They took in and supported my ex-husband, who walked out on us for a coworker he was cheating with. My son and I lost our home, our car and the life we knew without support from any family. My son was still in high school, and it was a dark time in both of our lives.

Dear Dr. Roach: I have started a long-term treatment taking a “cocktail” of four different antibiotics (Bactrim, Rifadin, Zithromax and Myambutol). I have been advised that I may suffer gastrointestinal side effects because this group of antibiotics will not only be killing bacteria related to my MAC (mycobacterium avium complex) infection, but will also be killing off the “good” bacteria in my digestive tract. I have experienced a couple of episodes of diarrhea. This was typically the late night or early morning after taking the antibiotics. I have been advised to take a probiotic supplement to help offset the negative side effects, but no detail as to brand or composition of the probiotic.

Dear Abby: A dear friend of many years is currently not speaking to me. She recently moved from California to Denver and had invited me to visit. We agreed on the dates, and I took time off work and booked the flights. Less than two weeks before my arrival, she abruptly canceled the visit, expressing no regrets or concern for whether I would be able to get a refund from the airline. She indicated that because I was not comfortable with the recently lifted mask mandates and other COVID precautions in her state and prefer to continue to avoid indoor dining, bars, etc., that she wanted to “postpone for a few months,” when we might be able to enjoy more activities. When I expressed hurt feelings at being disinvited, she became angry and ceased communication. Is this friendship over? How should I proceed?

Dear Dr. Roach: Would you please offer your take on this situation regarding pain management and opioid use? I suffer from chronic pain due in part to degenerative disc disease and stenosis. Combined with neuropathy, severe arthritis and fibromyalgia, this has rendered me unable to work or to even perform the most basic tasks like walking, standing more than a few minutes or anything requiring bending, lifting or the like. I had to retire early because I could no longer work effectively.

Dear Neil: There is a fence covered in honeysuckle at an old house in our neighborhood. The flowers start out white and then turn yellow the second day. It is extremely fragrant. Is that a good vine for our landscape?

Dear Abby: I am an old man, married to a wonderful woman who does everything for me. I’m in poor health and don’t expect to live much longer. My wife is a youthful 80. She’s trim, pretty, active, hardworking, loving and sexy. She enjoys skiing, fishing, gardening, board games, puzzles etc. She is the most organized person I have ever known. She likes to cook and entertain and is excellent at both.

Dear Dr. Roach: Recently I didn’t take my blood pressure meds for a few days, which I know was foolish. All of a sudden, my vision went sideways. By this, I mean I was seeing differently out of each eye. I don’t know if you’d call it double vision, but I was driving when this happened. It was a short distance and traffic was light, so I tried closing one eye (alternated eyes) and was able to see well enough to make it home without incident. Could you tell me what this is called? I’m not asking for a firm diagnosis, but was it likely caused by not taking my BP meds?