Opinions

The sign in front of the gas station says “Unleaded, 3.39, special on Colt .357 Magnum, sixinch barrel.” Visitors here in the valley do a double take when they see Vince’s sign there at what we all know as “the gas station gun shop.

You know you stepped in it. Big time. Didn’t really mean to do it, but it happened. Now your spouse is hurt and angry. And they are not really waiting breathlessly to hear your apology – they’re way past that.

DEAR ABBY: Both my parents had birthdays days apart and near a holiday. About 35 years ago, they started a tradition of having an elaborate party on or near their birthdays. My siblings and I were grown. The guests were their friends, and we were mostly bored out of our minds.

DEAR ABBY: I am a victim of childhood sexual assault. I’m 52, and memories that I have repressed for so many years are coming back to haunt me. I have been with my husband for 14 years.

DEAR ABBY: I have a special-needs son and cannot travel with him alone. I have also been in a committed relationship for two years. When my aunt’s youngest daughter got married last year, I clearly stated that I would not be able to attend because of these limitations.

DEAR ABBY: Every year like clockwork, we receive a holiday card from friends, which the wife addresses only to my husband.

One of the several instances in the Bible relates to us today, and that is in the book of Daniel, second and third chapters. It’s certainly worth reading. The King at that time of Daniel was Nebuchadnezzar from 605-562 BC (before Christ.

This week, we find ourselves continuing to work our way through what God has to say about evil and suffering and possible reasons why he allows them to exist.

Nothing wrong with relaxing. With the right timing and amount. Being lazy? Nothing wrong with it – in moderation. After a fifteen-hour workday, certainly anyone would want a chance to just do nothing for a while.

DEAR ABBY: I am 54 and already facing ageism. Some of my neighbors who are in their 30s and 40s make ageist statements aimed at me. These people do not know me but happen to live in my building. One time, I was wearing a brand-new purple winter coat I loved. It was a gift from a close friend.