Lifestyle

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Like so many unfortunates, my home — which I had just bought and decorated as I had dreamed of — has turned into a nightmare because of a weather disaster. The building is still standing but most of the furniture had to be destroyed because of the 3 feet of floodwater filled with all sorts of pathogens, fecal matter, etc. It will be months before the interior is restored but in the meantime, I need to start thinking about refurnishing. Blessedly, we can stay with generous relatives during the rebuild. Because of the prohibitive cost of flood insurance, little of my furniture losses are covered. I no longer can afford the quality I had in my dream home so I am looking for frugal buying tips for everything from bed headboards to bureaus, appliances and couches to shelving to a desk (I worked from home) and on and on. It isn’t a big home but my list of must-have items is at 25 and growing and more are added all the time. Any shopping tips appreciated.

The days leading up to the holidays can be exhausting, what with all the visitors and shopping and general merriment over the approaching holidays. So any meal that can be whipped up with minimal effort is a reason to cheer for the busy cook.

Before I moved to western Nebraska, I thought a blizzard was a frozen milkshake with a gazillion calories. Then I experienced a storm with snow going sideways at 40 miles an hour. That was a blizzard.

Are you trying to remember which fat is the good fat to use in the kitchen?

Strep infections may be on the rise in the U.S., as they have been in the U.K., so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms, especially in children.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have read that heart attacks are more common around the holidays. Why does that happen? Is there anything I can do to lower my risk? I currently take blood pressure medication, and heart disease runs in my family.

LIMA — One upcoming Dueling Pianos show at Old City Prime’s Upper Lounge is already sold out, but anyone interested in seeing the act featuring music and comedy will get two more chances after the new year.

Christmas Drop In

LIMA — Bob Schroeder is excited to perform at the Lima Elks Lodge.

For most of December 1882, Lima had dealt with the cold, uncomfortable, inconvenient reality of snow.