Keep summertime fun cool with the Handy Cooler.
Just soak it and wear it. use it over and over again.
http://pd.gophercentral.com/u/1092/c/186/a/503
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August 6, 2010

WOMAN FEELS NO BARRIERS WITH PEN PAL BEHIND BARS

DEAR ABBY: I have been writing to an inmate from the Florida
prison system for about two years. It has slowly developed
into more than a friendship. "Mike" is a born-again Christian,
as am I. He doesn't get out until 2013 at the earliest, so
we have plenty of time to see where this goes.

Am I wrong for considering someone who is in prison? Mike
has made mistakes, nothing violent, and has turned his life
around. If he does become part of my life, how do I introduce
him to my family so they may better accept him?

Abby, I'm 54. I lost my husband seven years ago. It is nice
to have someone in my life again. We have talked on the
phone, and it feels like we have known each other our whole
lives. Am I crazy?
-- SMITTEN IN NEW YORK

DEAR SMITTEN: Crazy? No. Gullible? Possibly. Please forgive
me if I seem cynical, but more than one devout, vulnerable,
lonely woman has been taken advantage of by an inmate with
whom she corresponded. That's why, before allowing yourself
to become more emotionally involved, you should contact the
warden of the prison and verify that what "Mike" has been
telling you is the gospel truth. If it is -- fine. If it's
not, for your own sake, end the correspondence immediately.

P.S. As to how to introduce him to your family, if it comes
to that, be completely honest and tell them he's your pen
pal. If you're not, they'll find out eventually anyway.


DEAR ABBY: I am a vegan who is constantly pestered by unin-
vited comments like, "You're not getting the proper nutrit-
ion," or "That looks disgusting," or "You should just give
it up." I wouldn't dream of making such rude comments to
others about their diet. What one eats is his or her own
business.

My husband -- an omnivore -- and I have decided to raise our
child vegan. He can choose whatever diet he prefers when he
is older and educated about them. We work with a pediatric
nutritionist to ensure that our son gets all the nutrients
he needs. We make him pureed fresh vegetables, fruits, grains
and more for almost every meal.

We are now getting comments from family and friends who feel
we're practically abusing our son. I believe people make
these comments because they are ignorant about this life-
style. I have asked them to stop, but they continue. What
can I do to stop the unwarranted harassment?
-- SICK OF THE COMMENTS IN BALTIMORE

DEAR SICK: Is your child's pediatrician aware of the diet
you have him on? Is your pediatric nutritionist a member of
the American Dietetic Association? Have you told the indi-
viduals making these comments that you are working with a
professional to be sure your little one is getting everything
he needs? If the answer to my questions is yes and the ques-
tioners persist, refer them to your nutritionist for reas-
surance.


DEAR ABBY: How do you mend a broken heart?
-- TEARS ON MY PILLOW

DEAR TEARS: By staying busy. By avoiding the "old reminders,"
which tend to make you moody and broody. By putting away
or getting rid of the photographs, cards and gifts that make
you sad -- unless you enjoy punishing yourself. And by
staying in the present.



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