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The five Italian good-byes, and more

All people of all ethnic backgrounds seem to have some kind of “traditions” that happened in their homes during their times spent together as a family. If you talk to others who share the same heritage as you, you and them will probably find that your “traditions” are very similar, ...

For the love of wine, have a glass

I have an urgent request: please drink a glass of wine this week. Share a bottle with your wife, your roommate or your Uncle Randy. It’s your duty as a citizen of the world. The wine industry in California and around the world is suffering, and I find it heartbreaking that something so ...

How to divide garden perennials for better blooming

If your spring and early-summer perennials are overgrowing their spaces, blooming less, producing smaller flowers or flopping over (possibly with a hole in their centers), they're telling you they want to be divided. Crowded plants often struggle because they must compete for limited water, ...

Explaining Medicare enrollment periods

Question: I am confused about my insurance. This year I turned 65 and signed up for Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan. Now they are saying I have to choose my insurance during October, November and December. Why do I have to do this again? Answer: Medicare can be difficult to ...